A small, shady San Francisco backyard close to a busy street was reimagined. The new homeowners, recent immigrants from India, asked for a backyard for entertaining guests, an outdoor shower, and homes for their Hindu statues. Their teenage kids asked for one thing only: a hot tub. Add in the family dogs and there was a lot to fit in.

Indian-inspired Jali screens divide the back yard from a sunken patio, nodding to the homeowners’ heritage. The kids’ dreams of a hot tub and outdoor shower were realized, along with a matching shower/bathroom area for the dogs on the opposite side. Bubbling fountains mask the sounds of traffic and match the vibrant ferns and lush native woodland plants that thrive in shade. A permeable patio prevents flooding on this downslope lot and provides space for an outdoor dining table. A Ganesh statue was placed facing the appropriate direction on an elevated platform, framed by an intricate wooden door shipped from their former home and potted ferns.

The side yard, also in full shade, was reimagined with a living wall to hide the neighbor’s house, and is home to a Durga statue framed by lush fern planter boxes.