Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, this garden provides a family gathering space with water and fire elements set among lush woodland plantings. The design reclaimed the narrow, angular, sloping backyard, converting the challenging geometry into a space loved by the family for both quiet solitude and entertaining friends. The custom water feature extends a hammered copper stripe along the retaining wall to lead the eye through the garden, making the space feel larger. The custom fire table features a curving stone top and integrated cover for times when there’s no need for a fire. New cladding on an existing retaining wall refreshed the space without breaking the budget. Fresh brick paving and a subtle yet elegant slot drain reclaim the space that suffered from poor drainage, keeping it useful for the family troughout the seasons.