Ortus Exteriors - NOW this house has everything the homeowner could ever need or want! Under the 900 sq. ft. attached roof, grill and smoke meats with the 25 ft. kitchen, serve drinks while watching the game by the bar, or sit on the hearth of a stone fire place. The rare, Sinker Cypress, reclaimed wood used for the roof was brought in from the swamps of Florida. The large pool is 48 by 23 feet with a Midnight Blue finish and features an immense boulder waterfall that used 12 tons of rock! The decking continues to the back of the pool for an elevated area perfect for dancing or watching the sunset. We loved this project and working with the homeowner. We design and build luxury swimming pools and outdoor living areas the way YOU want it. We focus on all-encompassing projects that transform your land into a custom outdoor oasis. Ortus Exteriors is an authorized Belgard contractor, and we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

John & Kim contacted LU Design Build to help them design, create and build a custom workshop. They enjoy building, crafting and designing ornaments and furniture of all sorts. They wanted a nice customized workshop to expand their tools and their abilities to build different and larger type projects. They also wanted to enhance the area around their in-ground pool because this is a favorite part of their home. For this project, we met with John & Kim and went over their desires for their space and functionality for their workshop and pool area. LU Design Build pulled in a partner architect to help draft the workshop concept. In the custom workshop area, we added metal roofing, custom gutters, and custom awning brackets that John actually built. It had custom dormers to let in lots of natural light. The workshop was also designed with vaulted ceilings to allow adequate air space and circulation. We chose a white washed shiplap to keep the space bright and open. In the pool area, we relocated the stairs coming off the deck and a landing area to create a better flow. LU Design Build also partnered with Frisella Outdoor Lighting. Frisella helped source and install the pool deck hardscape, retaining walls & soft landscaping. Since these two spaces were a long time dream of John and Kim, LU Design Build wanted to fit their design style and functionality so that they can stay for a long time and truly love their backyard and workshop.

Talon Construction - Short walk to pool from screened in porch in Middletown, MD
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional concrete paver screened-in back porch remodel in DC Metro with a roof extension

Originally built in 1929, this Edwin Ivey Tudor on a Lake Washington high bank lot, was long overdue for an update. The project consists of two main phases: a renovation of the existing house, and the construction of a new swimming pool and detached Spa building with hot tub and sauna. Our intent with the renovation was to improve the plan for our existing clients' contemporary lifestyle without altering the aesthetics of the original architecture. In addition to updating finishes and bathrooms, we created a new and expanded kitchen that opens to the existing Dining Room and lake view. Exterior porches were added and rebuilt to match the existing details. A basement of dingy storage rooms was transformed into a comfortable entertainment room with an adjacent wine cellar. The Spa is a modern building designed to complement the existing architecture through the use of similar materials and finishes. Large sliding glass doors open to connect the hot tub area with the pool terrace and take advantage of the expansive view. The house, pool, and spa are heated and cooled by geothermal wells connected to ground source heat pumps. Photography by Aaron Leitz

Pool and backyard landscaping are the only previous features that remained from the original home, minus a few walls on the interior and newly installed waterless grass for the ground cover. Designed with a standing seam metal roof, with internal drainage system for hidden gutters design. Rain chain and rain barrels for rain harvesting. Retrofitted with Hardy Frames prefabricated shear walls for up to date earthquake safety. Opening both walls to the backyard, there are now two 14' folding doors allowing the inside and outside to merge. http://www.hardyframe.com/HF/index.html Amy J Smith Photography

Located in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of LA. This private residence occupies a bustling corner. Organized as an L-shape along the two street sides, the mass of the building works as a buffer for the interior courtyard and pool. From the exterior the house was divided into two distinct smooth stucco volumes connected by a rough reclaimed wood siding stairway. The roof is clad in standing seam metal with concealed gutters.

