Project Overview

Located in Yakima, the Tieton Residence is a private residential landscape designed to bring the character of the surrounding high-desert environment directly into the daily experience of the home. The project balances carefully manicured spaces near the residence and pool with more naturalistic planting beyond, creating a landscape that feels both refined and deeply connected to its regional context.

The landscape is closely integrated with the home’s contemporary architecture, supporting a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Design Intent

The design intent was to weave the beauty and openness of the high desert into the residential setting while maintaining clear organization and usability around the home. The landscape framework emphasizes simplicity and clarity—allowing architecture, landform, and planting to work together without visual competition.

Manicured lawn and refined planting areas are concentrated near primary living spaces and the pool edge, while planting and spatial structure gradually loosen outward, reinforcing a sense of transition from domestic space to landscape.

Landscape Strategy

Hardscape materials and layouts were selected to complement the home’s contemporary architectural language, reinforcing clean lines and strong spatial relationships. These elements establish durable outdoor rooms that extend the interior living spaces into the landscape.

Groves of quaking aspen frame the north and south edges of the property, providing shade, seasonal change, and a natural buffer to surrounding views. Along the building edges, drought-tolerant perennials introduce vibrant color and texture, softening hardscape elements while reinforcing the high-desert palette. Together, these strategies create a landscape that is modern in expression yet firmly grounded in place.