2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

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

Neave Group Outdoor Solutions
This is an example of a large traditional full sun front yard gravel driveway in New York.

Chuck Choi Architectural Photography
Home office - modern built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office idea in Boston with white walls

Norman Sussex shutters installed in our Miami showroom. Color is Clay and louvers are 4 1/2" with invisible tilts.
Trendy freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room photo with black walls

CHRISTOPHER LEE FOTO
Eclectic dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Los Angeles with a bar and white walls

Benjamin Benschneider
Example of an urban medium tone wood floor hallway design in Seattle with white walls

This Montclair kitchen is given brand new life as the core of the house and is opened to its concentric interior and exterior spaces. This kitchen is now the entry, the patio area, the serving area and the dining area. The space is versatile as a daily home for a family of four as well as accommodating large groups for entertaining. An existing fireplace was re-faced and acts as an anchor to the renovations on all four sides of it. Brightly colored accents of yellow and orange give orientation to the constantly shifting perspectives within the home. Architecture by Tierney Conner Design Studio Photo by David Duncan Livingston

Rather than starting with an outcome in mind, this 1,400 square foot residence began from a polemic place - exploring shared conviction regarding the concentrated power of living with a smaller footprint. From the gabled silhouette to passive ventilation, the home captures the nostalgia for the past with the sustainable practices of the future. While the exterior materials contrast a calm, minimal palette with the sleek lines of the gabled silhouette, the interior spaces embody a playful, artistic spirit. From the hand painted De Gournay wallpaper in the master bath to the rugged texture of the over-grouted limestone and Portuguese cobblestones, the home is an experience that encapsulates the unexpected and the timeless.

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Elegant home office photo in Chicago

Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, concrete countertops, an island and white backsplash

Mudroom are a practical solution for winter and spring weather in Minnesota. Keep your mucky boots, warm coats and accessories convenient and concentrated in a mudroom by the garage door. Photography by Spacecrafting

bruce damonte
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s open concept concrete floor living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Self watering earth boxes are a practical solution to growing concentrated amounts of vegetables on a sunny roof top space.
Photo of a full sun rooftop mulch landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Builder: Brad DeHaan Homes Photographer: Brad Gillette Every day feels like a celebration in this stylish design that features a main level floor plan perfect for both entertaining and convenient one-level living. The distinctive transitional exterior welcomes friends and family with interesting peaked rooflines, stone pillars, stucco details and a symmetrical bank of windows. A three-car garage and custom details throughout give this compact home the appeal and amenities of a much-larger design and are a nod to the Craftsman and Mediterranean designs that influenced this updated architectural gem. A custom wood entry with sidelights match the triple transom windows featured throughout the house and echo the trim and features seen in the spacious three-car garage. While concentrated on one main floor and a lower level, there is no shortage of living and entertaining space inside. The main level includes more than 2,100 square feet, with a roomy 31 by 18-foot living room and kitchen combination off the central foyer that’s perfect for hosting parties or family holidays. The left side of the floor plan includes a 10 by 14-foot dining room, a laundry and a guest bedroom with bath. To the right is the more private spaces, with a relaxing 11 by 10-foot study/office which leads to the master suite featuring a master bath, closet and 13 by 13-foot sleeping area with an attractive peaked ceiling. The walkout lower level offers another 1,500 square feet of living space, with a large family room, three additional family bedrooms and a shared bath.

Pronounced "e-pay," it is a hard and resilient wood, often used in coastal environments. Also known for its resistance to attack by both fungi and insects, Ipê holds a Class A fire rating -- the same rating given to concrete and steel. It's strength can be attributed to the natural oils and highly concentrated density levels contained in the wood. This combination is what will make an Ipê deck stand the test of time.

Pronounced "e-pay," it is a hard and resilient wood, often used in coastal environments. Also known for its resistance to attack by both fungi and insects, Ipê holds a Class A fire rating -- the same rating given to concrete and steel. It's strength can be attributed to the natural oils and highly concentrated density levels contained in the wood. This combination is what will make an Ipê deck stand the test of time.

Self watering earth boxes are a practical solution to growing concentrated amounts of vegetables on a sunny roof top space.
Inspiration for a full sun rooftop mulch landscaping in Chicago for summer.