Big Ideas for Small Backyards
Three Incredible Outdoor Living Spaces Under 3,500 Square Feet
Having a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t build your dream outdoor living space. With over a decade of experience building custom outdoor living spaces of all shapes and sizes, we are experts at designing incredible entertainment spaces under strict size constraints. In fact, several of our favorite builds had tight spacial restrictions.
You can have it all
The primary elements in an amazing outdoor living space include: An inground pool or spa, an athletic court (basketball, tennis, putting green, bocce ball, etc.) outdoor kitchen, a fire feature, a shade structure, and of course a patio. So, you want it all but your yard is only 3,000 square feet? Not a problem. Here are three of our favorite outdoor living spaces for small properties. Listed from smallest to “largest” they range from 1,500 -3,500 square feet and literally have it all!
1. Division
At 1,500 sqft, the Division build packs a lot of features into a limited space. The oversized gunite spa with sheer descent waterfall is the star of the show. Beside it is a grass block-inspired patio with a built-in fire pit, sitting wall, outdoor kitchen, mounted all-weather TV, and custom pergola. As you step down from the patio, you’ll find a five-hole putting green. What more could one ask for?
Location
Ann Arbor, MI.
Build Time
4 months
Project Size
1,500 sqft
2. Amityville
Small but mighty. At just under 3,000 sqft, Amityville boasts a full-size inground pool and spa with spillover. In a clever space-saving design feature, Ventures used the space running between the pool and property line for a putting green and installed deck jets. And that’s just the start, this pretty and practical outdoor living space also has an outdoor shower and an adorable vine-covered pergola over the outdoor lounge and fire pit.
Location
Plymouth, MI.
Build Time
3 months
Project Size
3,000 sqft
3. Trailwood
At over 1/2 acre, our Trailwood project sits on a large, beautiful lot. However, the house is set back on the property, giving it an ample front yard and tight constraints in the back. The project is 3,500 sqft, and the rear property line is only 30’ from the back of the house. Despite these limitations, Ventures was able to design a stunning outdoor living space that feels spacious and elegant. “We gave the pool its unique L-shape to fit behind the setback while making the pool dynamic and not feel like it was squished against the house,” says designer Jake Steward on working around the size limitations. The covered porch shades a chef’s grade outdoor kitchen with bar seating. The custom patio is full of unique design features like the paver inlay for lounge chairs, a built-in fire pit, pedestals for fire & water bowls, and an outdoor dining area laid in a beautiful herringbone pattern. Just beyond the patio’s dining area is a private putting green. The finished space feels so open and effortless, you’d never know it was a tight squeeze!
Location
South Lyon, MI.
Build Time
5 months
Project Size
3,500 sqft