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1. We are here to do hard work.

2. We are passionate about our practice. Our collaborators and clients become friends and are an essential part of our story.

3. We believe that the process of design can be just as essential as the ﬁnished product.

Contact:

PEBL Design

Jonathan Blaseg jonathan@pebl.design

612-226-3063 www.pebl.design

We would love to hear from you. Please reach out!

RESIDENTIAL

DEEPHAVEN

Nestled within the picturesque Minnetonka Lakes region, Deephaven stands as a testament to harmonizing modern design with a rich glacial history. The flow of water over the landscape and through the home was a powerful design inspiration - a reminder of how water sculpted this land and continues to shape our world. The team meticulously placed massive native boulders to echo the site’s glacial origins. Concealing the stone to emulate the gradual erosion by water over time, making the boulders appear timeless and as-if the house was ‘dropped’ onto the site.

In line with the project’s ecological ethos, all water moves through a an engineered bioswale, showcasing a commitment to the project’s sustainability and environmental stewardship. This holistic approach not only fulfills the client’s vision of seamlessly integrating the natural landscape into the home but also underscores a conscientious effort towards preserving and enhancing the site’s ecological integrity.

Beyond its ecological significance, Deephaven embodies a sanctuary for family activities and social gatherings. Expansive lake vistas, textured gardens, lawn terraces, and artful seating are all carefully curated to beckon guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The more formal gathering spaces and gardens are focused near the home itself, allowing a strong contrast between the rigid lines of house and outdoor program which show up as shifting datums in a landscape of natural, rolling topography. As the landscape reveals itself through a choreography of lines and contours, Deephaven emerges not as an imposition upon its environment but as a symbiotic extension of the land—a testament to our place within nature.

Location: Deephaven, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA, John Kraemer & Sons

Awards: ASLA - MN Honor Award

Role: Landscape Architect and Construction

Photography: Spacecrafting

OKOBOJI

The landscape of this lakeside cabin unfolds through a series of perennial and stone gardens. Situated in the serene lakes area of Okoboji, the project envisions a space where the beauty of the natural landscape coexists with the functional needs of the family, offering both aesthetic appeal and practicality throughout the changing seasons. The design embraces a sustainable landscape that evolves with the seasons, offering a different experience year-round. Spring blooms, summer vibrancy, and fall color transitions create a dynamic backdrop, while attracting birds and pollinators to enhance the site’s ecology. The core idea is to craft an outdoor haven that resonates with the architectural character of the residence while embodying the natural rhythms of the surrounding environment.

Stacked limestone walls frame the garden, adding structure and texture while complementing the home’s modern design. These walls define sections of the space, guiding visitors through the landscape and evoking the timeless beauty of the lakeside region. The stone also provides functional boundaries and supports the native plantings.

The garden features flexible, family-friendly outdoor rooms, including spacious patios for socializing, dining, or enjoying the garden. These areas cater to the family’s diverse needs, from quiet retreats to spaces for gatherings, seamlessly connecting with the landscape.

Through careful design and the selection of native plants, the landscape functions as an inviting space for both the residents and the local ecosystem. These plants not only flourish through minimal intervention but also provide essential habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The integration of these natural elements enriches the home’s relationship with its surroundings, creating an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence between architecture and nature.

Location: Okoboji, IA

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA / Steffes Co. / Dells

Awards: ASLA - MN Honor Award

Role: Landscape Architect

Photography: Spacecrafting

THUNDER LAKE

Location: Thunder Lake, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Charlie & Co. / L. Cramer Builders

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Photography: Spacecrafting

This landscape design for a Modern Cabin addresses the unique challenges of a steep, topographic, wooded site, with a focus on slope stabilization, stormwater management, and creating functional circulation paths. The design strikes a balance between refined program spaces and native habitat restoration, creating a harmonious environment for both people and nature. A modernist palette of materials, including cast-in-place concrete, stone steppers, steel, and wood, enhances the cabin’s contemporary aesthetic while ensuring durability and cohesion with the surrounding landscape. The design features a crisp lawn panel enclosed by a concrete wall, offering an elegant, open space. Adjacent to the lawn, a raised, partially covered patio provides a comfortable area for outdoor enjoyment, even during a passing storm over Thunder Lake. The lawn and patio serve as an architectural plinth, elevating the cabin’s presence. The overall landscape integrates seamlessly with the modernist cabin’s

