Ravenna - Exterior Stair
Seattle,
Washington
Location
Exteriors
Project type
Advisory,
Design + Construction
Role
This exterior stair is a landscape design and construction project in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood, envisioned to transform a steep, challenging site into a functional and visually engaging outdoor experience. The design balances practical site solutions with a refined aesthetic, complementing the homeowner’s love of gardening.
Challenge
The property presented a steep slope and ongoing stormwater retention issues, compounded by prior DIY modifications that had not held up over time. The challenge was to create a durable, single-straight stair configuration with retaining walls that could handle site drainage while also serving as a framework for the owner’s lush, cultivated garden.
Solution
SCR’s design proposes a clean, linear concrete stair integrated with retaining walls that stabilize the hillside and provide a series of planted terraces. Existing natural stone “rockies” found throughout the site are carefully repurposed in the new walls, blending sustainability with the home’s natural character. Integrated lighting enhances safety and ambiance, allowing the yard to be enjoyed day and night. The design carefully orchestrates circulation, water management, and planting opportunities to create a cohesive landscape that elevates both function and beauty.
Materials + Craft
Durable concrete and thoughtfully repurposed natural stone form the core of the retaining walls, addressing slope and drainage challenges while giving the yard texture, warmth, and a sense of continuity with the site’s original material palette. Integrated planting beds and lighting showcase the homeowner’s green thumb and highlight the garden’s layered composition. The result is a landscape that combines technical precision with natural charm, transforming a previously difficult yard into an inviting, meticulously crafted outdoor space.
