From Blank Canvas to Living Landscape

🌿 STUDIO CASE STUDY 01

Urban Front Yard Renewal
(Full Interpretation Project)

1️⃣ The Context

Corner property with dual frontage exposure.
Existing mature canopy (cedar, pine, maple, Japanese tree) created a dense shaded zone near the sidewalk, followed by a full western afternoon sun zone closer to the house.

Original layout included:
• Flat grass expanse
• Artificial hill under balcony
• Two young apple trees
• Isolated cedars
• No spatial definition
• No boundary structure

Challenges emerged over time:
• Pedestrian traffic cutting across lawn
• Dog waste
• Fruit picking
• Grass maintenance load
• Plant mortality due to soil competition and drainage
• Wildlife damage to apple trees
• Poor microclimate understanding

2️⃣ What Was Needed (But Not Clearly Defined)

The space required:

• Natural boundary without fencing
• Reduced lawn maintenance
• Structured aesthetic
• Protection of fruit trees
• Ecological planting compatibility
• Land-to-table integration
• Privacy without heaviness
• Year-round presence

The goal was not just “prettier.”

It was control, intention, and usability.

3️⃣ Design Translation

Structural Move

Removed artificial hill and failing corner cedars.
Introduced raised wooden beds (2 ft high x 3 ft wide) to:

• Establish perimeter clarity
• Create psychological boundary
• Improve soil quality control
• Elevate plant visibility
• Define walk paths

L-shaped configuration reinforced flow and closed informal pedestrian shortcuts while preserving intentional openings.

Ecological Strategy

• Shifted hydrangeas to suitable soil zone
• Introduced dwarf fruit trees for accessible harvesting
• Integrated pest-deterring herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, absinthe, lavender)
• Added pollinator layers (peonies, tulips, allium, cosmos)
• Planted chokeberry + philadelphus for edible and seasonal interest
• Integrated sour cherry bushes (Roméo & Juliette) for vertical rhythm
• Transitioned to perennials for longevity

Raised beds solved prior soil contamination issues and water competition from mature canopy trees.

Functional Integration

• Land-to-table orchard concept
• Jam production (chokeberry yield)
• Companion planting for pest management
• Reduced grass footprint
• Visual layering from sidewalk to balcony

Privacy shrubs added along perimeter to soften exposure.

4️⃣ The Outcome

A once fragmented lawn became:

• A structured front orchard garden
• A layered ecological system
• A defined boundary space
• A harvest-producing landscape
• A visually cohesive urban statement

The design now reflects how the household lives:
Harvesting, entertaining, protecting space, and embracing land-to-table philosophy.

🌿 STUDIO CASE STUDY 03

Modern Townhouse Micro-Lot Master Plan

1️⃣ Property Context

Urban modern townhouse
2,179 sq. ft. living space
Lot size under 7,009 sq. ft. (below sector average)

Front yard:
• Triangular shape
• Full sun exposure
• Water main location
• Snow dumping zone
• Minimal existing landscaping

Side yard:
• 6-20 ft width variation
• Black wire fencing
• Heavy shade due to 3-story structure

Backyard:
• Rectangular grassy blank canvas
• Adjacent ecological forest
• Electric pole at rear fence
• Cement ground-level covered patio
• Second-floor balcony (kitchen/dining/living)

Client profile:
• Originally from Tehran
• Former Vancouver resident
• Loves spices, flowers, relaxation
• Low-maintenance preference
• Intimate entertaining for 2–6 guests

2️⃣ Core Challenges

• Small angled lot
• High sun exposure in front
• Shade corridor on side
• Attached neighbor proximity
• Privacy gaps
• Soil uncertainty (new construction)
• Mosquito pressure
• Limited lawn scale
• Utility infrastructure constraints

3️⃣ Vision Statement

The goal of this master plan was to transform a small urban lot into a layered, intimate, low-maintenance outdoor retreat that integrates culinary herbs, seasonal structure, and year-round usability — without overwhelming the limited space.

4️⃣ Zoning Strategy

Front Yard:
Raised architectural bed (3 ft height) to:
• Minimize lawn
• Protect water main access
• Reduce snow damage impact
• Create visual statement
• Introduce dwarf specimen trees + ornamental grasses

Side Corridor:
• Privacy wall near spa zone
• Shade-tolerant climbers or structured screen
• Winding pathway to create a destination
• Hydrangea layering
• Winter greenery with lighting

Backyard:
• 2–3 strategically placed shade trees
• 3–4 ft waving border beds along perimeter
• Integrated spice garden within borders
• Bistro coffee zone
• Lounge seating
• Outdoor kitchen at ground level
• Dining zone on second-level balcony
• Mosquito screen solution

5️⃣ Ecological & Structural Intelligence

• Limited tree count to preserve light balance
• Soil improvement via raised grading (not enclosed beds)
• Herb integration within ornamental borders
• Minimal rose usage (maintenance control)
• Hydrangea for shade adaptability
• Lemon tree in container (seasonal migration strategy)
• Mulch for weed suppression
• Layered height planning for privacy without fencing

6️⃣ Outcome Vision

A compact urban lot transformed into:

• A private spice-infused retreat
• A culturally integrated garden space
• A structured yet soft landscape
• A spa-oriented relaxation corridor
• A seasonally lit winter atmosphere
• A low-maintenance yet expressive environment