Blending Modern Lines with Natural Rhythms in this Transitional Bosque Retreat Landscape Design
The Art of Transitional Landscape Design: Nestled along the Rio Grande Bosque Open Space, this newly constructed home called for a landscape design that felt as natural as its surroundings, yet refined enough to complement its modern Southwest architecture.
Location:
Corrales
Year:
2025
Service:
Courtyard Landscape Design
Material:
Belgard Pavers
Designer:
Mary Johnston
Nestled against the Rio Grande Bosque Open Space, this newly constructed home called for a design that seamlessly blended modern Southwest architecture with the surrounding natural landscape. Low courtyard walls, capped in graphite color and anchored by gabion pillars, provide both privacy and a sense of grounded enclosure, creating a cozy, intimate outdoor retreat. Natural travertine pavers, bordered in sleek graphite concrete pavers, define circulation paths and form a central gathering area that is perfect for relaxing by the fire while taking in the borrowed views of the bosque. Wood-look porcelain planks create stepping stones that lead the way into a lush, meadow-inspired planting area, inviting exploration and quiet connection with the landscape.
How Craftsmanship Shapes a Modern Outdoor Retreat
This project stands out for its careful balance between sophistication and naturalism, and between the expansive scale of the property and the intimacy of home. Although the home sits on a large lot, the goal was to create inviting, comfortable outdoor spaces without resorting to enclosing walls.
Structure to Serenity: The Art of Transitional Landscape Design
The design uses organic forms to preserve a sense of natural flow, while modern but natural-feeling materials and a restrained color palette tie the landscape to the architecture. Thoughtful details, like the near-black trim bordering the travertine pavers, echo the home’s dark accents and help define distinct spaces, such as a circular seating area within the broader patio. Executing these elements required a high level of craftsmanship, particularly in the precision installation of 60mm paver borders alongside 30mm travertine, as well as black polymeric sand for the border and tan polymeric sand for the travertine pavers, highlighting the skill and attention to detail of the team.
Inspired by this design? Let’s create your own outdoor sanctuary that feels perfectly at home in the New Mexico landscape. Partner with Urban Earth Landscaping and let our award-winning team design a space that’s built to inspire.
Discover how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can transform your landscape into a natural extension of your home. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Tell us more about you, your goals, and aspirations for your outdoor space, and we will demonstrate how our services can provide the power to transport you into your own private sanctuary.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Urban Earth Landscaping is located at 8814 2nd St NW Albuquerque, NM 87114. You can reach us by phone at 505-333-8327 or by email at [email protected]. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and are closed Saturdays and Sundays. We can’t wait to connect with you soon!
Nestled against the Rio Grande Bosque Open Space, this newly constructed home called for a design that seamlessly blended modern Southwest architecture with the surrounding natural landscape. Low courtyard walls, capped in graphite color and anchored by gabion pillars, provide both privacy and a sense of grounded enclosure, creating a cozy, intimate outdoor retreat. Natural travertine pavers, bordered in sleek graphite concrete pavers, define circulation paths and form a central gathering area that is perfect for relaxing by the fire while taking in the borrowed views of the bosque. Wood-look porcelain planks create stepping stones that lead the way into a lush, meadow-inspired planting area, inviting exploration and quiet connection with the landscape.