A breathtaking city, bay and mountain view over take the senses as one enters the regal estate of this Woodside California home. At apx 17,000 square feet the exterior of the home boasts beautiful hand selected stone quarry material, custom blended slate roofing with pre aged copper rain gutters and downspouts. Every inch of the exterior one finds intricate timeless details. As one enters the main foyer a grand marble staircase welcomes them, while an ornate metal with gold-leaf laced railing outlines the staircase. A high performance chef’s kitchen waits at one wing while separate living quarters are down the other. A private elevator in the heart of the home serves as a second means of arriving from floor to floor. The properties vanishing edge pool serves its viewer with breathtaking views while a pool house with separate guest quarters are just feet away. This regal estate boasts a new level of luxurious living built by Markay Johnson Construction. Builder: Markay Johnson Construction visit: www.mjconstruction.com Photographer: Scot Zimmerman

Coastal exterior home idea in New York

These homeowners loved their outdoor space, complete with a pool and deck, but wanted to better utilize the space for entertaining with the full kitchen experience and amenities. This update was designed keeping the Tuscan architecture of their home in mind. We built a cabana with an Italian design, complete with a kegerator, icemaker, fridge, grill with custom hood and tile backsplash and full overlay custom cabinetry. A sink for meal prep and clean up enhanced the full kitchen function. A cathedral ceiling with stained bead board and ceiling fans make this space comfortable. Additionally, we built a screened in porch with stained bead board ceiling, ceiling fans, and custom trim including custom columns tying the exterior architecture to the interior. Limestone columns with brick pedestals, limestone pavers and a screened in porch with pergola and a pool bath finish the experience, with a new exterior space that is not only reminiscent of the original home but allows for modern amenities for this family to enjoy for years to come.

Originally built in 1929, this Edwin Ivey Tudor on a Lake Washington high bank lot, was long overdue for an update. The project consists of two main phases: a renovation of the existing house, and the construction of a new swimming pool and detached Spa building with hot tub and sauna. Our intent with the renovation was to improve the plan for our existing clients' contemporary lifestyle without altering the aesthetics of the original architecture. In addition to updating finishes and bathrooms, we created a new and expanded kitchen that opens to the existing Dining Room and lake view. Exterior porches were added and rebuilt to match the existing details. A basement of dingy storage rooms was transformed into a comfortable entertainment room with an adjacent wine cellar. The Spa is a modern building designed to complement the existing architecture through the use of similar materials and finishes. Large sliding glass doors open to connect the hot tub area with the pool terrace and take advantage of the expansive view. The house, pool, and spa are heated and cooled by geothermal wells connected to ground source heat pumps. Photography by Aaron Leitz

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

A breathtaking city, bay and mountain view over take the senses as one enters the regal estate of this Woodside California home. At apx 17,000 square feet the exterior of the home boasts beautiful hand selected stone quarry material, custom blended slate roofing with pre aged copper rain gutters and downspouts. Every inch of the exterior one finds intricate timeless details. As one enters the main foyer a grand marble staircase welcomes them, while an ornate metal with gold-leaf laced railing outlines the staircase. A high performance chef’s kitchen waits at one wing while separate living quarters are down the other. A private elevator in the heart of the home serves as a second means of arriving from floor to floor. The properties vanishing edge pool serves its viewer with breathtaking views while a pool house with separate guest quarters are just feet away. This regal estate boasts a new level of luxurious living built by Markay Johnson Construction. Builder: Markay Johnson Construction visit: www.mjconstruction.com Photographer: Scot Zimmerman

John & Kim contacted LU Design Build to help them design, create and build a custom workshop. They enjoy building, crafting and designing ornaments and furniture of all sorts. They wanted a nice customized workshop to expand their tools and their abilities to build different and larger type projects. They also wanted to enhance the area around their in-ground pool because this is a favorite part of their home. For this project, we met with John & Kim and went over their desires for their space and functionality for their workshop and pool area. LU Design Build pulled in a partner architect to help draft the workshop concept. In the custom workshop area, we added metal roofing, custom gutters, and custom awning brackets that John actually built. It had custom dormers to let in lots of natural light. The workshop was also designed with vaulted ceilings to allow adequate air space and circulation. We chose a white washed shiplap to keep the space bright and open. In the pool area, we relocated the stairs coming off the deck and a landing area to create a better flow. LU Design Build also partnered with Frisella Outdoor Lighting. Frisella helped source and install the pool deck hardscape, retaining walls & soft landscaping. Since these two spaces were a long time dream of John and Kim, LU Design Build wanted to fit their design style and functionality so that they can stay for a long time and truly love their backyard and workshop.

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

The details of the bar area off the Family Room are designed to match the Eclectic Craftsman Style of the home.
Example of a small arts and crafts kitchen design in Philadelphia

Hot tub - large mediterranean backyard brick and rectangular lap hot tub idea in Los Angeles

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.