A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

A Covered Trex Composite Deck with Universal Motions Retractable Privacy Screens. Custom made railing, provided by the customer, and a unique mid-century fireplace to tie it together. The ceiling is finished with cedar tongue and groove and the project is topped with a metal standing seam roof. The project also includes Infratech header mounted heaters.

This Eichler's atrium has been covered by a ridge-type skylight, rather than a typical flat skylight. In this picture, the skylight is partially retracted. Look closer, and you'll see that the closer of the two beams has been built up. That's one of the advantages of Eichlers: they have thick beams running the depth of the house that are perfectly suited to support the weight of a retractable skylight. In the image, the close beam is load-bearing, as is the beam inside the wall on the right side.

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.

Dave Slivinski
Deck - mid-sized contemporary rooftop deck idea in Chicago

The best view from a home is typically from the roof. And if that view includes a famous bridge, beach or skyline, every effort should be made to gain access to it. Here in San Francisco, a deck on the roof adds ridiculous value to homes that are already ridiculously expensive! And it's the same story from Brooklyn to Venice Beach. The challenge with stairways running to the roof: they've always required a stair enclosure, and that means adding one more story - something that the building department - and neighbors - typically won't agree to. The solution: a motorized retractable roof.

This side porch has motorized Executive Screens by Phantom Screens to keep the space bug free when needed. The screens retract out of sight when not in use.

The 12-degree roof gradient effectively avoids rainwater pooling on the roof surface, reducing long-term moisture erosion on frames and sealing parts. 2.0mm thick aluminum profiles ensure stable wind resistance and structural durability under outdoor temperature changes. Powder-coated aluminum surface resists rust and UV fading. Clean minimalist modern lines coordinate well with contemporary residential architecture. Optional configurations include zip screen side enclosures, LED strip lights and ceiling fans to form a fully enclosed outdoor room.

Large tuscan backyard stone patio photo in Orange County with a roof extension

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard concrete patio design with a fireplace and a roof extension

John Benson Photography / SSA Landscape Architects
Inspiration for a timeless backyard tile patio remodel in San Francisco with a gazebo and a pergola

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

This view shows how the Rollamatic skylight bisects the hand railing. It seems that rules are always changing, and that every jurisdiction is different. Do select an architect who's in tune with what's required in your area.

Kerri Lindley
Classic porch idea in Raleigh

This image shows two brilliant details - and it's the architect who gets all the credit. He has created an almost-continuous handrail, AND he has the Rollamatic skylight disappearing into a parapet wall, quite like a pocket door.