Interior wood and steel screens create filters, dividing spaces while modulating light. Exterior screens of sustainable Resysta filter light and views inward while lending privacy at the entry to the Lowman Beach Residence.

Scott Feuer
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This addition redesigned the feel of this backyard! The Covered Patio boasts beautiful stackstone column bases and cedar structure with tongue and groove ceiling. Enhancing this outdoor living and dining space, stamped concrete with curve appeal adds variation from the traditional concrete slab. The Outdoor Kitchen is nestled nicely underneath the patio cover leaving plenty of space for outdoor entertainment. The grill and granite countertops make preparing a meal easy to do while enjoying the gorgeous lake view! The gable roof with high ceiling creates lovely appeal for this outdoor structure.

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Photography: © ShadesOfGreen
This is an example of a contemporary retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

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Elegant and modern multi-level deck designed for a secluded home in Madison, WI. Perfect for family functions or relaxing with friends, this deck captures everything that an outdoor living space should have. Advanced Deck Builders of Madison - the top rated decking company for the Madison, Wisconsin & surrounding areas.

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Photography by Ken Vaughan
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Photo Credit: Tom Crane
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Belgard Catalina with Weston wall border. Fx lighting highlights a beautiful transformation of Synthetic turf and drip irrrigation for a simple and practical backyard. HWH Home and Garden - Daniel Haniger 650-204-4444

Neil Donaldson
Design ideas for a farmhouse drought-tolerant side yard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in San Luis Obispo.

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Denice Lachapelle
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Fully equipped kitchen accommodates any gathering with gas grill by Fire Magic and ceramic kamado-style charcoal grill by Big Green Egg. The custom high dining table completes the kitchenscape.

This Chesterfield outdoor kitchen is poolside and is set off by a custom pergola. It boasts stone work, seating area at the granite counter top, built-in True refrigerator, sink, Green Egg, gas grill, and storage.