We replaced a grass ramp with a set of bluestone steps that leads up from the lakeside terrace to an intermediate landing.

Another view of the steps.

The weeping Blue Atlas cedar forms a natural arbor over the new steps.

The custom bluestone steps have a natural face for the riser, but have been flamed on the top surface for a safe, smooth finish.

We installed another cheek wall at the top of this set of stairs, where there is an intermediate landing.

The stone steps proceed up the grade towards the level lawn area, surrounded by new planting beds, not yet planted.

There are two more small landings on the way up to the lawn.

The top of the new steps leading from the lower lawn area to the lake-side terrace.

But wait - there's more! These stone steps lead up for the terrace to the front of the house. We installed a new bluestone landing pad to connect the side-yard steps with the existing terrace.

At the top of the new steps, there is a small landing and a stepping stone path leading through the front garden to the front walk.

To create a courtyard outside the garage that was at the same grade as the lawn, we lowered the half of the back yard closest to the house. Techo-Block steps hold the existing grade, preserved at the back.

Near the house, we added a terrace at the bottom of the deck stairs. It is also at the same grade as the lawn and the courtyard.

The courtyard outside the garage was done using two different sizes of Techo-Bloc pavers in a customized herringbone design.

With grass, the design comes together. This property also has screening evergreens, specimen trees, a compost area, a raised-bed vegetable garden, a wildflower meadow along the driveway and a sizable mixed border surrounding the front lawn.

This home backs onto Barney Brook and needed a retaining wall in the back yard to allow there to be a leveled lawn area. They also needed a terrace outside of the lower level and a way to connect it with the upper deck. We built a curving masonry wall to maximize the usable space, with dry wells and rain gardens behind it.

After grass and Rain Garden plants were installed.