Sea Drive | Flagstone Patio & Stone Retaining Wall | Saanich, BC

Story

The Sea Drive project began with a significant backyard renovation that required excavation and grading before the masonry work could begin. Because the site overlooks the Saanich Inlet, the finished space needed to feel open and connected to the view while still being built with the structural care necessary for a sloped and exposed property. That meant carefully preparing the foundation and planning the layout so the stone elements would perform as well as they looked.

Once the groundwork was complete, Lennox Masonry installed a concrete foundation to support the locally quarried Juan de Fuca flagstone. This gave the patio a strong and lasting base while allowing the natural stone finish to become the visual focus of the space. The flagstone brings warmth, texture, and timeless character to the patio, making it a perfect fit for a coastal setting like this one.

A short retaining wall was also built as part of the design, helping frame the space and create a more finished sense of form. Retaining walls do important work in outdoor masonry projects because they help manage grade, define space, and support the landscape. In this case, the wall contributed to the overall aesthetics while also serving a practical role, which is often the best outcome in a custom hardscape project.

One of the most distinctive elements of the Sea Drive project was the custom feature encased within the retaining wall. Built with locally gathered rocks, driftwood, moss, lichen, and a cedar frame, this detail adds an organic, coastal quality to the design that makes the space feel truly one of a kind. It is a strong example of how masonry can work with natural materials to create something that feels both artistic and site-specific.