This waterfront property on Lake Sammamish, east of Seattle, presented a substantial landscaping challenge – a steep slope involving an approximately 40-foot elevation change in less than 30 lineal feet. At the top of the slope is the main house; at the bottom, a small beach house near the shore.  

Design goals for the project included creating flow and continuity as well as strong focal points throughout the landscape; establishing safe access down an extreme slope; dressing up an outdated beach house with a landscape that links it to the primary residence; and providing year-round entertaining spaces along the waterfront.

Design elements included a large granite staircase that meanders through the woodland forest; entryway areas to the two houses; a multiple-terraced walkway down a steep and challenging slope with drainage and soil issues; creation of entertainment spaces and plantings at the beach, including a bluestone patio and fireplace; and natural/native plantings that blend harmoniously with the forested surroundings and give year-round interest.

Sustainable garden features include:

• The gravel beds surrounding Lake Sammamish are prime spawning areas for sockeye salmon. In Harmony worked with the Army Corps of Engineers Critical Habitat Area Committee to ensure the water quality and spawning areas were not harmed as a result of the project.
• Many native plants were used, especially near the water’s edge, the benefits of which include drought tolerance once plants are established; low likelihood of pest and disease problems; and use by native bird and beneficial insect populations.
• Recycled top dressings, soils and fertilizers were used in all planting beds.
• All patios and entryway areas were sand set, ensuring that water drains through the surface to help recharge the aquifer instead of creating runoff that could contaminate critical spawning areas. Recycled and crushed concrete in subgrades under these hardscapes were also used.
• A prism system installed under the deck to reflect light to discourage non-native predatory fish from attacking native cutthroat trout and sockeye salmon smolts.