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.

Jim Schmid Photography
Living room - traditional formal light wood floor living room idea in Charlotte with blue walls and a standard fireplace

The main objective for this project was to create a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space. The clients wanted the new space to have an open concept while being protected from the elements year round. Stylistically they wanted the design to have a Pacific Northwest feel, to blend with the existing house and work well among their natural, forested backyard. We needed to include a BBQ, smoker, sink, refrigerator, gas fireplace and wall mounted heater as well as a large screen TV. The details were going to be a main focus for the design process, as we knew this would ensure the cohesive blend of function and aesthetic appeal. One of the main challenges was working with the existing deck. The 1000 SF deck needed new decking and guardrails as well as some framing repair. We were worried that the existing deck structure would not support the weight of the new construction. Another challenge we faced was designing the roof planes to aesthetically blend with the existing house. The layout of the first and second floor had us working through multiple design revisions until we landed on the final stepped roof structure. We designed the new roof to be supported by the house and columns set directly on the ground, thereby minimizing weight added to the existing deck. This allowed us to use the deck to support the lighter components, including the kitchen and BBQ area. Oversized beams, exposed raw wood rafters, and sealed car decking worked well with the new cedar deck surface. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances are accented by solid surface countertops and small mosaic backsplash. All colors were selected to fall within the natural hues of the seasonally changing foliage surrounding the clients’ property. Maintaining the same footprint of the existing deck, we used the angles to our advantage and created additional seating with a custom built storage bench. New powder coated posts and cable guardrails were topped with an LED lined wood handrail. A decorative chandelier and subtle metal pendants provide ambient light. An electric heater mounted to the inside of one of the beams as well as the gas fireplace provides ample heat for colder months. The clerestory windows between the two roof planes provide additional light to the space while protecting against the elements. The gas fireplace and cultured stone wrapped chimney is a visual anchor and centerpiece for the deck. The chimney provided an opportunity to hide one of the supporting columns as well as a protected space for the wall mounted TV and soundbar. The cabinetry layout was selected to offer plenty of storage and special features including a pull out garbage and recycling center, drawers for dishes and utensils, and a concealed paper towel holder.

This elegant home by Alair Homes, Nanaimo, features our timber work in the main living area/great room, and the exterior covered deck. In the great room the timber system is structural, in that it supports the conventional truss system above, but it is not the primary roof structure. The exterior deck cover is a fully self-supporting timber system. We also provided the timber posts and braces to support the deck. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Builder: Alair Homes This elegant home by Alair Homes, Nanaimo, features our timber work in the main living area/great room, and the exterior covered deck. In the great room the timber system is structural, in that it supports the conventional truss system above, but it is not the primary roof structure. The exterior deck cover is a fully self-supporting timber system. We also provided the timber posts and braces to support the deck.

Trendy kitchen photo in Toronto

A custom glass table was installed around this metal support post that couldn't be moved. Round track lighting was installed above and four stools were wrapped around.

Structural elements that also make this patio cover visually appealing include stone around the base of the support columns and the open gable design at the end of the roof. We built the base of the columns using cultured stone that mimics natural stacked stone and contributes to the sturdy feel of the structure. The open gable at the end of the roof includes a three-pronged architectural element called a king post truss. While this part of the structure helps support the weight of the roof, it also provides a rustic, decorative touch. And the open gable design allows for additional air circulation boosted by the ceiling fan – a huge improvement over an uncovered patio on a sweltering afternoon!

The main objective for this project was to create a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space. The clients wanted the new space to have an open concept while being protected from the elements year round. Stylistically they wanted the design to have a Pacific Northwest feel, to blend with the existing house and work well among their natural, forested backyard. We needed to include a BBQ, smoker, sink, refrigerator, gas fireplace and wall mounted heater as well as a large screen TV. The details were going to be a main focus for the design process, as we knew this would ensure the cohesive blend of function and aesthetic appeal. One of the main challenges was working with the existing deck. The 1000 SF deck needed new decking and guardrails as well as some framing repair. We were worried that the existing deck structure would not support the weight of the new construction. Another challenge we faced was designing the roof planes to aesthetically blend with the existing house. The layout of the first and second floor had us working through multiple design revisions until we landed on the final stepped roof structure. We designed the new roof to be supported by the house and columns set directly on the ground, thereby minimizing weight added to the existing deck. This allowed us to use the deck to support the lighter components, including the kitchen and BBQ area. Oversized beams, exposed raw wood rafters, and sealed car decking worked well with the new cedar deck surface. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances are accented by solid surface countertops and small mosaic backsplash. All colors were selected to fall within the natural hues of the seasonally changing foliage surrounding the clients’ property. Maintaining the same footprint of the existing deck, we used the angles to our advantage and created additional seating with a custom built storage bench. New powder coated posts and cable guardrails were topped with an LED lined wood handrail. A decorative chandelier and subtle metal pendants provide ambient light. An electric heater mounted to the inside of one of the beams as well as the gas fireplace provides ample heat for colder months. The clerestory windows between the two roof planes provide additional light to the space while protecting against the elements. The gas fireplace and cultured stone wrapped chimney is a visual anchor and centerpiece for the deck. The chimney provided an opportunity to hide one of the supporting columns as well as a protected space for the wall mounted TV and soundbar. The cabinetry layout was selected to offer plenty of storage and special features including a pull out garbage and recycling center, drawers for dishes and utensils, and a concealed paper towel holder.

