Rocklin Retreat — A Playful Garden Built for Entertaining
Some backyards are polished and pristine.
Others are memorable because they show a little personality.
The Rocklin Retreat, located in Rocklin, was designed to do both—creating a welcoming space for entertaining while leaning into a sense of humor and individuality that made the yard unmistakably the client’s own.
Design Vision: Entertain, Relax, Enjoy
The client wanted a backyard that worked for gatherings—casual weekends, family get-togethers, and evenings spent outdoors. The foundation of the design focused on durable materials, clear zones for use, and a few unexpected elements to give the space character.
Key features included:
A dedicated BBQ area for outdoor cooking and hosting
An arbor structure to define space and provide shade
Stamped concrete patios for clean lines and low maintenance
A custom water feature built around an existing statue
Layered masonry and stonework to anchor the yard visually
One of the most unique elements of this project was a statue the client already owned—a playful “peeing boy” figure they wanted to incorporate rather than replace.
We transformed the statue into a custom fountain, designing the plumbing, basin, and surrounding hardscape to make it feel intentional rather than novelty. Flower beds were added around the feature to soften the stonework and integrate it naturally into the garden.
The result is a focal point that sparks conversation and brings movement and sound into the space.
Turning a Statue into a Statement
To frame the yard and provide visual weight, we constructed a masonry wall finished with stacked stone veneer, accented with strategically placed natural boulders. This combination adds texture, depth, and a sense of permanence—balancing the playful water feature with grounded materials.
The stone elements also help define the entertaining areas, giving the yard a cohesive, finished feel.
Structure Through Stone
The Rocklin Retreat is a reminder that great outdoor spaces don’t have to be overly serious. By blending functional entertaining zones with custom craftsmanship and a bit of humor, the yard became a place that feels relaxed, expressive, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in.