Inspiration for a contemporary backyard stone and rectangular lap pool remodel in Hawaii

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Ed Ritger Photography
Deck - transitional rooftop deck idea in San Francisco

Inspiration for a large contemporary rooftop outdoor kitchen deck remodel in Chicago with a roof extension

Jeff Dodge
Mid-sized trendy backyard deck photo in Seattle with a fire pit and a pergola

wa design
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco for spring.

Mariko Reed
Patio - mid-sized 1950s backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a roof extension

City living can lead to creativity, like this complete remodel that also included a rooftop patio. A NARI Contractor of the Year award winner, this contemporary design relies heavily on straight lines and metallic accents.

Tony Soluri Photography
Huge trendy rooftop outdoor kitchen deck photo in Chicago with a pergola

The city comes alive in the evening. Photo courtesy Van Inwegen Digital Arts
Deck - mid-sized contemporary rooftop deck idea in Chicago with a fire pit

Roehner + Ryan
Example of a minimalist deck design in Phoenix with a roof extension

Bernard Andre'
Inspiration for a contemporary full sun backyard vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco.

photography by Jonathan Reece
Small beach style backyard deck photo in Portland Maine with no cover

ipe deck, outdoor fireplace, teak furniture, planters, container garden, steel windows, roof deck, roof terrace
Inspiration for a contemporary rooftop rooftop deck remodel in New York

Perkins Smith was contacted by the owners who had a conceptual design for a timber frame house with a good sense of the look and feel that they wanted for their new home and gorgeous property. They envisioned an understated but elegant house that would provide their family with the unique spaces they needed, that would blend gracefully with the land, and would operate efficiently and sustainably. Their aesthetic preferences tended towards finely crafted but informal rustic finishes that felt like they had been there for a long time. They loved the big open spaces that a timber frame creates and they wanted the indoors to connect easily with the outside. The house, although large, was built with energy performance in mind. It was sited to take advantage of daylight as well as the sun. Solar panels on the roof help offset the house's electrical demand. Radiant heat throughout the house and a state of the art furnace provide efficient heating. The house won the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont 2009 Better Homes Award for Energy Efficiency and the 2011 Better Homes Award for Best Luxury Home Over $1,000,000. Photo Credit: Mike Furey

This playhouse provides a true retreat for kids, encouraging them to play outside and stay in touch with nature. Designed as part of a larger fundraising effort for the Housing Assistance Corporation, a lucky family purchased two playhouse raffle tickets. Those tickets not only won the playhouse, but also helped to raise over $50,000 for Cape Cod Kids who receive services through emergency shelters and housing programs. Responsible green features make the playhouse good for the family and the environment. The structure is clad inside and out with rough-sawn spruce boards, which are naturally weather resistant. Rainwater is captured through integral roof gutters to be deposited in a catchment barrel. The attached succulent and herb garden can then be watered using the rainbarrel spigot. An outdoor chaise for one or two provides a spot to relax, and is movable to follow the sun. A reclaimed sail has been repurposed to provide shade for the large south facing window in the summer. When opened, windows on both sides capture passing breezes and allow for passive cooling. One gable end of the playhouse features hidden double storage shelves for toys and balls. The other gable end includes a climbing wall, recycled tires for a soft falling surface, and a hidden door that leads inside. Storage cubbies offer easy access spaces for toys and games, while a chalkboard encourages drawing and writing. Crank lights and a crank radio use kid power to operate. The blue racer rocker, made of recycled milk bottles, offers fun yet durable seating. In the corner, a kid-height sliding side door guarantees an easy second exit at all times. A ladder leads to the second floor loft area. Twin skylights provide daylighting and the ability to follow the evening stars with the telescope. Overall, the combination of fun for the winning family, environmental sensitivity, and funds raised for the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod made this playhouse a success on many levels. Architecture by ZeroEnergy Design Construction by Cape Associates Building Products by Shepley Wood Products Photos by Roe Osborn

Back yard renovation: added new landscaping, fire pit, benches, patios, edible gardens, fences, plants
Trendy patio photo in Seattle with no cover

With a narrow space to work with we were challenged with maintaining an open feel but creating rooms that were functional. this rooms has a lounge area, sitting group, eating area and a service counter that will soon sport a large outdoor tv come spring. Photos by Tyrone Mitchel

Hot Tub with Modern Pergola, Tropical Hardwood Decking and Fence Screening, Built-in Kitchen with Concrete countertop, Outdoor Seating, Lighting Designed by Adam Miller