Curved brown deck reaching out over a terraced, planted slope

Waterdown, 2014–2015

Into the Trees

One step out from the sliding doors: a curved PVC deck pushed out over a steep Waterdown slope, with armour stone terraces and paths to a lower patio.

Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence, Residential Construction, 2017

The problem

The old deck was small, and getting to it meant a stack of steps down from the sliding doors. The homeowners wanted the opposite: one step out, and room to actually live out there.

The decision

We started by studying the slope: where the sun falls in summer and winter, and where the water runs. Then we pushed the deck out over the hillside in a long, sweeping curve, so it reaches into the canopy instead of sitting below it.

Site analysis drawing showing sun paths and water flow
Studying the slope: where the sun falls and the water runs.

At a glance

Location
Waterdown
Built
2014–2015
Deck
Large curved PVC deck, one step down from the house, cantilevered over the slope
Slope
Terraced armour stone walls
Paths
Flagstone stepping stones set in river rock, down to a lower stone patio
Where we work
Landscaping in Waterdown
Guide
Building on a slope
Services
Design-build, Pavilions and structures, Planting and lighting, Patios and walkways

The plan

Master plan of the curved deck, the armour stone wall around it, the stepping-stone path and the planting
Armour stone terraces grown in with planting, below the curved deck
Our master plan, and the finished yard.
Master plan: Natural Landscape Group.

During and after

Deck framing over the slope during construction

During

Finished curved deck from the same angle

After

Framing over the slope, then finished.
Armour stone tiers newly set

During

Armour stone terraces grown in with planting

After

Stone tiers, then grown in.

The build

The railing, decking and fascia all follow the same radius. Warm brown PVC decking keeps the look natural and the maintenance close to none.

Lounge furniture on the curved deck
One step out from the sliding doors.

The result

Below it, terraced armour stone holds the hill, and flagstone paths through river rock lead down to a quiet stone patio at the bottom of the garden.

Design:
Natural Landscape Group
Finished photography:
Jeff McNeill, McNeill Photography
  • Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence, Residential Construction, 2017