CLIENT PROGRAM 

This project aims to transform a well-loved Boise backyard into a more functional, flexible, and comfortable series of outdoor rooms that can be enjoyed in all four seasons. This design is for a family of four (plus two pups!) that supports entertaining, gardening, and year-round outdoor connection. Kheri’s girls are aged 11+12.

Please note we are simply exploring possible garden rooms by defining the shape and size of the garden floor. This is purely conceptual. The final drawing will show general shapes of rooms, beds and paths. You’re welcome to identify floor materials, but no need to draw detailed ideas. This activity is to help you focus on the simplicity of floor shapes and the flow between rooms.

Below is a wishlist from Kheri that can help guide your garden floor/room layout:

• Create stronger spatial definition throughout the yard, with the long-term vision of incorporating architectural elements such as arbors, archways, or other defined thresholds.
   
• Redesign the existing concrete patio, improving both its shape and function to better support dining, lounging, play, and movement between indoors and outdoors.
   
• Enhance the outdoor cooking experience with the potential for a built-in kitchen and a covered grilling area that can be used during rain and snow.
  
  
• Accommodate versatile patio activities, including daily meals outdoors, hosting gatherings, kids’ basketball, yoga, reading, sketching, dog play, and circulation to parked cars.
  
  
• Consider fire pit placement, keeping flexibility for relocation to improve comfort and reduce exposure to road headlights.
  
  
• Support the family’s love of edible gardening, maintaining sunny areas (mostly on north end) for fruit and vegetable beds.
  
  
• Preserve some lawn space for dogs and kids, while exploring opportunities to reduce overall lawn maintenance.
  
  
• Respond to site realities such as the elevated road behind the backyard, balancing screening for privacy while preserving mountain views (to the east).
  
  
• Integrate existing utility structures including the chicken coop/run, shed, and centrally located well house, while using screening or creative design to blend them into the overall space.
  
  
• Maintain mature trees where possible, while removing oversized trees currently crowding the patio and rethinking how to screen parked cars (on south side).