Bennington Hts Ravine Garden 1

The project was initiated after a massive slope failure at the site during the floods of 2013, which left the corner of the house and most of the rear garden structurally and geo-technically compromised. Initially, emergency works were required to protect the house and property. Changes made to the property and ravine landscape include a terraced retaining wall with an upper deck and staircase, as well as decks out in the trees of the ravine, patios, plantings, and a rain garden. The design preserves the ecology of the ravine while providing the owners with a series of small linked outdoor spaces, ravine experiences, and views. Critical issues were maintaining stability and the structural integrity of the house on the slope, water management, and preservation of trees and the ravine ecology. Access during construction factored into the retaining wall design as well. There was an extensive approvals process with the TRCA, Ravine and Natural Features Protections and Building Permit departments.