Carving Out a Corner of Heaven in Essex County

CARVING OUT A CORNER OF HEAVEN

in Essex County

Landscape Effects demonstrates its artistry and versatility on a one-of-a-kind project.

By Matthew St. Amand Photos by Devon Pastorius

Creating a paradise is not a simple process. As the old saying goes: “If it was easy, everybody would have one."

It helps when a talented, knowledgeable, experienced designer is available.

A private oasis was recently created in LaSalle’s Legacy Grove neighbourhood that can only be described as epic. As the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, work on this masterpiece commenced with a simple telephone call to Landscape Effects (LFX).

“Our process is straightforward,” says Heather Horton, Senior Designer with LFX. “It usually begins with a call or notification via our website. One of our associates goes over needs, wants, wishes, budgets, and timelines with the prospective

Creating a paradise is not a simple process. As the old saying goes: "If it was easy, everybody would have one."

client. It’s better to learn at the outset if we’re a good fit for the project.”

In the case of the Legacy Grove oasis, LFX was the perfect fit. With more than 25 years experience helping clients define their space, LFX has the right combination of exceptional service and industry-leading design to take an empty space and turn it into a place where a lifetime of memories will be created. Heather has been designing custom landscape projects with LFX for 24 years.

The “canvas” Heather had to work with on this project was substantial:

“The entire site from back lot line to the road is 25,165 square feet, including the house,” she says. “The site was a blank slate. Except for the numerous existing evergreen trees along the lot line in the back yard, there was nothing else on the site except the house.”

The design process was multi-pronged. Heather spent considerable time listening to the clients’ ideas and desires for their outdoor space. This was coupled with visiting the site to photograph and measure the area, as well as shooting grades.

From the outset, Heather understood that the Legacy Grove project was unique. The design process in this case involved several drawing renditions before the final design was agreed upon. The client was heavily involved, as they worked in tandem when it came to construction: the client installed all the masoned walls, pool pavilion, and exposed aggregate, while LFX did the rest.

All large projects demand a guiding philosophy to keep them on track and within scope.

“In the case of Legacy Grove, we wanted to continue the contemporary feel of the house into the hardscape, landscape, and pool,” Heather continues. “Keeping the areas functional for large parties, with other spaces for more intimate gatherings.”

Intertwined in the guiding philosophy are the clients’ wants and needs, such as privacy.

“The space has a very open patio, lawn, and pool layout, but walled-in at the back lot line and six-foot emerald cedars and columnar trees were used along the sides for privacy. This gives it a more secluded feel. The five bronze waterspouts built into the masoned wall at the back of the pool cancels out the sounds of the street.”

She adds: “Form and function were very important to this client.”

As the accompanying photos attest, the final product is singular and stunning.

The project involved full property site work, grading, drainage, irrigation, and sodding. The pool pavers are Techobloc Sleek in greyed nickel colour, four inches thick, 15 inch by 32 inch tiles. The pool and step copings are Techo Bloc Raffinato in greyed nickel colour, four inches thick, 14 inch by 28 inch. The Custom Liner Pool is a backwards “Z”-shape. It was designed by LFX and the client and installed by Relax Pools and Spas. The swimming/built-in bench portion of the pool is 535 square foot, the lounge area is 321 square feet, for a total area of 856 square feet.

“The client provided his own furniture,” Heather says. “As for the low voltage lighting—which can sometimes be a ‘make or break’ element—the client didn’t want it to be overdone, which can easily happen. We went with simple and elegant. The path lights are very contemporary and follow the look of the house. The other lights—spot and flood lights—are hidden. LFX provided the client with the coping lights for the masoned walls that the client installed during the wall construction.”

The project took approximately 18 months. The design process began in 2019, and the job was completed in late summer 2021. The beauty and enjoyment this singular space provides the resident of the house will last for decades. It was a memorable project for the LFX crew.

“The client was very involved in the design, and we worked together during construction,” Heather says. “There were several changes along the way, but with good communication between all parties involved, the project went smoothly.”

To learn more about what LFX can do for your outdoor space, visit them online at landscapefx.com. W.E.