Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Transitional medium tone wood floor foyer photo in Minneapolis with beige walls and a black front door

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a country porch remodel in New York

This custom freestanding lean to greenhouse has been converted into an outdoor gym. Rain or shine, the well ventilated space can be an escape to nature but not its elements. 10x14 with luxurious double glass glazing, this structure is a retreat from the everyday.

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment. The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

* Open floor plan, with few interior walls * Built-in seating and shelving * Heated concrete slab * Natural ventilation strategy designed into home. * Interior plants filter air * Fireplace as central core and defining element * Natural lighting through clerestory windows

This clean bathroom features fully tiled walls and floors with multiple windows for natural light and ventilation. Two large vanities and a toilet room make for a comfortable layout.

Example of a trendy great room design in Singapore

The bedrooms are located towards the back of the unit and in order to get natural light and ventilation into the bedroom as the building code requires, a portion of the curved wall that separates them from the living spaces is held down to be only seven feet above the floor letting the light and ventilation into the room

Photographer: Alexander Canaria and Taylor Proctor
Bedroom - small rustic guest light wood floor bedroom idea in Seattle with white walls

Cedar lattice fencing is a perfect choice to create a Beautiful Border with visibility and good ventilation. Our fencing professionals can incorporate lattice work into many fencing designs to meet your needs and taste.

Bedroom - carpeted bedroom idea in San Diego with beige walls and no fireplace

The owners of this inner- SE Buckman beauty wanted to reinvigorate the home's historic 1913 charm while tastefully balancing clean, contemporary design with deep energy upgrades. Green Hammer met the challenge with an expanded gourmet kitchen, fine woodwork, reclaiming the attic for a bedroom suite and yoga space with views of the Portland skyline and all the accouterments of a great Green Hammer project like heat recovery ventilation, comprehensive energy and weatherization upgrades, and a rooftop solar array. Photo: Bill Purcell

photography by Atelier Wong. View of the planting gallery from the alley.
Contemporary exterior home idea in Austin

High, accessible dual awning windows visible from the master bedroom provide natural light and ventilation without compromising privacy.
Doorless shower - mid-sized transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile doorless shower idea in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, green walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

In this kitchen, a continuous line of windows ensures comfort, natural light and ventilation without compromising the work areas - on the free bench - and storage - in the above and below joinery. Photo: M. Caldo Studio

Garage - large traditional attached four-car garage idea in Denver

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Rustic exterior home idea in San Francisco

David Livingston
Eat-in kitchen - rustic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, concrete countertops, window backsplash, a peninsula, gray countertops and paneled appliances