Suncrest — a steel arbor over decomposed granite and grasses

An outdoor room built for gathering, set on a terrace that looks out across the valley.

The structure is a run of slim steel arbor bays, deliberately open so the frame reads as a line against the sky rather than a roof. Lighting is mounted into the beams, which keeps the fixtures off the planting and lets the terrace be used well past sunset.

Ground that drains

The floor is compacted decomposed granite, edged and graded to shed water, with a broad flagstone path cut through it to carry the main route. It is a surface that suits the climate and takes furniture being dragged across it every weekend.

Planting that earns its water

Ornamental grasses, lavender and low perennials are massed either side of the path in mulched beds, with galvanised stock tanks used as planters near the arbor. The palette is chosen to hold up through a dry Rogue Valley summer.