Resort-Style Backyard Design Concept Contest
AI generated concepts will be rejected
** VERY IMPORTANT your concept must fit my odd shaped triangular with panhandle shaped lot- see aerial picture 1 (6453) including scale which is noted on the image. Most all concepts are misunderstanding the size of my yard. There is a duplicate image (6524) that even locates and lays out a pool in what is anticipated as a final location. The contest winner will undoubtedly make the best use of this aerial layout to scale. This is impossible with an AI only approach. The contest winner probably starts in sketchup or similar to set the scale and shape correctly.
Project Vision
I want a timeless backyard that feels like a boutique California resort my family uses almost every day. It should be equally enjoyable for my children now (ages 5 and 8), for their teenage years with friends, for entertaining adults, and for quiet mornings or evenings. Every design decision should support that vision. My neighborhood is middle class but upcoming, and I don’t want to overbuild for my area so outlandish expensive ideas will not win.
Project Goal
I’m looking for a talented landscape architect or designer to create the best overall backyard—not simply recreate my ideas. I’ll provide aerial imagery, measurements, photos, and concepts, but please challenge my assumptions. If your solution is better than mine, that’s exactly what I’m hoping for.
The winning design should make me think, “I never would have considered that.”
I’m far more interested in exceptional planning and functionality than flashy renderings.
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Site Overview
The property backs up to a beautiful canyon. The biggest design challenge is the panhandle-shaped side yard between the house and canyon.
Please do not treat this as leftover space. Solving this area creatively is one of the primary goals of the contest.
The area north of the existing shed is off limits and remains dedicated to vehicle storage and maintenance.
The big olive tree in the middle of the yard will be removed, as well as existing concrete patio if necessary.
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Primary Objectives
1. Create a backyard that is enjoyable every day.
2. Design for a family with children (ages 5 & 8) and a dog.
3. Create spaces that will support childhood and teenage memories.
4. Celebrate the canyon views.
5. Make exceptional use of the panhandle area.
6. Keep maintenance low.
7. Be mindful of construction cost while investing where quality matters.
Think of this project as designing a sequence of outdoor “rooms,” each with its own purpose and atmosphere, rather than simply arranging amenities.
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Budget & Construction Philosophy
Please be creative, but realistic.
I value the best experience per dollar spent, not the most expensive design.
Avoid unnecessary structural complexity.
Specifically:
* No infinity/gravity-edge pool.
* Maintain at least 4 feet between the pool and glass canyon fence.
* Avoid cantilevered decks, elevated overlooks, or complicated structural features.
* Canyon patios, seating areas, fire pits, and overlooks may extend to the canyon edge. Low features (up to approximately 30 inches tall) can extend toward the canyon without requiring expensive structural work.
I’d rather invest in thoughtful planning, landscaping, hardscape, lighting, and materials than expensive engineering.
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Pool Guidance
A good starting point is a 32’ x 16’ modern rectangular pool, although you’re welcome to propose a different size if it improves the design.
Desired features:
* Integrated spa (preferably near the house for winter use)
* Baja shelf
* Automatic cover that covers both pool and spa together
* A meaningful swimming lane for casual lap swimming
* Comfortable circulation around the pool
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Lifestyle
The backyard should support:
* Swimming
* Entertaining
* Outdoor dining
* Reading
* Working outdoors
* Kids playing
* Dog activity
* Exercise
* Bird watching
* Relaxation
* Sunset viewing
Spaces should naturally encourage movement between activities.
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Kitchen View
A smiley face on one drawing marks the view from the kitchen cooktop.
This is one of the most important viewpoints.
From here I should be able to:
* Supervise children.
* Enjoy views of the pool and yard.
* Look through both the existing door and future sliding glass door.
* Appreciate the canyon.
We regularly watch hawks, hummingbirds, and other birds from these windows.
Please compose this view carefully with attractive foreground landscaping while preserving long-distance canyon views.
The backyard should be beautiful even when viewed entirely from inside the home.
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Shade
Afternoon sun is intense, so shade is extremely important.
Preferred shade elements:
* Purple Leaf louvered pergolas (black or white)
* One or two cantilever umbrellas or possibly umbrellas using umbrella holes in poop or patio concrete
* Trees where appropriate
Shade should be integrated into the design rather than added later.
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Canyon Edge
The canyon is the property’s greatest asset.
Because of frequent wind, I anticipate a glass fence along the canyon edge to preserve views while reducing wind.
I’d like a destination space that could serve multiple purposes, such as:
* Fire pit
* Morning coffee
* Outdoor dining
* Reading
* Bird watching
* Workout space
* Sunset seating
Pool supervision seating?
One key question is whether this space belongs adjacent to the pool or as a separate destination farther into the yard.
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Wind & Maintenance
Wind generally blows from the west across the canyon and carries leaves and debris into the yard.
Please consider:
* Wind comfort
* Debris accumulation
* Easy maintenance
* Low-water landscaping
* Plant selection
Low maintenance is a major priority.
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Planting
Preferred plants include:
* King palms
* Pygmy date palms
* Golden cane palms (self-cleaning)
* Citrus trees
* Architectural drought-tolerant plants
* Low-water groundcovers
The landscape should feel modern, simple, layered, elegant, and appropriate for coastal Southern California.
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Materials
Preferred palette:
* Black
* White
* Natural wood
* Brushed concrete
* Travertine or limestone-look paving
Modern, timeless, and understated.
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Circulation
I work from a home office, so circulation matters.
Please carefully consider movement between:
* House
* Office
* Pool
* Dining
* Lawn
* Canyon overlook
* Future master suite addition
The backyard should feel intuitive and effortless to use.
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Where I Want Your Creativity
Please answer questions such as:
* How should the panhandle be used?
* Where should dining be located?
* Where do people naturally gather?
* How should afternoon shade be created?
* Where should the canyon overlook be?
* How can the yard feel larger?
* How should circulation work?
* How can the backyard feel equally enjoyable from inside the house?
If your solution improves the experience, even if it contradicts my assumptions, I would much rather see your idea.
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Deliverables
Please provide:
* Site plan
* 3D renderings
* Planting concept
* Hardscape plan
* Shade strategy
* Lighting concept
* Brief explanation describing your design philosophy and key planning decisions
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Judging Criteria
* 40% Site planning & functionality
* 25% Creativity & problem solving
* 20% Aesthetics
* 10% Construction realism & cost awareness
* 5% Presentation quality
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What Will Win
The winning design will best balance:
* Beauty
* Everyday usability
* Family life
* Resort atmosphere
* Low maintenance
* Cost-conscious design
* Timeless appeal
Above all, I want every part of the backyard to have a purpose, every view to feel intentional, and the entire property to become a place our family and friends naturally want to spend time for many years to come.
