Starting with a fresh canvas for the landscape of their newly constructed home in the District 66 area, Scott and Ann Hofmann called on Dropseed Studio’s design team to create a barrier-free space for their outdoor enjoyment. Dr. Hofmann joked that he and his wife longed for a high profile, low maintenance yard, if there is such a thing. Neither boast a green thumb, but both love spending time outdoors with their family. They look forward to grilling, swimming, and enjoying the view in their new backyard.

Dr. Hofmann has multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that makes everyday mobility less enjoyable. A totally accessible outdoor space was not only at the top of his landscape wish list, it was a necessity. An accessible landscape hopes to achieve inclusivity for all using functional elements such as raised planters, protection from the elements, well thought through hardscape surfaces, and gradual changes of grade.

Although this was Dropseed’s first design solution where accessibility was the number one item, our resident landscape architect-in-training, Zack Fergus, said this didn’t present too much of a challenge besides some extra attention to grading and a detailed eye to material selections. The design of this specific space includes both ramps and an electric lift to facilitate movement in the landscape from the upper yard to the mid-level pool deck and further down to the lower patio. Slopes on all of the walks are kept to a minimum to maintain accessibility. Instances that would normally see steps incorporated are handled with gently sloping ramps, requiring a little extra sharpening of the pencil used tograde the site. Walls, having been created to assist in the elevation changes, are faced with stone reflecting that on the house to reduce their visual impact.

The new home features a contemporary, mountain look, and the Hofmann’s called on Zack along with neighborhood horticulturalist Bryan Kinghorn to carry this theme throughout the landscape with the plant material selections. Items such as oaks and spruces feel right at home with the wood and stone siding.Many different age classes of trees will be used for screening for privacy around the new pool, including birches which will add to the mountain feel.

Dr. Hofmann and family look forward to the completion of the project at the end of the summer to see the designs on the page come to life in their own backyard, and to get a chance to enjoy their own little mountain paradise.