Completion Year: 2024
Project Overview
A comprehensive backyard improvement project to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The project included building a multi-purpose garden studio with utilities, creating a secure vegetable garden with irrigation, and improving the overall landscape design.
Key Objectives
- Enhance backyard functionality and visual appeal.
- Build a secure, deer- and rabbit-proof vegetable garden.
- Increase storage capacity and create a dedicated potting area for gardening.
Scope of Work
- Developed and managed the project budget and timeline.
- Constructed a studio with custom post-and-beam awning and truss roof system.
- Installed water and power services for the studio.
- Coordinated eight trades, including carpentry, roofing, irrigation, arborist services, excavation, stump grinding, and concrete finishing.
- Sourced and used premium fir materials for post-and-beam details and soffits.
Challenges and Solutions
- Complex Truss Design: Used CAD software to create a scale model and detailed cut list, ensuring precision and minimizing material waste.
- Cost Constraints for Awning Post Pads: Achieved the desired design effect by innovating with creative molds during monolithic concrete placement.
- Spring Deadline for Gardening: Fast tracked fence and raised bed construction ahead of the studio envelope, ensuring critical-path tasks were completed on time.
Results
The vegetable garden was ready for the spring growing season, while the studio and remaining landscaping were completed in the fall. The backyard is now a functional and inviting space for recreation, gardening, and storage, significantly improving its usability and aesthetic appeal.
Lessons Learned
- Custom post-and-beam details can significantly impact timelines; it’s important to account for both time and skill requirements when planning complex designs.
- Identifying and prioritizing critical-path tasks is essential to meet seasonal deadlines.
- Creative problem-solving during construction (e.g., cost-effective mold usage) can achieve high-quality results within budget constraints.
Completed Project
Build in Progress
