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nextformLANDSCAPE BY PEILIN LI
← Selected gardens

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE / MENLO PARK

The Garden Loop

An open lawn for family life. A winding path for a slower pace. A backyard and side-yard proposal in Menlo Park, connected by planted edges, places to pause, and the trees already at home here.

Design proposal
Design visualization of a curved lawn framed by a tree table, flowering borders and a shaded pavilionDESIGN VISUALIZATION
DESIGNER
Peilin Li
PROJECT TYPE
Backyard & side yard
LOCATION
Menlo Park, California
STATUS
Design proposal

01 / THE STARTING POINT

Begin with what the garden needs.

The brief starts with everyday concerns: side-yard drainage, aging paving, a struggling lawn, and strong afternoon sun. The aim is a more comfortable garden with clear places for family activity and quiet retreat, while limiting unnecessary construction.

Existing conditions / Measured site plan supplied at the start of the project.
Existing conditions / Measured site plan supplied at the start of the project.
01

Make everyday use easier.

Address the ground, paving and connections before adding new features.

02

Give each space a purpose.

Keep an open area for family life, with smaller places to sit, wander and enjoy the planting.

03

Build on what belongs.

Work with existing trees and hedges, using planting and natural materials to bring the garden together.

02 / THE ORGANIZING IDEA

One loop. Two rhythms.

A curving route ties the garden together. Beside it, the central lawn leaves room for open activity; planted pockets, a pavilion and smaller seating areas offer a slower pace. The side passage becomes part of this sequence, connecting arrival with the backyard.

Concept master plan / The lawn, planted pockets and garden route establish the spatial arrangement.
Concept master plan / The lawn, planted pockets and garden route establish the spatial arrangement.

Gather An open lawn and shared places to sit.

Wander Curved paths connecting the outdoor rooms.

Pause A pavilion and intimate planted edges.

Developed design visualization / The concept takes shape around the house and existing trees.
Developed design visualization / The concept takes shape around the house and existing trees.

03 / PLACES TO COME TOGETHER

Make room for staying.

The pavilion gives the open lawn a sheltered destination. Near the house, a curved table wraps around an existing tree, making its shade and presence part of the social life of the garden. These are different ways to sit together, connected by the same path.

Design visualization / A shaded lounge at the edge of the lawn.
Design visualization / A shaded lounge at the edge of the lawn.
Design visualization / A gathering table designed around an existing tree.
Design visualization / A gathering table designed around an existing tree.

04 / THE PLANTED JOURNEY

Let the edges do more.

Planting gives the route its changing character. Low borders soften the terrace, taller foliage creates enclosure, and a planted side passage turns a narrow connection into a garden experience. Stone, gravel and a restrained paving palette keep the different spaces visually connected.

Design visualization / A quiet terrace set within layered planting.
Design visualization / A quiet terrace set within layered planting.
Design visualization / Planting and stepping surfaces bring a garden character to the side passage.
Design visualization / Planting and stepping surfaces bring a garden character to the side passage.

05 / AFTER SUNSET

A different pace after dark.

The evening studies bring warmth to the places where people gather. Light picks out paths, planting and the pavilion, keeping the garden legible while allowing the surrounding foliage to recede.

Evening design visualization / The lawn, tree table and pavilion seen in a different light.
Evening design visualization / The lawn, tree table and pavilion seen in a different light.

This case study presents the design proposal through an existing-site drawing, a concept plan and developed visualizations. Rendered scenes show the intended design, not completed construction.