Some projects stay with you for different reasons. This one felt different from the beginning. It represents the pinnacle of what VizX Design Studios is about and what we have been working toward for years. The idea of transforming not just the outdoor space, but the overall value and experience of a property has always been part of our philosophy. It is even built into our logo. What made this project unique was that the outdoor living design started before the old house was even demolished. We worked alongside the architect, interior designer, builder, and homeowner from the beginning. There were countless meetings to discuss views, layouts, elevations, materials, and how every space would relate to the home's architecture. Nothing was treated as an afterthought.
One of the biggest challenges came from the township lot coverage restrictions. Because the original home was being torn down and rebuilt, the new project had to comply with updated impervious surface regulations. After calculating the footprint of the house, there were only sixty square feet of impervious pavement remaining. That was not even enough space for a proper walkway to the front door. At first, we explored permeable paver systems, which are commonly used to help reduce lot coverage calculations. The township rejected the idea because too many homeowners were failing to maintain the systems properly after installation. Instead of forcing a traditional solution, we pulled from techniques we use frequently in California, where concrete-driven modern design is much more common.
We designed a large-format concrete stepper driveway using high-quality architectural concrete units separated by 4-inch slate chip joints. Because the open joints reduced the impervious area, we were able to gain nearly 700 additional square feet of usable space. That decision completely changed the project. It created enough room for a porcelain tile front walk, better transitions around the home, and proper circulation into the backyard. The planting design followed the architecture closely. Linear planting beds with layered ornamental grasses reinforced the modern style of the home while softening the hardscape elements. Even the front yard sign wall was designed intentionally to partially screen the lower portion of the house while integrating the address naturally into the composition.
The backyard continued the same philosophy. A large deck system extends from the home with an outdoor kitchen, bar seating, glass railing systems, and a lower lounge area centered around a gas fire feature overlooking the lake. The dock was also redesigned to improve how the homeowners interact with the water and spend time outdoors. What makes this project special is not just the materials or features. It is the level of collaboration and planning that went into every decision before construction even began. The outdoor living space was never treated as something added later. It was designed as part of the architecture from the start.
That is the difference between installing outdoor features and truly designing outdoor living.