Elegant Oasis: Maximizing Entertaining Space In reimagining this 14,233 sqft lot, the goal was to create a high-impact, space-efficient outdoor environment, where space meets sophistication for unrivaled outdoor entertaining. This presentation outlines the thoughtfully designed elements which were meticulously integrated to maximize entertaining space within the constraints of the property. The project commenced with relocating the pool to the furthest reaches of the property, respecting property line setbacks to amplify the area available for entertainment. Adjacent to the back door, a covered built-in kitchen and intimate seating area offer protection from both bugs and the scorching afternoon sun, thanks to a convenient drop-down screen. The 18'x36' pool serves as the focal point, backed by an 18" masonry wall adorned with LED lighting accents. Behind this backdrop, a hedge of long-blooming hydrangeas and espalier-shaped European hornbeams complements the formal design, infusing the space with timeless elegance. The pool deck features a sturdy 5" rebar-reinforced concrete overlay with Valders Dove White and gray stone laid in a herringbone pattern (5'x18" pieces). To address stormwater retention, a large drywell behind the pool was repurposed as the base for a putting green, encircled by permeable gravel and stone coping. Landscape lighting makes it perfect for endless fun, day and night. To minimize the “fence feeling” and to distinguish the detached garage driveway, a grand outdoor fireplace and wall were constructed. This space also includes an outdoor TV and speaker system. A pergola, built from large steel I-beams and cedar, provides respite from the summer sun. For continuity and aesthetic impact, the hydrangea hedge extends the entire length of the property, maximizing the use of the narrow 36" side. The front of the property is equally striking. A heated concrete driveway, saw-cut into 5'x5' squares, provides a grand entrance. The front porch and walkway feature heated, randomly patterned bluestone, expertly set on a concrete sub-base. Two sets of garden walls enclose the front yard, with the closest to the front door boasting three water scuppers and a pondless waterfall system, creating a captivating ambiance for arriving guests. The property's front and rear areas are adorned with various planting beds and containers, which are seasonally adapted to ensure a vibrant landscape year-round. Formal, columnar trees, such as slender silhouette sweetgum, columnar tulip trees, sheared European hornbeams, and shaped tricolor beech, were chosen to harmonize with the property's architecture. Crushed blue granite gravel was used to cover all planting beds, maintaining a clean and low-maintenance appearance. In conclusion, our project has not only met but exceeded our client's expectations by delivering a low-maintenance, high-impact, and space-efficient outdoor haven.

This project features a complete outdoor living upgrade designed for both beauty and functionality. The custom hardscape patio showcases patterned concrete, creating a durable yet visually striking foundation for entertaining. A built-in grill station anchors the space, making outdoor cooking effortless and inviting. An automatic screened-in patio adds year-round comfort, offering protection from insects while maintaining an open-air feel. The backyard was finished with low-maintenance turf, bordered by elegant stone-edged flower beds that add structure and natural contrast. To complete the transformation, a new 8-foot cedar board-on-board privacy fence was installed, paired with a sleek electric sliding gate across the driveway for added security and modern curb appeal.

Addition of structured front porch area. Offering protection from ice and snow build up. Support beams and framing was built, and the roof was tied into the existing with matching shingles giving a seamless transition from old and new.

Covered Terrace. Adjacent to the Casual Dining inside, the covered portion of the Terrace offers protection for outside dining and lounging.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard tile patio remodel in Charlotte with a roof extension

THIN-FINISH™ Decorative Concrete Overlay are remarkably durable and offer protection from extreme hot/cold temperatures, which make them perfect for outdoor spaces.

The fountain located at the front of the home providers the tranquil sound of gently running water. The lion head fountain symbolizes power and might, while offering protection to the owners and guests of the home.

John Granen
Mid-sized minimalist multicolored two-story metal exterior home photo in Seattle with a green roof

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

THIN-FINISH™ Decorative Concrete Overlay are remarkably durable and offer protection from extreme hot/cold temperatures, which make them perfect for outdoor spaces.

