HISTORIC CHURCH HILL COURTYARD
PRIVATE RESIDENCE | CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
RECLAIMING SMALL, URBAN SPACES
Creative planning and imagination brings a small courtyard to life.
PROGRAM
Hardscape, Landscape, Site Furnishings, Grill, Fire Pit, Fountain
The essence of a home is a place for connection and rejuvenation, and pandemic life emphasized the chance to utilize outdoor spaces as another opportunity to achieve these goals. The homeowners of this corner lot in Richmond’s historic Church Hill neighborhood had a particular vision for their courtyard; it was important to them to have a place to grill, gather for meals, and socialize around the fire pit.
Given the space limitations of a typical city lot, Cite Design’s goals included working with the clients to establish a plan that was space efficient, user friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. The existing monotony of brick hardscape was replaced by a modular pattern of bluestone. A planting bed borders the new hardscape along the fence line, softening the hardscape while providing privacy from adjacent neighbors. Decorative planters add color and year-round interest to the space.
The Owner, also a general contractor, was very keen on the details of the space. His wife enjoyed selecting the site furnishings and working with their gardener to find appropriate plants for the flower beds.
One of these flower beds, in fact, became a neighborhood attraction after an old frog spitter fountain was put back into working order! This successful project is an example that even small urban spaces can be reclaimed through careful planning, imagination, and high quality craftsmanship.
