The West Slope garden reimagines a landscape focused on celebrating quiet moments, the joy of wandering, and flexible family gatherings. What began as a master plan for the new owners of a mid-century Saul Zaik home evolved into a multi-phased transformation, beginning with the front entry sequence and culminating in a reimagined rear garden.
Undoing decades of ad hoc exterior alterations, including a pull-through motor court, was the driving force behind reconnecting the home with its modern roots. The front garden establishes a restrained composition of weathering steel, concrete, and stone, softened by single-stem river birches, ornamental grasses, and a pollinator-rich perennial understory that brings texture, movement, and seasonality throughout the year. A linear seat wall with an integrated wood bench welcomes visitors while creating intimate spaces for everyday use.
Completed in 2025, the second phase extends these principles into the backyard, where a sculptural custom wood bench wraps a fire gathering space with integrated firewood storage and finely crafted detailing. A winding walkway constructed from reclaimed timber salvaged from the site threads through expanded pollinator gardens, transforming existing materials into a playful woodland path. Together, the two phases create a landscape that balances architectural clarity with warmth, inviting exploration, conversation, and the quiet rhythms of daily life.
Ground Workshop team: Tommy Solomon, Hayley Chung, Kelli Barker
2024 Oregon ASLA Honor Award, Residential & Multifamily