Contemporary Craftsman Landscape + Patio - Brookfield, WI

This award‑winning Brookfield landscape blends contemporary drama with craftsman‑inspired detailing, creating an outdoor environment designed for entertaining and visual impact. A theatrical cast‑iron fire bowl, radial fieldstone seat wall, sculptural limestone steps, and layered plantings come together to form a cohesive, modern space—earning multiple state and national awards for design and craftsmanship.

This contemporary landscape—recipient of multiple awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, the Wisconsin Masonry Alliance, and the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association—was designed to complement a modern interpretation of a craftsman‑style home by Vetter/Denk Architects. The architecture inspired an eclectic yet refined outdoor environment centered on bold forms, dramatic moments, and spaces tailored for entertaining.

At the front of the home, low garden walls clad in the same veneer as the house create a sense of enclosure and architectural continuity. These walls help define the transition between public and semi‑private spaces while reinforcing the home’s strong lines.

Passing through the breezeway into the backyard, the landscape’s signature feature comes into view: a five‑foot‑diameter cast‑iron fire bowl set within a radial split‑fieldstone bench. This extraordinary piece—over 100 years old—once served as a syrup kettle for melting sugar cane and still bears its original foundry mark from Georgia. Its sculptural presence anchors the entire outdoor living area.

To connect the upper and lower terraces, a series of convex and concave limestone steps integrates seamlessly with patterned bluestone, forming a dramatic landing that is both functional and visually striking. These sculptural steps create a fluid transition between spaces while adding a sense of movement to the design.

The planting palette is intentionally restrained, featuring perennials, ornamental grasses, and native shrubs and trees that provide structure, privacy, and seasonal interest without overwhelming the architectural elements. Bluestone medallions set in concrete, extensive landscape lighting, and a carefully engineered irrigation system add layers of refinement and practicality.

The result is a contemporary landscape rich in character and craftsmanship—an inviting, dramatic setting that elevates the home’s architecture and provides a memorable backdrop for gatherings large and small.