Cascade River rock garden wall—Lopez Island, Washington
River rock compliments the cedar-shingled Craftsman style (Click photo for larger image)
Designer: Scott Hatch
Contractor: Russet Construction / Spud Grimes
The south and west sides of this Lopez Island home overlook the channel entrance to Fisherman Bay. However, the entry side of the house faces Lopez Village and a popular coffee shop. The owners wanted to maintain a friendly and welcoming entrance, while creating a sense of separation and privacy between the house and the street.
Cascade River rock is a product of the complex geology of the North Cascades, and the stones contain a marvelous variety of color and pattern. River rock has a much softer character than quarried stone and compliments the organic style of the cedar-shingled Craftsman house.
The wall was capped with thermaled bluestone. Thermaled stone has been treated with heat to give it a more consistent color and texture.
- Cascade River rock
- Thermaled bluestone cap
- Tapered profile
A low wall provides visual separation from the street without creating a barrier (Click photo for larger image)
The tapered profile of the wall anchors it to the site (Click photo for larger image)
Construction of the wall
Detail of the natural river rock showing the varied color and pattern (Click photo for larger image)