A clever design solution brings a backyard lifestyle just out the front door. And when the owner is a contractor, it makes the complicated construction a bit easier on the team.
The ingenious concept connects a new structure directly to the basement so the homeowners can drive into the garage and enter the house without going outside. That meant digging below the existing house foundation line to make it happen.
Bye, bye to the tiny shed and hello to a two-car garage with elbow room for all the stuff that needs storage space. An adjacent fenced-in recycling area keeps smells and spills outside.
The upper patio was set at the same level as the existing porch creating an extension of the first floor of the house—an enviable outdoor living space.
The concrete paving for this area was posted up on pedestals concealing a proper roof below. This disguises drainage while also providing access for repairs. 24”x 24” x 2” pavers with +/-1/8” joints allow drainage between pavers, which can be hosed down if necessary.
The parapet line was set low, and a stainless steel cable guardrail preserves seated views of the river and mountains beyond. Despite this low enclosure, the sitting area feels entirely safe and private. Neighbors don’t have spying views down to the patio, and passersby can’t sneak a peek looking up.
The space supports a generous lounge-worthy furniture layout with a walkway at the perimeter against the parapet wall.
“We have worked with Lisa and Adam on three separate remodels and love their ability to elicit and design to our wants and desires. We also appreciate that they work with us to spec out all the finishes before the project kicks off. This makes ordering materials, especially in today’s supply chain environment, more orderly and helps keep the project on schedule. They are very exacting and detailed oriented. We love working with them!”
Kara & Hamish M.
Homeowners