Stargazing Patio

These clients in Cheverly, MD had a water problem. Their house is built into a slope that was originally graded with alternating steep and flat sections. The water ran off the steep sections and pooled in the flat sections. For most of the year, the clients were unable to leave the patio adjacent to their house without getting their feet wet. They dreamed of adding a stargazing patio and extra gathering space for hosting parties. We proposed a dry streambed and drain boxes around the existing lower patio to manage water there, with a stone slab 'bridge' over the dry streambed to allow the clients to access the steps up the slope and the upper patio. The new upper patio incorporates existing crape myrtles and a retaining wall rebuilt from existing stone. Drains and drain boxes collect excess water and direct it away from the house.