The Stone Springs Ranch Project
Custom Home over 10,000 Sq. Ft. The Stone Springs Ranch Project This home was envisioned as a sanctuary for a couple who cherishes both lively gatherings and quiet evenings at
Outdoor Space & Landscape
Leawood Laid Back
Blending comfort with craftsmanship, the project team transformed this backyard into a natural extension of the home. Navigating HOA restrictions and a beloved pin oak, the design prioritizes fluidity and function while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
To comply with code, a covered porch with a built-in grill and bar counter anchors the space, offering an inviting, all-season gathering spot warmed by overhead heaters. A sunken fire feature, deck lounge and dining patio create distinct zones, while festoon lighting strung above the outdoor dining structure brings height and ambiance.
Preserving the towering pin oak required innovation—traditional footings were replaced with an elevated deck that hovers over the roots, allowing water and light to nourish the tree. A restrained material palette of limestone in varied finishes enhances cohesion, ensuring the design feels intentional and harmonious. The backyard is now sophisticated and effortlessly livable.
Landscape Architect
Lorax Design Group
Contractor
Erickson Build Co.
Photographer
Matthew Anderson
Resources
Countertops: A&A Granite Fabrication Electrical: Power KC Plumbing: iPlumb KC Roofing: RoyCo Roofing
Painting: First Impression Painting Framing: Charlie Rea Framing Company
Additional 2025 Winners
Chic à la mode
Kitchen Chic à la Mode This kitchen renovation project combines bold, masculine elements with soft, feminine touches, creating a space that speaks to both partners’ tastes. The dark wood cabinetry
Artisan Home
Custom Home 6,001 to 10,000 sq. ft. Artisan Home This 2024 Artisan Home redefines modern living with its refined materials and bold architectural presence. Expansive ceilings, a striking two-story stone
Lumberman’s Row
Custom Home 3,001 to 6,000 Sq. Ft. Lumberman’s Row Lumberman’s Row brings the elegance of late 19th-century East Coast shingle-style homes to a Kansas City lakefront. Situated in the New
Savoy Apartments
Multifamily Housing Savoy Apartments This 1990s multifamily property underwent a stunning transformation to meet the needs of today’s residents while staying within a tight budget. Thoughtful updates reimagined underused spaces,
Lake Lotowana Remodel
Remodeled Residence up to 3,000 Sq. Ft. Lake Lotawana Remodel This lower level creates distinct spaces for entertaining and everyday comfort. A hidden pantry keeps the kitchen pristine, while a
Olathe MCM
Remodeled Residence up to 3,000 Sq. Ft. Olathe MCM This mid-century modern home has a fresh perspective while maintaining its original character. The redesign preserved key elements like repurposed cabinetry
Meadow View Residence
Custom Home 3,001 to 6,000 Sq. Ft. Meadow View Residence Inspired by the client’s appreciation for mid-century architecture, this home reimagines classic elements with a contemporary approach. The design preserves
Downtown OP Duplex Turned Office
Commercial Space Downtown OP Duplex Turned Office What used to be a simple duplex has been completely reimagined into a stunning office space—one that not only meets the growing needs
Outdoor Space or Landscape |
Leawood Laid Back
Project Vision:
The clients wanted their backyard to be an extension of their home. HOA restrictions added a layer of difficulty since code requirements only allowed additional structures to be less than 300 SF under roof. We kept the additional roof next to the home as a covered porch with a built-in grill and bar counter. This area was an open-air lanai with heaters that can be used year-round. The project included a variety of different rooms, including a sunken fire feature, deck lounging area and a dining patio with an outdoor structure with festoon lighting. Among the towering trees, the outdoor structure with festoon lighting brought some needed verticality to the dining area of the project. The clients intentionally selected a small palette of materials, including a limestone in a variety of finishes. The small palette of materials provided continuity throughout the design.
Project Challenges:
See below.
Project Solutions:
The client wanted to save a towering pin oak and so we designed around it. However, to truly preserve a tree without damaging its roots, we had to modify traditional construction with concrete footings. We designed the project so there was no digging under the tree's canopy. Rather, we opted for an elevated deck which allowed the trees light and rain water and floated above existing root flares to avoid damaging the tree.
Oops! This form cannot be displayed.
Floor plans, Drawings, Elevations:
Floor plans, Drawings, Elevations:
