Gallery

With functionality and craftsmanship top of mind, a young family engaged Boston-based Michael D'Angelo Landscape Architecture (MLDA), to transform their outdoor landscape into an extension of their longtime home. Multiple zones were conceived to entertain large groups of family and friends outdoors throughout all seasons, including cold New England winters. With four teenage children, there’s something for each member of the family.

The project consists of five main zones, beginning with the Upper Yoga Terrace adjacent to a new exercise room. It incorporates a cold plunge therapy spa and gas fireplace, and showcases a beautiful terraced water feature leading down to the Outdoor Kitchen.

The Outdoor Kitchen, with two fully vegetated raised herb and vegetable gardens, is arguably the most used room of the space. It features bar-height seating and a large cooking area with a powerful built-in Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill, Cooktop and countertop Artisan Fire Pizza Oven. 

The homeowners said, “We use the Hybrid Fire Grill all the time, and when we use the cooktop, it is awesome. We put soups and hot chocolate on in the winter and it saves everyone from going inside, which is very helpful with Covid-19 risks.” They also opted to install Signature Series cabinetry, saying, “We love the products – they are all fabulous. The cabinetry is great and feels like it is bulletproof.”

The third zone is the Living Room, featuring a generously sized gas fireplace constructed from regionally sourced, hand-cut granite with natural tones and outdoor lounge furnishings. 

The fourth zone is the Pool, centered on a contemporary pavilion with comfortable furnishings and a large outdoor TV.  During the winter months, the Pool remains active and takes on an après ski feel as the family converts it to an ice rink to enjoy skating or hockey under the outdoor lights. 

The outdoor finishes are all practical, easy to maintain and age gracefully over time. The selected Italian porcelain tile is easily cleaned and stays cool to bare feet during summer months, while Ipe decking for the pool area and vertical cladding of the storage cabanas, pergola, and fencing was chosen for its graceful aging process. 

The final space is the Front Yard, consisting of new plantings and lighting to create a cohesive experience. 

With a new resort-like space by MDLA that flows seamlessly from the interior of the house, the family is thrilled with their ability to entertain friends and family throughout the entire year.