An existing patio had outlived it’s usefulness for this Marblehead family of five, leading to a complete redesign of the outdoor living space.

UBLA’s design more than doubled the size of the patio and visually widened the narrow yard by varying the patio edges and patterns. The existing bluestone patio was reused in the new project through careful color matching and pattern design, and existing cement landings and stairs were reclad in brick with bluestone treads.

Screening concerns proved challenging in the narrow side yard. UBLA addressed this by planting Phyllostachys aureosuculcata ‘Lama Temple’, an upright variety of bamboo which can attain heights of 15′ within a 3-5 year span. Its bold yellow/orange culms pop against the green of a 4 1/2′ universal board fence with an 18″ lattice topper.

Special attention was also given to the use of this space at night by incorporating 12V lighting. The striking culms of the bamboo are uplit against the fencing, pathlights provide light around the edges of the patio, and two moonlights located in the existing tree canopy provide subtle effects for outdoor entertaining.