Elegant Oasis: Maximizing Entertaining Space In reimagining this 14,233 sqft lot, the goal was to create a high-impact, space-efficient outdoor environment, where space meets sophistication for unrivaled outdoor entertaining. This presentation outlines the thoughtfully designed elements which were meticulously integrated to maximize entertaining space within the constraints of the property. The project commenced with relocating the pool to the furthest reaches of the property, respecting property line setbacks to amplify the area available for entertainment. Adjacent to the back door, a covered built-in kitchen and intimate seating area offer protection from both bugs and the scorching afternoon sun, thanks to a convenient drop-down screen. The 18'x36' pool serves as the focal point, backed by an 18" masonry wall adorned with LED lighting accents. Behind this backdrop, a hedge of long-blooming hydrangeas and espalier-shaped European hornbeams complements the formal design, infusing the space with timeless elegance. The pool deck features a sturdy 5" rebar-reinforced concrete overlay with Valders Dove White and gray stone laid in a herringbone pattern (5'x18" pieces). To address stormwater retention, a large drywell behind the pool was repurposed as the base for a putting green, encircled by permeable gravel and stone coping. Landscape lighting makes it perfect for endless fun, day and night. To minimize the “fence feeling” and to distinguish the detached garage driveway, a grand outdoor fireplace and wall were constructed. This space also includes an outdoor TV and speaker system. A pergola, built from large steel I-beams and cedar, provides respite from the summer sun. For continuity and aesthetic impact, the hydrangea hedge extends the entire length of the property, maximizing the use of the narrow 36" side. The front of the property is equally striking. A heated concrete driveway, saw-cut into 5'x5' squares, provides a grand entrance. The front porch and walkway feature heated, randomly patterned bluestone, expertly set on a concrete sub-base. Two sets of garden walls enclose the front yard, with the closest to the front door boasting three water scuppers and a pondless waterfall system, creating a captivating ambiance for arriving guests. The property's front and rear areas are adorned with various planting beds and containers, which are seasonally adapted to ensure a vibrant landscape year-round. Formal, columnar trees, such as slender silhouette sweetgum, columnar tulip trees, sheared European hornbeams, and shaped tricolor beech, were chosen to harmonize with the property's architecture. Crushed blue granite gravel was used to cover all planting beds, maintaining a clean and low-maintenance appearance. In conclusion, our project has not only met but exceeded our client's expectations by delivering a low-maintenance, high-impact, and space-efficient outdoor haven.

A rustic cabin set on a 5.9 acre wooded property on Little Boy Lake in Longville, MN, the design takes advantage of its secluded setting and stunning lake views. Covered porches on the forest-side and lake-side offer protection from the elements while allowing one to enjoy the fresh open air and unobstructed views. Once inside, one is greeted by a series of custom closet and bench built-ins hidden behind a pair of sliding wood barn doors. Ahead is a dramatic open great room with vaulted ceilings exposing the wood trusses and large circular chandeliers. Anchoring the space is a natural river-rock stone fireplace with windows on all sides capturing views of the forest and lake. A spacious kitchen with custom hickory cabinetry and cobalt blue appliances opens up the the great room creating a warm and inviting setting. The unassuming exterior is adorned in circle sawn cedar siding with red windows. The inside surfaces are clad in circle sawn wood boards adding to the rustic feel of the cabin.

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

Enjoy outdoor living year-round with our Mosaic Glass Forest Walls and Doors. They offer protection from the harsh elements all year.
Deck - mid-sized craftsman backyard deck idea in Denver with a fire pit and a roof extension

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

In an effort to use a passive energy design strategy, we oriented the project to harness cool breezes for comfort on warmer days and a heavily articulated fir beam gabling structure extends over the roofline to offer protection from the elements. The Japanese style lanterns float above the space and on the wall to softly light the area.

The new porch offers: -protection from the elements at the rear entry -safe haven for the pets in hot or inclement weather - space for grilling and small group entertaining -free access to back yard from deck

As you approach the home, the two barn-like volumes reveal themselves as distinct spaces. The public and private functions of a house are split between the two volumes – the kitchen, living, and dining areas are housed in one open-concept building, and the bedrooms and bathrooms are located in the other. They are linked together by a glassy hallway. The front entry is recessed in the main volume, and concealed by a large barn door that slides shut to offer protection from the elements when the family is away.

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.