Inspiration for a deck remodel in New York

Above ground pool deck built by Just Decks by Capri of NJ, featuring Fiberon composite decking (Horizon Ipe), and Fiberon composite railing (Horizon white).

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

The little cottage on Turnip Field Road in Eastham had been owned by the same couple since 1940, until they built a new, adjacent house on the property. The cottage was then handed down to the next generation, who began spending more and more time at the cottage. It was then that they contacted Cape Associates to construct a more livable home in place of that little cottage. It was crucial to the owners however, that the home keep with the understated charm and Cape Cod-feel of the neighborhood. The primary challenge was to keep it humble, while building the owners their well-deserved vacation retreat. The original cottage had no air conditioning, and renovating was quickly dismissed because of the inadequacies and the cost of modernizing. Building new allowed the team to relocate the house further back from the street, and it meant meeting the owners’ needs without compromise. Cape Associates’ project manager Lance LaLone said the owners expressed their desire to incorporate lots of wood and the types of materials that were in the old cottage. Most of the interior is pine, which was used on the flooring, the walls, and wrapped around the ceiling’s beams, giving the owners what they desired on a grander scale – a beautiful, modern dwelling that still held the personality of that little cottage that held such cherished memories. The front of the home has a two-car garage and breezeway entrance, while the rear reveals an entertainer’s paradise, with an enormous mahogany deck with an outdoor shower, a stunning Connecticut-fieldstone fireplace with a chimney that reaches around 30 feet in height, and multiple sliders to access the home. The finished basement opens to the ground level, and above the entrance breezeway is another small deck with a great view. It’s the best of indoor/outdoor living. Movement patterns from beach to house to bedroom were an important consideration. The site also provided an excellent opportunity to visually connect the basement level patio visually to the main level deck and finally the master bedroom deck. The finished home provides year-round living, with a summer-getaway atmosphere.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Roof Deck
Beach style rooftop rooftop deck photo in Boston with a fire pit

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.

This custom-built multi-level AZEK® deck was designed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal while creating multiple outdoor living areas. The layout provides seamless transitions between levels, offering dedicated spaces for lounging, entertaining, and enjoying views of the pool area. A durable 4-foot metal fence surrounds the pool for safety without compromising the open feel of the space. The stone pool deck adds texture and elegance, complementing the low-maintenance AZEK® decking. Completing the project is a second-story sun deck with railing, providing an elevated retreat ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a cohesive, stylish, and family-friendly outdoor environment built to last.