LAKE MARION

Location: Woodland, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Charles Stinson Architects, Streeter & Associates, Landscape Renovations

Project Lead: Coen + Partners

Role: Construction and Maintenance

Awards: ASLA - National, LILA GOY

Photography: Peter Kerze

The eight-acre landscape surrounding the Lake Marion residence has been transformed into an environmentally conscious playground, designed with minimal impact. The estate spans 22 acres, including the land, wetlands, and shoreline. Local regulations ensured the protection of the lake and wetlands, preserving their natural function and long term beauty. The wooded site was degraded and overrun with invasive evergreens and shrubs, diminishing the site’s ecological diversity. The clients were dedicated to restoring the land to its native beauty, while allowing for low-impact access throughout the multiple biomes. Positioned on the originally developed land, the house allowed the landscape architect to carefully balance the remaining site with restoration efforts, minimizing impact while enhancing the environment. This vision resulted in substantial restoration work, the creation of an extensive network of linear paths, and the installation of art pieces made from reclaimed, natural materials.

EXCELSIOR

Location: Excelsior, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA / Yond / Streeter Custom Home

Builder

Role: Landscape Architect

Photography: Spacecrafting

Set in the charming lakeside town of Excelsior, MN, this new build project thoughtfully integrates with the town’s historic charm and scale. The design process involved extensive permitting to ensure the project blended with the surrounding neighborhood character. A key feature is the renovation of a historically significant carriage house, transformed into a vibrant focal point with a newly designed patio that functions as a welcoming “front porch” to engage with neighbors. The property’s constraints, including a steep shoreline, were met with creative solutions that maximized space. The design incorporates a variety of outdoor “rooms,” including a sunken garden, back porch, fireside patio, grilling area, lakeside deck, and a streetside lawn, each serving distinct functions while maintaining a cohesive flow. The landscape design was crafted to complement the architectural style of the home, seamlessly connecting the exterior with the home’s character and providing an inviting, functional outdoor environment.

GLENBRAE

Location: Edina, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Everson / Hoxie

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Photography: Vondelinde

Located in a vibrant, family-focused neighborhood of Edina, MN, this landscape design creates a harmonious balance between family living and the natural environment. Several acres of the property were restored to native habitat, enhancing the ecological value of the site. A large rain garden was also installed to cleanse stormwater runoff, supporting sustainable water management. The design incorporates a series of stepstone pathways that not only serve as functional routes through the site but also create “viewing gardens,” allowing for moments of contemplation and connection with nature. Unique details, such as custom planters, add a personalized touch to the landscape, while a modern agrarian fence blends rustic charm with contemporary aesthetics. The overall design fosters a sense of place for both the family and the surrounding natural world, offering a welcoming, functional, and sustainable outdoor space that enhances the neighborhood’s character and promotes environmental stewardship.

WOOLMAN

Location: Minnetonka, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Christian Dean Architects

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Nestled within a wooded site, this landscape renovation project in Minnetonka transforms the outdoor space surrounding a family home, blending seamlessly with the distinctive Mid Century Modern architectural style of the home. The design focuses on integrating the landscape with the home’s aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive visual flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Functional zones were created to cater to the family’s lifestyle, including a flat lawn for recreation, a fire pit for social gatherings, and a versatile patio for dining and relaxation. Seasonal gardens filled with native plants offer dynamic visual interest while supporting local pollinators and wildlife.

A minimalist palette of materials, including cast-in-place concrete, limestone slabs, and aggregate surfacing, enhances the sophisticated yet simple ambiance. The landscape is organized to amplify functionality, creating spaces that complement the architectural features of the home. This renovation harmoniously blends design and nature, offering a functional, beautiful retreat for the family.

