Easy entertaining was the order of the day for a McLean couple who tapped Plusen Landscape Architects and Planted Earth Landscaping to transform their mundane, one-acre property. “We expanded the usable space with durable, year-round features for an active family,” says Chris Vedrani of Planted Earth, who oversaw installation and maintenance.

Jeff Plusen conceived a versatile master plan. “We created a series of spaces that would promote outdoor living,” recounts the landscape architect, whose concept featured a pool and pool house; an event lawn complete with underground tent anchors; a kids’ play zone; and vegetable and herb gardens. In the front, hornbeams elevate the arrival court and layered plantings foster privacy. From the front court, an arched breezeway provides access to the backyard, fringed with evergreens.

The backyard previously sloped towards the 2015 abode. “We regraded and addressed changes in elevation with stone retaining walls,” Vedrani notes. The pool was sited on a central axis to the house with the lawn to one side; wide, buff limestone steppers lead to the play area. Bordering the pool on the other side, the chic pool house encompasses living and dining areas and a full kitchen; the structure opens up via walls of sliders for indoor-outdoor flow.

In the side yard, a wrought iron fence separates the front and back, while a breezeway off the drive frames stately evergreens beyond.

Award: Grand for Residential Outdoor Living Area. Landscape Design: Jeffrey Plusen, PLA, ASLA, Plusen Landscape Architects. Landscape Installation & Maintenance: Chris Vedrani, principal; Carlos Pina, project manager, Planted Earth Landscaping. Pool House Architecture: Mark R. Sullenberger Architect.