A narrow city lot becomes a full-feature outdoor living space
A city lot divided into three purposeful zones, each designed to be used and fully enjoyed.
A small backyard can feel even smaller when none of it works
After years in a condo, this couple finally had the house they were looking for. But the backyard never lived up to the rest of the home: struggling grass, a muddy shaded side, and a deck that became the only usable outdoor space. The goal was simple: turn a narrow, underused lot into a space they would actually use.
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The move that made the yard feel bigger
Before
After
The backyard was about 20 feet wide with 40 feet of usable length. Instead of keeping it open as one long rectangle, the design team broke it into three purposeful zones. Defining smaller spaces can make a compact yard feel larger, giving the eye somewhere to land and making the space feel layered instead of flat.
The first zone captures the sunniest spot for tanning and relaxing, with a vegetable garden within easy reach of the kitchen. The second zone is an outdoor dining area beneath a custom BC fir pergola with fine herbs growing along the posts. The third zone anchors the back of the yard with a built-in fire pit lounge and integrated speakers, the place guests naturally drift toward after dinner.
The drainage solution that became a design feature
On a tight urban lot, drainage cannot be an afterthought. An open-graded permeable base, perforated drainage pipe, water feature reservoir, and irrigation system work together to collect and reuse rainwater on-site. What could have been a hidden infrastructure problem became one of the most calming parts of the yard, the water feature adds movement, softens neighbourhood noise, and gives the space a more relaxed atmosphere.
The backyard they finally use
The finished space feels wider, deeper, and more private than before. Sunny afternoons happen near the garden, meals gather under the pergola, and as evening settles the firepit, lighting, and sound of water turn the back of the yard into the place nobody wants to leave. A narrow yard that once felt unusable now gives the homeowners more reasons to go outside.
Materials that bring it all together
Para slab in Beige Cream serves as the main paving field while Everest slab in Chestnut Brown adds warmth and definition. Iconic block in Rock Garden Brown was used for the retaining walls, built-in bench, and fire pit surround, capped with Raffinato in Beige Cream. Cedar fence planks and a BC fir pergola soften the structure and keep the space from feeling overly built.
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