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E-Impact Office backyard renovation Overview
When Chris, the founder of E-Impact Marketing, first came to us for a backyard renovation, he had several ideas to make the space more usable. One of the considerations was to create a permeable driveway for better parking for staff and clients. Design work didn’t begin in earnest until quite a while later, when a construction project to add some much-needed office space was well underway. This new office space included a second-story rooftop deck that overlooked the backyard. The goals for the backyard had shifted a bit for E-Impact. Parking was no longer of great importance. Rather, the goal was to create a relaxing space for their team to relax on breaks… or even just appreciate a beautiful day and take their work outside! The office was a historic residence, with exposed brick and some great architectural details. Rather than creating a period-correct patio with clay brick or bluestone, the choice was made to have a more contemporary and urban modern flair.
City projects often include some challenges, and this was no exception! Permits were required from four different departments in the city and necessitated multiple revisions to the design. Stormwater management is of high importance to the City of Lancaster, as well as protecting existing trees. Stormwater management was accomplished by installing a permeable patio with wide epoxy-bound gravel joints. The walkways are impervious due to protecting the foundations of the office and adjacent structures, but runoff is collected in drains and directed to the infiltration pit under the patio. This infiltration pit also handles the water from the new office addition. While the stormwater management system is hidden from view, it effectively infiltrates a great deal of water and reduces the load on the sewer infrastructure.
Imported marble was chosen in two patterns for the patio and the walkways. The striking diamond pattern in the patio is complemented with a classic herringbone pattern for the walkways. In keeping with the urban modern theme, a linear black fence provides privacy and security for this urban space. The black & gray color scheme of the outdoor living area complements the black and stainless steel cable railings for the stairs and rooftop deck. For low maintenance and durability, a Trass modified bedding layer and epoxy jointing was chosen for this patio installation. An important feature was to incorporate the shed where E-Impact had its first office years ago. This shed is where their story begins, and Chris requested that we include it in the design for the renovated backyard. It functions as additional office space, as well as creating a great backdrop for the new outdoor living area.
Landscape lighting is a defining feature of this project, with multiple lighting techniques creating a stunning landscape after nightfall. Lighting is recessed into the pavement, and we chose to also uplight the linear fence. Special feature trees, such as a Japanese maple and magnolia, are also highlighted with LED landscape lighting. Evergreen grasses provide year-round color and brighten the space. A simple water feature with basalt columns adds the soothing sound of water to help mask the noise that is typical of life in the city. We thank E-Impact Marketing for the opportunity to create this urban modern patio space, and their media team for the amazing photography!
