Reno Road, NW
Washington, DC
Large • In the Ground
*2023 APLD Gold Award Winner!
When our clients inherited an aging pressure-treated deck wrapped around a magnificent mature oak, they also inherited a dilemma: how to reimagine the space while protecting the tree. With our background in arboriculture, we immediately saw opportunity. Rather than completely removing the deck, we were able to explain how a thoughtfully designed deck is often the best solution for protecting a tree’s critical root zone—minimizing soil compaction and root damage while allowing people to enjoy the space beneath the canopy. The existing deck substructure was in excellent condition, so we preserved it and expanded the footprint using fresh decking to create a more generous, cohesive outdoor room. What had once felt dated and heavy was transformed into something light, intentional, and beautiful—proving that tree-centric design and refined aesthetics can coexist. A blank garage wall became a striking focal point with the addition of a large corten steel panel, chosen both for its warmth and its ability to reflect heat from a gas fire table. We replaced the tired privacy fence with a custom horizontal shadowbox fence, adding rhythm and permeability while maintaining intimacy. Integrated deck seat walls provide flexible seating for gatherings without cluttering the space with furniture. Outdated foundation plantings were removed and reimagined as a curved gravel lounge area, anchored by a large swing that invites pause and play. The result is a layered, functional landscape that celebrates the oak tree as the heart of the design—protecting its health while creating a welcoming, modern outdoor retreat.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Sketchup
Installation: Hughes Landscaping
