For this project, We returned to one of our outstanding clients, to extend their outdoor living space to a new dimension; a fire pit. This Fire pit area design was to meet several requirements. Obviously, an easily accessible fire pit was the center of this project. But the owners wanted a function as well as beauty. a fire to cook over as well as  to socialize around. These goals were integrated into a formal fire pit and seating area, which seamlessly connected to the existing outdoor living space. The construction of this project followed suite, and the final project delivery followed... 

This project construction was a hubbub of activity. After the fire pit was constructed, our mason began lining the inside of it with heat resistant firebrick and mortar, to protect the block, while another crew began building the base of what would become the seating wall. 

As the patio and fire pit design became a reality, our team recognized some needed changes. The mature landscape, that once was a backdrop to the pond area, was now blocking the view of the waterfalls from our newly installed fire pit seating area. So we incorporated some landscape renovations into this project. We needed the surrounding landscape and lighting to flow together as seamlessly as the walkways and patios did. After removing some of the mature shrubbery that was blocking the waterfall view, our team replanted the surrounding areas with a mix of lower plants that would compliment the patio seating area, while still encouraging easy viewing of the pond and waterfalls beyond. 
When the final details to this project were completed, the results were stunning. The fire pit and seating area hold a distinctly defined and formal look, yet they still combine the colors and textures of the corresponding kitchen and patio areas. the complementing landscaping and lighting create a natural aura to enhance the sights and sounds of the Aquascape pond and waterfalls. This entire backyard is an integrated haven of function and beauty, earth and stone, fire and water. 

If you want to watch this fire pit and seating area come together, check out our video of this project from beginning to completion.

If you have questions about this project, or if you want to start a conversation with us about your next outdoor project, contact us below 

Project Features: Permeable Driveway Pavers, Koi Pond, Patio, Lighting, and Walkways

Overview
This was an amazing property makeover complete with permeable paver driveways, eco-friendly landscape design, and eco-system koi pond. This was a full property project that started with just a simple conversation on how to improve what they had. The homeowner's words were: "I just want to walk outside and say WOW!"

The Problem
As you can see from the Before images, the property was nice, but upon closer inspection, it had many underlying issues – the pond was not built correctly by another contractor, and there were issues with the structural integrity of the installed hardscapes, drainage issues, and maintenance issues.

The driveway and walkway pavers were installed flat, preventing drainage, which left water pockets and ice patches in winter. The water feature had constant water quality issues, maintenance was difficult, and the rocks were not stable. In short, it wasn't built correctly with biological filtration.

The lesson here is to always thoroughly research and vet any contractor before hiring one. Fortunately, the homeowners were able to afford to correct all the issues their property was facing. But being able to re-do poorly installed projects is usually the exception in most cases that we see.

The Solution
Everything had to come out. The old koi pond, the improperly installed hardscape walkways, patio, and the 2 driveways– everything. The Tussey team worked to re-install a new koi pond with wetland filtration and reverse bog, Techo-Bloc paver driveways, patios, and walkways correctly to certified standards, and then applied finishing touches with landscaping, and added a fireplace and LED landscape lighting.
 
The Outcome
The homeowners initially called us because they wanted more privacy from the street and asked for a quote to do a green barrier with shrubs and trees. The homeowner's comment about wanting a "wow-factor" led us to a discussion about redoing the pond correctly with wetland bog filtration and making it bigger. Then we talked about adding another patio along the pond edge, which led to a conversation about meshing the look of the new hardscape mesh with the existing hardscape.

While completing the initial work we had agreed upon, we discovered how bad the previous work had been done and the homeowners began entertaining the idea of starting over from scratch. We worked with the homeowners to re-design the entire property, add a new pond, a new patio, and landscaping and lighting. We were halfway through that project when the homeowner asked us to evaluate the paver driveways. Same story. The pavers weren’t draining properly because the installation was incorrect. In the end, we completely over-hauled everything on the property: driveways, front walk, landscaping, and lighting.

The result was a property where all elements flowed together seamlessly, and the features all complimented one another.
 
Fun Facts

• Over 5 tractor trailer loads of hardscape material.
• Took 2.5 months with 3-6 guys.
• 40 tons of boulders.

This landscape project was installed at a new home in Altoona PA. So when we showed up, there was virtually nothing. Just a brand new home. We had a clean slate. But... the property was large, and the homeowners had many ideas, beyond what their current budget supported. So, no problem, we simply worked together to create the design that they envisioned, and once the design was created and approved, we chose what elements to complete first, and what to hold off for future phases of the project. In this case, we decided to do the front of the home first, which included the front walkway with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm pavers, landscaping and trees, landscape lighting, and the water feature facing the driveway, greeting all who arrived at the home with a spectacular view. 

Below are some BEFORE and AFTER images of the front, which we completed in Phase 1 of the project.

Above you can see what was accomplished in the Front Yard Phase of the project. The following summer we came back to install the first half of the backyard phase. Which included natural flagstone walkways, natural stone steps, some drainage work, and landscaping. Below are photo galleries of the before and after on that.

The next summer, (3rd time we were back) The 3rd and final phase consisted of a large entertaining patio and firepit, kind of set away from the rest of the backyard. Creating a destination point. Also included in this phase was more flagstone walkways and natural stone steps leading to the basement doors of the home. All of it was surrounded by landscaping and LED landscape lighting for nighttime enjoyment and beauty.

That completes this full property landscape design. This achieved many goals for this home. It beautified the front and gave a welcoming and inviting appearance. Next it provided a large entertaining area in the backyard and completed a full outdoor living space. Below you can watch the full project showcase video of this entire project happening. 

Let us know your thoughts in the comments on this article! We'd love to hear what your thoughts are, or if you have any questions. We'll be happy to respond and help in any way we can. Cheers!

​- Weston Zimmerman