Elevated Living
on the edge of Glen Canyon
Tucked against the wild, windswept edge of Glen Canyon Park, this residential project balances refined modern living with the rugged beauty of a beloved urban canyon. Once threatened by mid-century freeway expansion plants, Glen Canyon was preserved through community activism and feminist-led environmental efforts, and today stands as one of the city’s most ecologically rich and naturally preserved spaces. JML Landscapes was honored to design and build a landscape that not only respects this unique setting but also deepens the client’s connection to it.
At the heart of the project was the rebuilding of a second-story deck, creating an outdoor living space fully immersed int he surrounding treetops. Constructed with a steel frame from Fortress for long-term durability and topped with knotty western red cedar decking, the deck balances natural warmth with structural integrity while carrying the modern interior aesthetic of the home to the exterior. Cable railings from Atlantis were selected to preserve unobstructed views of the surrounding canopies.
To bring the client’s vision to life within a defined budget, our team introduced creative value engineering strategies to prioritize the most impactful design elements while identifying areas to reduce costs without compromising quality. One of the project’s most rewarding solutions involved repurposing existing concrete slabs already on site.
Rather than demolish and dispose of the existing concrete slabs, we cut them into clean segments and reused them to construct garden steps, raised beds, and the bench foundation—reducing material waste and preserving character while significantly lowering costs.
The result is a layered, livable outdoor environment that connects the inhabitant directly to the sights and sounds of Glen Canyon. From the forest canopy views on the upper deck to the functional, reimagined garden below, this space reflects JML’s commitment to creative problem-solving, sustainable practices, and deep respect for place.
Photography: Brian Chorsky
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