Hardscapes
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Project by Manzer���s Landscape Design and Development
T
his Croton on Hudson, New York, homeowner
was looking to increase the useable space in
their backyard entertaining area. The previous
space restricted them to less than 600 square feet
of almost unlivable outdoor space, which became
too hot to use at the height of a sunny summer.
Their request included an addition of 2,000 square feet of living area, with several different spaces that would allow guests to spread out freely and comfortably
but still be tied together smoothly. Wall seating was a major requirement of the
project, which would define the outdoor areas and reduce the need for additional
furniture in the space. They also requested seating areas near the children���s play
set and access to their vegetable garden in the rear of the property, as well as LED
lighting for use at night to reduce power consumption.
The existing backyard was underdeveloped and had some very challenging topography, including drastic elevation changes and several bedrock outcroppings,
creating the need for custom work to fit requirements of the client and meet town
code requirements. The initial demolition included removing an existing con-
Above: This three-season backyard outdoor living space in Croton on Hudson, New York, was
created from a blank canvas of ledgerock, trees and eroded soil. Non-essential ledgerock was
removed to create the base for the living space, and five gardens were dug out around the
outside of the hardscape, each with underground sprinklers for spring plantings.
Left: The pond-less waterfall includes basalt columns and a custom constructed firepit by
Thomas Palancia of Built Well Contracting. The client requested extensive wall seating to define
the outdoor areas and reduce the need for additional furniture in the outdoor living area.
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