Layered Landscape
Project Summary
After thoughtfully renovating the interior of their mid-century home, our clients turned their attention outdoors. Their vision was to create a landscape that reflected the same clean aesthetic while supporting the way they live, gather, and give back.
The existing outdoor spaces were fragmented and no longer functional. Overgrown invasive vegetation, deteriorating structures, and challenging grade changes limited both usability and enjoyment. Through a carefully phased approach spanning multiple seasons, biota Landscapes transformed the property into a series of connected outdoor rooms designed for everything from intimate family dinners to large community, work, school, and philanthropic gatherings.
Today, the landscape balances beauty, functionality, and sustainability while creating meaningful spaces for connection.
Project Highlights
- Complete transformation of an overgrown and underutilized landscape
- Custom composite deck with integrated drainage system
- Multiple outdoor living spaces designed for both intimate and large-scale entertaining
- Bluestone patios, stepping stones, and stairs constructed from domestically sourced materials
- Dedicated vegetable garden spaces for family education and food production
- Layered planting design that preserves views while creating privacy
- Long-term stewardship plan including arborist collaboration and ongoing horticultural care
The Design Story
One of the greatest opportunities on this property was reimagining how the landscape could function as an extension of the home.
The existing deck and stair configuration blocked views and limited natural light into the lower level. Aging patios, failing retaining walls, and unsafe access points further restricted how the family could use the space.
Working closely with the clients, we developed a plan that divided the landscape into a collection of purposeful outdoor destinations connected by thoughtful circulation and cohesive material selections. Each space serves a unique purpose while maintaining visual continuity throughout the property.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability informed every phase of this project, from preserving existing trees to selecting durable, responsibly sourced materials and designing for long-term stewardship.
Protecting Existing Resources
Before construction began, a certified arborist assessed the site’s mature trees. Careful construction practices helped minimize soil compaction and protect critical root zones.
Responsible Materials
The new deck is constructed from composite decking made with 95% recycled materials and features an integrated gutter system that extends the life of the cedar framing below. Domestically sourced bluestone and locally sourced trap rock were selected for the hardscape, while aluminum edging made from 55% recycled material provides a durable, fully recyclable bed edge.
Waste Reduction
All removed concrete was recycled, while plant material and sod were composted rather than sent to a landfill.
Water-Wise Design
Irrigation was limited to the front lawn, with trees, shrubs, and perennials watered only during establishment and as needed thereafter. Catch basins and drain tile redirect runoff from the roof and deck into planting beds where it can be naturally absorbed.
Ecological Planting
A diverse mix of native plants, nativars, ornamentals, and existing site vegetation creates a resilient landscape. Dense planting and living groundcovers act as a “green mulch,” helping suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and reduce future maintenance. Vegetable gardens provide opportunities for hands-on learning about food production and healthy living.
Thoughtful Outdoor Living
An existing gas line was repurposed to fuel a new clean-burning fire pit. The patio is furnished with locally made Loll furniture crafted from recycled milk jugs, further supporting the project’s sustainability goals.
Wildlife-Friendly Lighting
Downward-facing path lights improve safety and highlight key landscape features while minimizing light pollution and disturbance to local wildlife.
Living the Landscape
Thoughts from the homeowners:
“It was a great experience working with the entire biota team. Our designer Elizabeth had a great vision for our space and was able to utilize our yards elevation and different spaces to their full potential. Elizabeth was great at helping us find materials that fit our budget, style, and answered our questions along the way. Our build crew was fantastic as well. We got daily updates on project progress, and they were so knowledgeable and patient answering our questions. Everyone at biota really takes pride in what they do which is so hard to find. We are so happy we entrusted biota with our yard and look forward to completing the next couple phases of our property. We recommend them to anyone looking for high-quality workmanship and a truly great group of people.”
Field Notes
The Designer’s perspective:
“This project was about creating a landscape that could support many different ways of gathering while staying true to the home’s mid-century character. Every decision, from circulation and grading to planting and material selection, was focused on creating flexible spaces that feel connected, functional, and welcoming. Watching the property evolve over multiple seasons made the transformation even more rewarding.”
Award-winning design
This design was a 2026 Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association Vision Award winning project. You can learn more about our award by clicking here.