The main objective for this project was to create a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space. The clients wanted the new space to have an open concept while being protected from the elements year round. Stylistically they wanted the design to have a Pacific Northwest feel, to blend with the existing house and work well among their natural, forested backyard. We needed to include a BBQ, smoker, sink, refrigerator, gas fireplace and wall mounted heater as well as a large screen TV. The details were going to be a main focus for the design process, as we knew this would ensure the cohesive blend of function and aesthetic appeal. One of the main challenges was working with the existing deck. The 1000 SF deck needed new decking and guardrails as well as some framing repair. We were worried that the existing deck structure would not support the weight of the new construction. Another challenge we faced was designing the roof planes to aesthetically blend with the existing house. The layout of the first and second floor had us working through multiple design revisions until we landed on the final stepped roof structure. We designed the new roof to be supported by the house and columns set directly on the ground, thereby minimizing weight added to the existing deck. This allowed us to use the deck to support the lighter components, including the kitchen and BBQ area. Oversized beams, exposed raw wood rafters, and sealed car decking worked well with the new cedar deck surface. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances are accented by solid surface countertops and small mosaic backsplash. All colors were selected to fall within the natural hues of the seasonally changing foliage surrounding the clients’ property. Maintaining the same footprint of the existing deck, we used the angles to our advantage and created additional seating with a custom built storage bench. New powder coated posts and cable guardrails were topped with an LED lined wood handrail. A decorative chandelier and subtle metal pendants provide ambient light. An electric heater mounted to the inside of one of the beams as well as the gas fireplace provides ample heat for colder months. The clerestory windows between the two roof planes provide additional light to the space while protecting against the elements. The gas fireplace and cultured stone wrapped chimney is a visual anchor and centerpiece for the deck. The chimney provided an opportunity to hide one of the supporting columns as well as a protected space for the wall mounted TV and soundbar. The cabinetry layout was selected to offer plenty of storage and special features including a pull out garbage and recycling center, drawers for dishes and utensils, and a concealed paper towel holder.

Beaux arts architecture of Blairsden was inspiration for kitchen. Homeowner wanted clean airy look while repurposing cold commercial cooking space to an aesthetically pleasing functional kitchen for family and friends or for a catering staff during larger gatherings. Aside from the hand made LaCornue range, no appliances were to be be in the kitchen so as not to interfere with the aesthetic. Instead, the appliances were moved to an adjacent space and celebrated as their own aesthetic with complimentary stainless steel cabinetry and tiled walls. The color pallet of the kitchen was intentionally subtle with tones of beige white and grey. Light was reintroduced into the space by rebuilding the east and north windows. Traffic pattern was improved by moving range from south wall to north wall. Custom stainless structural window, with stainless steel screen and natural brass harlequin grill encapsulated in insulated frosted glass, was engineered to support hood and creates a stunning backdrop for the already gorgeous range. All hardware in kitchen is unlacquered natural brass intentionally selected so as to develop its own patina as it oxides over time to give a true historic quality. Other interesting point about kitchen: All cabinetry doors 5/4" All cabinetry interiors natural walnut All cabinetry interiors on sensors and light up with LED lights that are routed into frames of cabinetry Magnetic cutlery dividers in drawers enable user to reposition easily Venician plaster walls Lava stone countertops on perimeter Marble countertop island 2 level cutting boards and strainers in sink by galley workstation

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.

This Lakewood, WA custom outdoor living project transformed the homeowner's backyard with a beautifully crafted covered patio designed to provide year-round protection and enjoyment. The structure features exposed 2x8 framing with clean architectural lines, cedar-wrapped support posts, and a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with an interior gable for added character. A 3-tab shingle roof complements the home's existing architecture while an engineered gutter system efficiently manages rainwater. Throughout construction, special attention was given to both craftsmanship and the homeowner's future plans. The roofing was intentionally left partially accessible to allow for electrical wiring, and select tongue-and-groove boards remain removable until final inspection. Cedar post wraps were installed to enhance the natural warmth of the space, with decorative collars to complete the finished look. The exterior wall was also re-sided to create a seamless transition between the new structure and the existing home. The result is a durable, thoughtfully engineered patio cover that blends beautifully with the home while creating a comfortable outdoor space the family can enjoy for years to come.