70s inspired Edmonton back yard
The idea was for the fireplace and the adjoining pergola to shield the house from the harsh sunlight and still allow for the yard to be used during the long cold winter periods in Edmonton. The fireplace is a multifunctional feature in this yard - it also serves as a divider and creator of privacy while it allows for limited framed views of the garden through the large glass 'window', it holds ornamental as well as practical value. The changes to the fireplace design are visible due to the change of function from a gas powered fireplace to a wood-burning one that required a rather tall chimney. (See images below.)
The back yard is different from most Edmonton back yards as it used a lot of natural stone as opposed to popular and easily installable precast concrete pavers. The flagstone patio or 'crazy paving' as they call it in England was a preferred choice over cut stone due to the method of laying (dry install) as well as the frequent ground movement due to deep freeze and thaw in Edmonton.
Sun and shade patio