The owner (an architect himself), wanted to create active and passive spaces in both the front and backyard spaces. RDA created a variety of small spaces in a very limited space. A cozy front entry with seating and transition paths from front to back on a steeply sloped lot with a walkout basement. In a shady and narrow backyard, we elected to go with artificial turf to reduce maintenance, keep a green look, and accommodate the Owner’s program of flooding the yard each winter and creating a skating rink.