Many lakefront properties in Irish Hills and Brooklyn, Michigan are defined by steep grades, limiting how outdoor spaces can be used and accessed. Designing within that constraint requires a careful balance usability, maintenance needs, and long-term durability.

In this case, the home offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex.

The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting. Landscape Designer and Project Manager, John McBride, crafted a most-fantastic solution, bringing extensive hardscape know-how and an eye for relaxed outdoor living.

Designing for the Slope

Our solution was to carve structure into the hillside with multi-level terraces that follow the natural grade. Landscape Designer, John McBride, ensured each level creates a new opportunity for entertaining — from the hot tub patio to the fire feature terrace, and even a long strip of paver patio, perfect for games like cornhole and winter dock storage.

These terraces do more than just add usable square footage; they also help stabilize the slope, manage drainage, and define outdoor “rooms” with uninterrupted lake views.

The Materials That Make It Work

To ensure the space blended seamlessly with the home and natural surroundings, we used high-performance Unilock products:

• Pisa XL walls in Beechwood – for the structural retaining walls and steps

• Ledge Stone coping in Buff – to soften transitions and edges

• Beacon Hill Smooth pavers in Fossil – for the patio surface, offering a modern, low-maintenance finish

• Holland Premier in Dark Charcoal – as accent borders to visually tie the design together

The result is a timeless outdoor living area that feels both anchored to the site and effortlessly elevated — the perfect balance of design, durability, and relaxation.

Creating Spaces That Invite You Outside

Every decision in this project was made to draw the couple outdoors — to unwind in the hot tub, gather by the fire, or enjoy a sunset over the water with friends. The design maximizes the slope without feeling forced, making it easy to move from the home to the shoreline in a way that feels natural and connected.

Ready to Tame Your Lakefront Slope?

If your Irish Hills or Brooklyn, MI lake home has a steep or uneven property, we can help you turn it into a beautiful, functional landscape designed for how you live. Our team specializes in:

• Lakefront retaining wall systems
• Multi-level patios and terraces
• Outdoor kitchens, fire features, and lighting
• Slope stabilization and drainage design

Let’s turn your hillside into a destination — not a challenge.
Serving Brooklyn, Irish Hills, and surrounding Southeast Michigan lake communities
Design + Build by a Registered Landscape Architect / Contractor