Crown Point, IN

Misek

Misek Project - Crown Point, IN

Fire pit with flames surrounded by wooden benches and a tiered patio at night.

Night view of a stone walkway leading to a house with exterior lights illuminating the path and landscaping.

L-shaped wooden bench with built-in lighting on a grassy yard, adjacent to a stone patio and deck.

Backyard patio with seating, retaining walls, and grass on a sunny day.

A sloped backyard can create an interesting outdoor living space, but it can come with a high cost in structural retention. This yard was sloped to the point of being unusable. Finding the right location for each section became challenging for this outdoor living space design. Our outdoor living design philosophy is based on three zones; kitchen, dining, and lounge.

Our client contacted us during the building process of their home, which we love when that happens. They wanted us to design an amazing outdoor living space and a front entrance that is unique to the style of their home.

At one point in the discussion, we were willing to walk away from the project because the sod company/patio installer wanted to sell them a flat one-level patio that would be large and level to the back door. They tried to convince the client that the patio did not need walls… Ugh!

We knew we were up against a tough job. The budget plays a huge factor with sloped yards. To start this process, we decided to consult with a local civil engineer to provide us with detailed elevation markings. This minimal expense saved our clients thousands of dollars because it allowed us to nestle each zone in a location with minimal retention wall structures.

We were able to design a dining area up top with a location for a hot tub right off the back door. Then a few steps down to the first lounge by adding a flower bed wall against the home’s foundation. The wall serves two purposes: it allowed us to lower the patio below the foundation and act as a seat wall for extra guests when those parties get out of hand.

The first lounge was also broomed finished concrete with decorative expansion joint cuts, providing a play area for the kids to play and draw with chalk. Most of the backyard is not walkable, so this space was perfect for the kids to play.

This fire-feature lounge space was uniquely designed with concrete steppers, gravel, and a custom cedar-stained bench. It’s also adjacent to the retention wall of the upper patio, which helped lower the size of the wall saving our clients money.

Homeowners are starting to understand that Outdoor Living is no longer the old patio decks. The same companies can still build them, but each project must start with a comprehensive design for an outcome with value.

Objectives

Create space for family fun and utilize all usable space of the sloped yard.

Maximize the few of the wooded lot. (Maximize the view of the wooded lot)

Match the existing architecture of the home.

Features

Hot Tub Area

Natural Gas Fire Feature

Cedar Wrapped Seat Bench

Broom Finished Concrete Play Area

Challenges

Designing and building a cost-effective space on a heavily sloped yard.

Maintaining some space that will be walkable for the kids to play.

Maintaining an affordable budget.

Nighttime scene with trees illuminated in green and white light, casting shadows on the grassy lawn.

Outdoor fire pit area with concrete pavers, wooden bench, and elevated deck with railings. Nighttime scene.

Nighttime view of a two-story house with a lighted deck and patio, fire pit, and backyard.

Nighttime outdoor scene: patio with fire pit, steps to covered area, and house with lights.

Patio with fire pit and wooden railing at night. Concrete steps with dark pebbles border the walkway.

Nighttime view of a modern walkway with stepping stones, surrounded by grass and landscaping, lit by outdoor lights.

Concrete walkway with stepping stones, bordered by dark rocks and lit by low-voltage lights.

Stone pathway with landscaping, dark mulch, green grass, and a low retaining wall.

Backyard patio with stone steps, built-in bench, and wooden railing along a porch.

Mini excavator digging near a house with a blue sky.

Two-story gray house with a deck and patio. Green grass and trees surround the structure.

Backyard construction site; house with deck; muddy ground, excavator, trees in background.

3D rendering of a two-story house with landscaping, a patio, and a driveway on a sunny day.

How Our 5 Step Method Service Works

Step 1: Discovery & Lifestyle Assessment

We start by getting to know you. Through thoughtful conversations and a lifestyle questionnaire, we learn how you live, relax, and entertain. This step makes sure your future outdoor space reflects your habits, values, and vision.

Step 2: Site Analysis & Precision Mapping

We capture your property using LIDAR scanning, drone imagery, and elevation mapping. This advanced data ensures that your design fits your existing site with precision and sets the foundation for a smooth build process.

Step 3: Design Language & Mood Boards

We develop a cohesive design language through mood boards, inspiration palettes, and architectural context. This ensures material choices and features feel integrated with your home’s style, not like an afterthought.

Step 4: Conceptual 3D Design

Next, we bring your space to life with a fully rendered 3D walkthrough. You’ll experience layout, flow, and features virtually – including zones for cooking, lounging, or gathering – all before breaking ground.

Step 5: Budget Review & Project Planning

We finalize the design and review your investment level, timeline, and next steps. Whether we build the project or you use your own contractor, you’ll walk away with a plan designed to succeed.

Call (630) 534-0933