Landscape Design Spotlight: Masterful Blend of a Brick Patio, Custom Stone Walls, and Outdoor Lighting in Goffstown, NH
This past summer, we completed a landscape design and installation project for a homeowner in Goffstown, NH that beautifully integrated a brick patio, custom stone walls, and outdoor lighting. In this article, we walk you through the details and the materials used and why these projects are a favorite at Nest Outdoors.
We love to be a part of projects like this because they include many of the landscaping elements that we do best, specifically custom stone wall building. This project is an example of how the right design and well-chosen materials can turn a backyard from scarcely used to your favorite place. If you’re in Goffstown or the surrounding areas and dreaming of a similar transformation, keep reading to see what’s possible.
Key takeaways from this landscape design case study from Nest Outdoors:
-
Expert landscape design services can transform an underutilized backyard into a vibrant outdoor living space you can enjoy daily.
-
Replacing a deteriorating deck with a low-maintenance brick patio is a durable option for aesthetics and enduring New Hampshire winters.
-
Local fieldstone, bluestone, and granite steps speak to the local landscaping aesthetics of Goffstown.
-
Integrated outdoor lighting built into stone walls improves safety and sets a warm, ambient mood that extends the backyard’s usability into the evening.
-
Proper and thoughtful stormwater management is a core consideration for sustainable landscaping.
Developing the landscape design plans for a tired backyard
The home previously had an undersized deck that was falling into disrepair. They considered a deck rebuild but ultimately decided on a patio because they were attracted to the natural materials instead of the popular synthetic decks and because patios require less maintenance overall.
Another big driving factor was a choice between a new deck vs patio. They did not have to shovel the patio if they didn't want to whereas on the deck, they felt they had to do every snowstorm. Less maintenance meant more time for relaxation. It was also important that they could enjoy quiet evenings during all seasons and get back to using their outdoor spaces daily, getting back to hosting small gatherings with friends, which is an important part of their lifestyle. They prioritized durability, timeless aesthetics, and materials that would look great all year and stand up to the hard New Hampshire winters.
Key Features of the Overall Landscape Design
The priority for this project was durability, rustic aesthetics, and materials that would look great all year long and stand up to the hard New Hampshire winters. To meet this priority, we chose to build the design around a pallet of natural materials:
- Clay Pavers: Chosen for their classic look, warm tones, and low reflectivity clay pavers were chosen for the patio surface. These pavers scream classic New Hampshire and are known for their durability and maintain their beautiful look even as they age.
- Natural Fieldstone Wall with Bluestone Caps: The retaining walls were built at sitting height to accommodate even large gatherings with extra seating. Field stones harvested right from Goffstown were the perfect use of a local material. The stone walls define the space, and of course, the look adds just the right character. The bluestone caps provide an even top and perfectly complement both the clay pavers and field stone.
- Granite Steps: What says “New Hampshire” more than granite? We're the granite state, after all! Granite fits the natural pallet of this project and of course, is durable and weather-resistant; the granite steps connect different levels of the walkway and patio.
- Aged Boulders: Strategically placed boulders enhance the natural look of the landscape, adding texture and visual interest. They also tie in beautifully with the other stone elements.
- Landscape Lighting: To extend the usability of the space into the evening, we installed low-voltage landscape lighting. This outdoor lighting was built right into the stone walls with the fixtures resting out of sight right under the bluestone cap. Soft lighting that highlights the texture of a natural stone wall just might be one of the most beautiful sights in a New Hampshire landscape. Outdoor lighting improves safety and delivers a warm and inviting ambiance after dark. The plan for this property is to extend the landscape lighting plan to include the front yard in a future phase.
Goffstown homes have so much potential when it comes to landscaping improvements.
Wayne Lamarre - Owner Nest Outdoors
In-progress picture of custom stone walls being built in Goffstown, New Hampshire. These walls frame what will soon be a brick paver patio, and landscape lighting will be installed under the bluestone caps.
Overcoming Challenges: Factors to consider during design and landscape construction
Every project comes with challenges, some are anticipated, and some are not. This was no exception. The property had experienced erosion over the course of time so besides proper surface grading, crushed stone and drain pipes were strategically used under the stone walls to redirect surface and subsurface water to areas where it can infiltrate back into the ground.
As with every design, we were sure to integrate the new design with existing elements on the property and the unmanaged surrounding landscape. Thanks to our experienced landscape construction team, these challenges were seamlessly addressed in the field, resulting in a backyard that looks and feels effortless but is sustainable. As soon as the installation was complete it already felt like it had been there for years.
The Finished Outdoor Living Space
The completed project is exactly what the homeowner wanted.
The clay paver patio has become a popular hangout. They have moved their dining activities outside more often now that they have the perfect spot for is now the perfect spot for grilling. We learned that they are getting tons of compliments on the stone walls. In fact, they have already referred us to their friends, where we are developing a design that also includes stone walls and landscape lighting. Their dog seems to have found a favorite boulder to sun themselves, which has played out perfectly because the crew had the family pet in mind when setting that very stone. The boulders also ty the different areas of the yard together. With the addition of landscape lighting, this family can enjoy their outdoor space long after the sun goes down.
This project transformed a backyard that was receiving little to no use into a space that is used daily and has become one of the most popular hangouts in the neighborhood.
Why Goffstown, NH Homeowners Love Our Work
We are local landscaping experts proud to provide landscape design to homeowners Goffstown and surrounding areas because fundamentally improving how families live on their property is the focus of our business. We consider ourselves lucky to work on projects like these. It doesn't matter if it is a project focussed on the latest landscaping trends in Goffstown, a cozy patio, a grand outdoor living space that includes a pool, spa, sauna, outdoor kitchen, shade structure, beautiful gardens and more we know we can deliver landscape features that bring family and friends together.
Discover the Transformation: Client Success Stories and Testimonials
Experience the transformative impact of Nest Outdoors' landscape design by exploring reviews from our satisfied clients. Read firsthand accounts of how we have turned underused backyards into dynamic outdoor living spaces. Our testimonials reflect the remarkable results achieved when a meticulous design process meets expert craftsmanship, proving the tangible difference Nest Outdoors can make for your property.
Let Nest Outdoors design your project next!
About the author of this article
It's time for better outdoor living!
Contact Nest Outdoors for your landscape design