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.

cedar fencing, Covered Structures, decking, outdoor cookstation, outdoor living space,
Deck - transitional deck idea in Portland with decking and a bbq area

Jonas Lundberg & Anna Truelsen mylovelythings.blogspot.com
Inspiration for a mediterranean patio remodel with a pergola

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard deck design with a roof extension

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Example of a large trendy backyard stone and rectangular pool design in Orange County with a gazebo

VHT
Deck - transitional deck idea in Chicago with decking

Photo by Susan Teare
This is an example of a cottage screened-in front porch design in Burlington.

Photo: Laura Garner Design & Realty © 2016 Houzz
Mid-sized elegant rooftop rooftop deck photo in Montreal with a pergola

Mountain style deck photo in Atlanta with no cover

Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com
Example of a large mountain style backyard tile patio kitchen design in Nashville with a roof extension

Exterior - Zane Williams Interiors - Jon Jallings
Example of a country bedroom design with yellow walls

West Los Angeles
Example of a trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in Los Angeles

Lars Frazer
Mountain style porch idea in Austin with decking and a roof extension

This is an example of a traditional screened-in porch design in Minneapolis with decking and a roof extension.

Rob Karosis
Living room - farmhouse living room idea in New York with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and gray walls

Scot Zimmerman
Patio - traditional patio idea in Salt Lake City with a gazebo

Photo by Mike Graff
Mountain style patio photo with a pergola

Example of a mountain style one-story wood exterior home design in San Francisco

Our products feature pivoting louvers that can be easily activated using a smartphone, to block out the sun or allow for air flow. The louvers will also close on their own when rain is detected, or open automatically during wind storms. The sturdy pergolas are made of extruded aluminum, with a powder coating in a variety of colors, which make it easy to coordinate the structures with the design of the home. With added lights and fans, it’s easier than ever to entertain outdoors.