Nat Rea
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2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Ground view of deck. Outwardly visible structural elements are wrapped in pVC. Photo Credit: Johnna Harrison
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Gazebo, Covered Wood Structure, Ambient Landscape Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Exterior Design, Custom Wood Decking, Custom Wood Structures, Outdoor Cook Station, Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Electronics

Beautiful back deck gives a finished look to this home.
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Aerial view of the Rich Residence in Brooklyn, NY. Winner of Silver award for Residential Garden Design, awarded by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, 2006. Featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Multiple hardscape media used: brick pavers, decking

A generously sized natural wood slab table is right at home in this space. Tall timber bamboo and translucent plexi provide screening without bulk
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Ground view of deck. Outwardly visible structural elements are wrapped in pVC. Photo Credit: Johnna Harrison
Example of a large classic backyard outdoor kitchen deck design in DC Metro with a pergola

Lettuces and 'Lemon Gem' marigolds growing in a window box off the back deck. The shadow of the roof line falls across the planters in the afternoon, allowing us to grow lettuce even in the summer. Photo by Steve Masley

Photo By: Jacob Elliot
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Don't be afraid to 'think outside of the box' when you're designing your new deck. Today's decks can be any shape or configuration you can dream up. An eye-catching octagonal-shaped entertaining area is what makes this space unique. Flared staircases at either end of the deck enable easy access to the play area and create welcoming entries for guests. Fiberon Horizon composite decking in 'Ipe' was selected as the main deck color, complemented by a darker Horizon 'Rosewood' border. Fiberon Horizon white railing and black round metal balusters were also used to provide dramatic visual appeal. Fiberon's low-voltage, LED post cap accent lights were added so this outdoor space can be enjoyed even after the sun goes down.

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