Luxury Landscape Design
Transforming Outdoor Living in Middleton, WI
Creating a luxury landscape design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about crafting an environment that enhances outdoor living, offering comfort, elegance, and lasting quality. At Carrington Lawn & Landscape, we take pride in designing and constructing landscapes that harmonize with their surroundings while delivering expert craftsmanship and innovative solutions. This project in Middleton is a perfect example of our ability to bring a homeowner’s vision to life.
Client Background
Our client had a clear vision for their outdoor space—one that would blend seamlessly with the home while incorporating natural elements for relaxation and enjoyment. They were highly engaged in the design process, bringing a unique perspective and a collaborative spirit that made this project especially rewarding. After being referred by two past clients, they trusted our team to execute their ideas with precision and creativity.
The Project
This project was a comprehensive luxury landscape design that incorporated hardscaping, softscaping, a water feature, and custom lighting to create a versatile and inviting outdoor environment. The design was centered around an existing fireplace and had to navigate a notable change in elevation, transitioning from structured living areas to a more natural retreat. Key features of the project included:
- Bluestone Patios: Using New York Dimensional Bluestone for the main patio and irregular Bluestone flagstone for the lower patio, we created a visually dynamic space with a natural flow.
- Custom Seat Walls: One of the most distinctive features of this project was the seat walls, which required an innovative construction technique to achieve the desired aesthetic. Rather than using solid stone blocks, we built two parallel narrow walls, each about 4-5 inches thick, leaving a small 1-2 inch gap between them. This method ensured that the rich coloring of the stone veneer remained outward-facing. To stabilize and complete the structure, we bridged the two walls with custom-cut Thermal Bluestone wall caps, resulting in a striking and functional seating area.
- Custom Stonework: In addition to the seat walls, Chilton stone was used for the BBQ station veneer, stone steps, and paver inlays, adding warmth, texture, and continuity to the design.
- Water Feature: A carefully integrated Fieldstone boulder water feature helped ease the grade transition while introducing movement and a soothing sound element to the space.
- Thoughtful Materials Selection: Thermal Bluestone was used for the fireplace hearth and wall coping, while washed stone mulch added a natural touch to the retaining walls.
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Challenges & Solutions
Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and this one was no exception.
- Heavy Materials: The fireplace hearth piece was incredibly heavy, requiring careful coordination and teamwork to position it safely and effectively.
- Innovative Seat Wall Construction: The seat walls required a unique approach to maintain both stability and aesthetic appeal. The team meticulously assembled and secured the two parallel walls before bridging them with custom Thermal Bluestone caps, ensuring long-term durability.
- Dimensional Bluestone Installation: Each piece varied slightly in thickness, requiring precise adjustments during installation to create a level and polished final result.
The Outcome
The final result was a breathtaking luxury landscape design that perfectly balanced structured hardscapes with natural elements. The outdoor space transitions seamlessly from the home, offering multiple levels for dining, entertaining, and quiet relaxation.
The custom seat walls, in particular, became a standout feature, showcasing innovative craftsmanship and design expertise. With every detail carefully executed, this project exemplifies the art of luxury outdoor living.
Project Cost & Pricing Considerations
The cost of this luxury landscape design project was approximately $75,000 in 2017. Since then, various factors have influenced pricing, including inflation over the past eight years, rising costs of materials and labor, business operation expenses, and industry-wide shifts.
Several key variables can impact the final cost of a similar project today:
- Material Costs – Prices for Bluestone, Chilton stone, and other high-end materials fluctuate based on availability and demand.
- Labor & Expertise – Skilled craftsmanship is essential for custom stonework, water features, and complex hardscaping, affecting overall project costs.
- Site Accessibility – Equipment access, parking, and staging areas can influence labor time and logistics.
- Project Scale & Complexity – Larger projects with intricate designs or significant elevation changes require additional planning and resources.
- Environmental & Regulatory Factors – Properties near navigable water may require special permitting and erosion control measures, adding to the overall cost.
While every project is unique, our team provides transparent pricing and tailored solutions to align with your vision and budget. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and estimate based on current material costs and project specifics.
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Carrington Lawn & Landscape
At Carrington Lawn & Landscape, we specialize in crafting outdoor spaces that enhance curb appeal, comfort, and long-term enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a complete luxury landscape design or a single feature to elevate your outdoor living, our expert team is here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to elevate your outdoor space with a luxury landscape design? Contact us today to start planning your dream outdoor space!