Right before construction on their house began, this family got in touch with us to design their landscape to time out their installation right as they would be able to move in. Our proposal included the removal of the existing ramped sidewalk to soften the space with limestone pavers, providing circulation from the driveway and to the deck, which gives visual access to the existing sod of the side yard. The clients elected to leave the side yard as-is with sod, which serves as an open play area for their small children. Steel planters and vegetation frame the stairs to separate the rental garage apartment and the main house. We’re really pleased with how the yard has transitioned from a monotone of existing grass and irregularly spaced square concrete pavers to the contrasting Texas basalt and crushed limestone, thoughtfully paired with steel, cedar, and grass as a balanced material palette.