A backyard renovation for a mother and a daughter. The rectangular space needed improved water drainage, a single parking space, and room for sitting, gathering, and gardening. The living activities were grouped on one half of the yard under a new timber trellis. The trellis joists alternate direction to prevent the space feeling too tunnel-like. CMU planters house herbs, and colorful pots contain lemon trees. A grapevine grows over the structure, nodding to the owners’ Spanish roots. This project was truly a collaboration between owner and architect: the latter merely provides a frame for the former to animate. One is not possible without the other.

Location: Astoria, Queens, NY

Completed 2019.

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