Austin Residential Landscape Design

Ecotones are the meeting and convergence of two or more ecosystems. That layered condition defines the Texas Hill Country, and it defines this landscape.

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As you move through the site, the planting palette transitions from arid cactus and grasses to shaded sedges and Japanese maples. Sunny pool terraces lined with yucca give way to lush playscapes suspended in the canopy. The experience shifts gradually but intentionally, creating a sequence of environments that feel distinct yet connected.

Every square foot was developed to maximize both use of space and aesthetic appeal. The result feels open and airy while still nested and secluded. As with many modern homes in central Austin, homeowners want to maximize their livable space, and we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to carry this intention into the landscape. The boundaries of the property were treated as design opportunities rather than constraints. A thoughtfully detailed fence of sustainably sourced Golden Balau hardwood, capped with steel plate, frames the space from the street.

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Material transitions underfoot reinforce the movement through the garden. Custom-formed concrete pavers, lueders that matches the pool coping, and large-format flagstone for an organic feel create subtle shifts in tone and texture, breaking up the experience while maintaining cohesion. The pool itself is not decked on all four sides. Instead, one edge dissolves into a lush xeric garden while another is softened by grasses and vines that spill gently into the pathway. 

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The layout unfolds as a series of at least three outdoor rooms or experiential spaces. The larger mature pecan trees that now support a suspended tree net, inviting play in the canopy. A brass outdoor shower and a hidden firepit tucked just out of sight from the pool introduce moments of discovery and retreat, reinforcing the layered character of the space.

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At the front of the property, limited driveway depth required a motorized telescoping gate with a smaller footprint. The gate integrates with modern steel fencing composed of steel plate and perforated panels, enclosing the yard without closing it off. Chilean mesquite, Neo-Mexicana agave, grasses, and Russian sage create a create a very textured, welcoming feel as you enter from the street.

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One of the most unique aspects of this project is that the landscape quite literally grew.

Just before hiring us, the clients negotiated the purchase of half of their neighbor’s property, transforming the lot into a new L-shaped footprint to make room for play. The newly acquired land was anchored by several heritage pecans, which led us to carefully nestle a suspended tree net within the canopy rather than disrupt it.

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For our studio, it was the first time a client had expanded their property and invited us to reimagine how a newly acquired parcel could stitch seamlessly into an existing pool and deck environment. The challenge was not just designing a play area, but choreographing a transition between “old yard” and “new yard” so that it feels intentional and unified.