Contemplating covered deck on new build. Thoughts?

7 years ago

For the longest time, we were dead set on having a large portion of our rear deck on our home covered. That's how it is now (NW exposure, though), and we love the protection it provides for our furniture/belongings, the fact that we can sit out on it during a rain storm with a fire going, etc. However, that comes at a cost (light transmission primarily).

Our building site it going to be a SSE exposure, but we will have views from E to SW. Our family room will be vaulted (as you will see in the photos) with two levels of windows exposing the view. Off of that family room will be access to the deck, and we have it drawn/planned to be covered. However, we're a little worried that it may cut into the views a bit, and more importantly, light/thermal transmission. Since it won't be a W exposure, we're not worried about the harsh afternoon sun. However, with having the access to this part of the deck directly off our family room and eating area, we thought having it covered would be the most practical.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Thanks.

Featured Answer

cpartist

7 years ago

I played with your elevation. I moved the brick down to where it would naturally be if it was really a foundation element and not stuck on. I got rid of the brick in the front door and the board and batten on the gables. In other words, I simplified. I also changed the roofline on the garage so it didn't become the most prominent and important element when you drive up to the house.

Notice how now your front door becomes the focal point of the house?

As for your question, a lot depends on your floor plan.

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Comments (11)

shead
7 years ago
What are the views of that you're afraid it'll cut into? What does your floor plan look like?

Personally, I'd vote to cover it so that you'd actually use it.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
7 years ago
How do you plan on putting a roof over it?
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PRO
PPF.
7 years ago
No thoughts on the deck, but wondering about the roof right of the entry.
mgh_pa
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Shead, this is part of the view facing East.
mgh_pa
Original Author
7 years ago
To the South:
cpartist
7 years ago
A good way to see what the main focus is on a house (or in a painting, etc) is to close your eyes for 10 seconds and then open them. See what the first thing is you notice. Ideally in a house, you want the front entry to be the first thing you notice.

I did the test with your original elevation and the first thing I noticed was the garage. When I simplified your house, the first thing I noticed is your front entry and the two gables.
dan1888
7 years ago
My evaluation of the roof covering the deck-- it doesn't detract from the view or limit light. The railing could be changed to stainless wire or glass or something designed to allow a view.
K H
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I like the idea of the covered deck. Especially if you plan to use the outdoor space a lot. With those views I can imagine sitting on the covered deck listening to the pitter patter of rain! Or in the summer evenings you could have it decorated with pretty lighting. It just depends on what you would use the space for. If you don’t plan to use your deck a lot maybe you should remove the covered portion so more light can get into the living room. Not to be picky but one of your windows is behind a porch post not sure why it isn’t joined with the other two?
mgh_pa
Original Author
7 years ago
KH, that is a window in the open stairwell to the basement. The mulled pair is in the office next to it.
K H
7 years ago
I see, since it has a strict purpose I wouldn’t worry about it just curious why they were not together. Love your house