Project Background
Located above the iconic Scarborough Bluffs with expansive views of Lake Ontario, the homeowners had just completed a major renovation to modernize their home’s classic exterior. Although the architecture was transformed, the outdoor spaces were left behind. The existing driveway, aged pool area, and fragmented backyard layout no longer matched the home’s updated aesthetic.
They approached Leo Landscape Studio with a clear objective:
Create a unified, modern-classic landscape that enhances the home’s architecture and maximizes the property’s lakeside potential.
This project resulted in one of the most comprehensive 2D design drawing packages ever produced by our studio.
Discover design plans
The Problem
Before redesigning, the property faced several functional and visual limitations:
- The backyard layout forced activity to one narrow corner
- Settled pool coping and outdated paving disrupted flow
- The driveway design lacked rhythm and curb appeal
- No connectivity existed between major outdoor spaces
- A lack of structured planting left the landscape feeling exposed and unfinished
The outdoor environment felt disconnected from the home’s new modern-classic façade and its dramatic lakeside setting.
The Design Strategy (Our Solution)
To address these issues, we re-envisioned the property through a complete spatial reorganization, focusing on connection, symmetry, and usability.
Central Circulation Axis: We introduced a main pathway that links the pool, dining patio, cabana, and rear garden. This instantly transformed the yard from segmented and isolated to cohesive and navigable.
Material Redesign
We specified all hardscape materials to enhance contrast and flow:
- Unilock Urban 100mm (Sterling) with Mattoni Sable Blend driveway accents
- Porcea Rio Black for porch overlay
- Porcea Ash Timber + Greige patio surfacing
- Oakville Stone Hampton Limestone bullnose pool coping
- Unilock U-Cara Opal Blend retaining walls with Endura bullnose coping
- Skyline Opal Blend for the sunken patio
Clean geometry and complementary stone tones brought modern refinement to this lakefront property.
Planting Strategy
To soften architectural lines, we introduced a layered planting composition sourced from NVK Nursery.
Key species include:
- Forest Pansy Redbud
- Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea
- Berry Smoothie Coral Bells
- Russian Sage
- Mixed grasses and flowering perennials
This palette introduces seasonal movement, color, and texture—balancing the structure of the hardscapes.
Technical Excellence: Complete 2D Design Package
This case study highlights the level of detail included in our professional design drawing sets:
- Hardscape Plan:
- Material specifications
- Paver patterns
- Layout and installation notes
- Planting Plan & Plant Catalog
- Full plant list
- Quantities
- Sizes
- Photo catalog for easy identification and maintenance
- Lighting Plan
- Fixture types
- Placement strategy
- Nighttime visual hierarchy
- Construction-Ready Dimension Plan
- Scaled, accurate, fully annotated
- Ready for any contractor to build with confidence
These drawings eliminate guesswork and ensure every contractor involved can execute the design precisely.
The Outcome
The final design transforms the property into a balanced, functional, and visually cohesive outdoor living environment:
- A refined driveway with modern patterning enhances curb appeal
- A central axis unites all outdoor spaces
- The pool now feels integrated rather than isolated
- The cabana and dining zones create a strong outdoor program
- Layered planting brings softness, color, and year-round interest
- The lakeside garden offers a serene, private retreat
This project stands as a benchmark for technical accuracy, creativity, and design clarity—showcasing the value of a full 2D drawing package in delivering high-end, build-ready landscapes.
Bring Your Vision to Life With Precision
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to redesign your property or a contractor seeking accurate, construction-ready drawings, Leo Landscape Studio delivers landscape plans with the detail and clarity needed for exceptional results.
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