A Capitol View
A Wisconsin lakefront property reimagined to open up outdoor living spaces and make the most of a stunning location and view.
- Design Principal: Carrie Woleben-Meade
- Mariani Landscape
“The client called us with a list of several objectives—there were functional issues to be addressed like flooding and failing hardscapes, but the big request was to create more outdoor spaces they could enjoy,” Design Principal Carrie Woleben-Meade said. The client also desired a more modern aesthetic to complement the architecture.
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The project focus was entirely on the lake-facing side of the home. The existing pool was immediately adjacent to the house with very little usable space outside of the pool itself. Because of this, the client had no real entertainment space. There was also no shade—the project is on the south side of the house and gets full, blazing sun. The design team’s solution was to remove the existing pool and reimagine the upper terrace. The design introduced entertainment spaces and dramatic views of Lake Mendota and the city beyond. The homeowner envisioned being able to stand in the house at the kitchen island with a wide open view of the Capitol building in Madison. As a result, everything was set up to accentuate that view. The design team was very intentional to minimize railings that previously obscured it, capitalizing on the lake and city beyond. Several amenities were added to draw the clients outside—an outdoor kitchen, a water feature, and fire table. A new seating area was added to the terrace just outside the master suite. Plants were selected for their durability and cohesiveness when knit together.
The new space answers the needs of the client’s lifestyle perfectly. An upper terrace occupied previously by the pool was prone to flooding because the pavers settled and the drainage system clogged. Since it was completely regraded and redesigned, it now affords relaxed seating, outdoor food preparation and al fresco dining. A stairway alongside a bed of natural plantings takes one to the next level down where an infinity pool is bordered by a wood pool deck, the ideal space to gather summer sun. Mariani also designed the transitional areas on both sides of the house to ease accessibility to the to the outdoor areas.
“The client was intimately familiar with the property’s shortcomings,” commented Woleben-Meade. “Our Design and construction team work very closely, looking at the problem beyond design to construction and sustainability.” This collaboration was critical, as access to the worksite was particularly tight on the property bordering the house. Great care was taken to bring the right equipment through narrow chokepoints down to the work site. Woleben-Meade concluded, “And they were thrilled with our design and construction solution.”
Ready to transform your space into an oasis that perfectly suits your lifestyle?
Contact us today to discuss how we can design a custom solution that brings your vision to life.