Leenhouts Inspired MCM Landscape - Fox Point, WI

2022 Silver Award – Residential Design

Association of Professional Landscape Designers

Our clients recently purchased a mid-century modern home designed by the married architects Willis and Lillian Leenhouts in Fox Point, Wisconsin. The existing landscape, typical of the period, was dominated by yews and junipers and needed a complete update. To modernize the design, we introduced a simple palette of long-blooming perennials, ornamental grasses, boxwood, and flowering hydrangea. The concrete front walk was enhanced with inlaid bluestone runnels, creating a more welcoming entrance.

The backyard conceptual design was more complex due to the exposed lower level. The upper main patio is triple the size of the original and reflects the pattern of the window framing on the home, accented with inlaid bluestone runnels. Dry-stacked Lannon stone retaining walls enable the patio to extend slightly into the hillside. A separate fire pit deck sits one step above the patio, providing a dedicated entertaining space.

The lower-level patio offers a more intimate area, perfect for morning coffee or relaxing in a hammock. Modern low-voltage landscape lighting completes the design, highlighting both the patios and surrounding plantings.