SPRING VALLEY

Location: Golden Valley, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Everson / Near & Streeter

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Photography: Vondelinde

With the goal of creating a space that both responds to the existing home and complements a recent addition, this residential renovation seamlessly blends mid-century modern aesthetics with functional outdoor living. The design maximizes a limited area, transforming it into areas for family entertainment and relaxation. Drawing on the clean lines and natural materials typical of mid-century modern design, the landscape incorporates a pool, pool deck, patio, and garden spaces that foster a connection between the indoors and outdoors. A serene birch grove adds a shaded retreat, while plantings reflect the mid-century style with a dynamic, engaging environment. The project also features a custom bench, which serves as both a focal point and an artful element in the landscape. By blending design elements with functionality, the project successfully integrates the home’s architecture, optimizing space for leisure and social interaction. This landscape transformation enhances the property’s beauty and ensures a seamless flow between the home and nature.

TONKAWA

Location: Orono, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA / Yerigan / Yond Interiors

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Set on the picturesque shores of Minnetonka Lake, this landscape renovation is part of a larger architectural transformation that blends nature’s beauty with sculptural, functional design. The landscape is centered around custom stone walls, which define spaces and add a dynamic, sculptural quality to the site. These walls incorporate niches, windows, and built-in features, including a striking outdoor fireplace, creating intrigue and visual interest. A cohesive material palette of cedar and metal unites the landscape elements, giving the design a modern feel. Custom features such as benches, an outdoor kitchen, gates, and bridges enhance both the flow and functionality of the space. Limestone paving, arranged to echo the architectural geometries, creates a seamless transition from the home to the landscape, drawing visitors toward the lake. The landscape layout encourages exploration, while a variety of textures and materials evolve across the site. Expansive perennial gardens offer a rich seasonal display, enhancing the sensory experience and complementing the beauty of the lake.

CHELMSFORD

Location: St. Paul, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: Albertsson Hansen

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Photography: Gaffer Photography

In the heart of the tranquil St. Anthony neighborhood, this landscape renovation reimagines the client’s front yard by weaving native flora into a vibrant ecological tapestry. The design integrates aesthetic and functional elements to enhance the neighborhood’s character while reflecting the client’s love for the environment. A wild garden featuring a diverse array of native species breathes life into the space, creating a dynamic and colorful display that supports local wildlife. A contemporary fence with horizontal wood slats and varying post heights adds intrigue, offering a platform for hanging birdhouses and fostering a birdwatcher’s paradise. A sculptural new deck extends the home’s living space, providing a peaceful retreat for relaxation and gatherings. A thoughtfully designed chicken coop integrates seamlessly into the landscape, adding rustic charm and a sustainable element. Practical features such as a new driveway and ramp access ensure smooth transitions between the main residence and newly introduced Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

OAKWOOD HILL

Location: Minnetrista, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: James McNeel Architects

Role: Landscape Architect & Construction

Photography: Spacecrafting

The Oakwood Hill landscape was designed and installed in conjunction with a renovation of the site’s historic home. The site design restores the majority of the property’s 33 acres to a native landscape, replacing hayfields and pasture with a robust swath of prairie. In response to the agrarian setting, the Landscape Architect designed a clean and organized landscape with flexible gardens and gathering areas capable of hosting any size event. A simple palette of materials and plants highlight form, texture, and color. The modern layout is juxtaposed with an explosion of diversity in the “sugar kettle” garden.

PRAIRIE HUS

Location: Stillwater, MN

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA & Marsden

Role: Landscape Architect

Nestled within the stunning White Oak Savanna development, this landscape design harmonizes modern aesthetics with the natural beauty of a vast restored prairie. Surrounded by rolling hills, quiet ponds, and ancient heritage trees, the design allows the home to seamlessly integrate into its environment. Carefully crafted “rooms” extend outward, offering a plinth that grounds the modern structure in the landscape. A minimalist lawn enhances the home’s scale and complements its contemporary design, while custom metal planters create elevated spaces for raised bed gardening. Smaller perennial gardens respond to the home’s formal geometry, adding depth and texture to the landscape. These gardens are thoughtfully placed to provide an uninterrupted viewshed, allowing the homeowner to enjoy the expansive vista of the surrounding prairie. The landscape design reflects a careful balance between modern living and ecological restoration, enhancing the beauty and functionality of the home while respecting the natural landscape of the White Oak Savanna.