Yellowknife (July 26/06) - Michael Brown doesn't have an ordinary deck. In fact, you could say it's one of a kind. Deciding against buying plywood, Brown created a small space to call his own out of natural objects where he lives.

Michael Brown and his cat Taiga explore the rocky hills behind the Forrest Drive Condominiums. Brown thanks Taiga for inspiring his deck, made entirely of natural items found around his property. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

So it should come as no surprise that it came about in an unusual way.

"A lot of people are used to outdoor cats down South," said Brown.

Afraid of predators in the area, Brown compromised with his wife Moya and agreed to train his cat, Taiga, then a kitten, to walk on a leash.

It was during Brown's many outdoor walks behind the Forrest Drive Condominiums he decided to create an area he could enjoy without ruining the surrounding environment. "I like to build things that are a part of the land," he said.

And so, two weeks ago, Brown found a small depression in the rocky hills that was perfect for his needs.

Excavating a patch of dead soil, Brown placed a bed of leftover gravel he found in his nightly travels with helper Taiga.

Around the gravel went large and small rocks, which acted as retaining walls and places for water to drain.

All he needed now was a deck chair and Brown was set.

The project took about 12 hours to complete.

An added bonus? It cost Brown nothing to make. Well, except for "sweat equity."

Brown said he transformed the land without ruining the natural scenery on the property, something he appreciates as an engineer with a specialty in the environment.

Taiga enjoys it too because there's nothing impeding his leisurely walks stalking mice or rolling on the rocks. Brown said the exploration of his decidedly rocky backyard is all thanks to Taiga. "The cat takes me all over the property. I know every square inch of rock in the back," he said.

Brown said he can sit six people comfortably in the newly landscaped area. He is currently working on a similar project on the property's front. He said there are many locations in the city that could be made into natural decks or seating areas in town.