Northwest Landscape for Family Living

12/1/2025

Residential backyard pool, northwest outdoor living

A Backyard Design Made for Family Living

When a North Bend family dreamed of a backyard environment that could keep up with their busy lives, they called Landscape Architect Susan Combs Bauer at BauerCombs & Associates.

Susan took on the project with a clear vision: to create a landscape where children can play, parents can unwind, and family gatherings feel effortless. The result is a beautiful, low-maintenance design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest and invites everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

Background: A Property Ready for Change

The homeowners loved their location but felt their yard wasn’t living up to its potential. The layout was disconnected, the materials were aging, and the spaces didn’t support the way their family wanted to spend time outside. They hoped for a landscape that felt natural, required little upkeep, and created more opportunities to play, unwind, and entertain.

Considerations: Design Challenges

Designing this new landscape meant working through several important challenges:

Multiple elevation changes
Difficult access to key areas, especially around the pool
A need for safe, easy movement for all ages
Desire for a natural look that blended with the surrounding forest
Low-maintenance expectations
Space large enough for events but still warm and welcoming

Northwest landsccape, circular synthetic turf, backyard firepit, pool

Solutions: A Landscape Built for Real Life

Susan designed a landscape that was beautiful, durable, and inviting. Every feature was thoughtfully chosen to support the family’s lifestyle while honoring the natural setting.

Natural Elements That Feel Right at Home

Huckleberry basalt boulders, partially buried for a natural, grounded feel
A meandering crushed-rock path connecting the entire outdoor experience

Terraced Walls & Easy Access

A dry-stack retaining wall to soften elevation changes
Stone slab steps for safe, comfortable movement between levels

Spaces for Gathering & Celebrating

Two fire pits:
- A large wood-burning fire pit for big family get togethers
- A natural-gas fire pit on the upper terrace for quieter evenings
Expanded pool decking and easier access to the pool equipment shed
A curved party bar near the pool
A synthetic event lawn with a central fire feature

Comfort All Year Long

A timber pool pavilion with a pizza oven, grill, and inviting chandelier
Outdoor lighting for ambiance and evening use
Safety and deer fencing throughout the property

Outcomes: A Yard Everyone Loves

The redesigned landscape has completely changed how the family uses their property. Children spend more time outdoors, parents enjoy peaceful moments by the fire or under the pavilion, and gatherings feel effortless.

With its improved flow, durable materials, and low-maintenance plantings, the yard is now both beautiful and practical. Most importantly, it brings people together.

Northwest pool, wood pavillion, gas fire pitPicture

Conclusion: Outdoor Spaces That Grow With You

This North Bend project shows how thoughtful, family-focused landscape design can transform the way a home feels and functions. When outdoor spaces are inviting, practical, and built to last, they become the heart of family life.

Thinking about a landscape update?
BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. would love to help you create outdoor spaces that fits your style, your needs, and your everyday life. Please tell us about your project and schedule a call with our award-winning landscape architect. Click or tap HERE.