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Originally built in 1892, this quaint log cabin has undergone a transformative renovation while preserving its charming character. Located near the Little Deschutes River in Central Oregon, within the historic Vandert Homestead, the home now boasts bright, open spaces for everyday living, complete with flexible aluminum clad folding doors.
Working alongside contractor Bales Inc., architect Jeff Klein from Klein Architecture led the renovation with the goal of opening the once dark interior to natural light and the surrounding landscape. Central to the design was transforming a deteriorating garage into a new functional sunroom, creating a light-filled space that reorients the cabin design toward the patio and natural environment.
Restoring a Historic Cabin with Aluminum Clad Folding Doors
outdoor living with aluminum clad folding door
A Revamped Cabin Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living
The former garage is now a transitional space between the cabin and a natural stone patio. Positioned along the south elevation, the sunroom captures daylight throughout the day while acting as a buffer between the interior and exterior environments. A revised roof assembly was developed to resolve previous drainage failures. Working with framers, the design team incorporated a sloping roof system with a waterproof membrane to direct water away from the structure.
This approach not only protected the log walls but also created access to a rooftop deck from the upper level, adding functional outdoor space without expanding the building footprint.
“It was also critical to transform the existing dark, segmented interior spaces by physically opening them up to the new sunroom,” says Klein. “NanaWall systems offered the ideal solution for what we were after.”
historical homestead interior
Improving Spatial Flow, From the Kitchen to the Sunroom
The kitchen remained largely intact during the renovation, retaining many of the elements that had defined the cabin’s character for decades. Features such as the farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, butcher-block island, and built-in seating were retained, creating a perfect blend of old and new.
What changed was how the kitchen connects to the surrounding rooms. The layout now flows naturally into an adjacent dining area before extending into the newly added sunroom, delivering a seamless transition from the interiors to the outdoors through aluminum clad folding doors.
Historic log cabin with clad folding doors and windows
A Light-Filled Sunroom Designed for Gatherings with Aluminum Clad Windows and Doors
The newly added sunroom became the centerpiece of the cabin design. Designed as a bright, welcoming space, it connects the historic cabin to the natural stone patio beyond. Interior designer Sue Olson helped create the room's atmosphere by choosing finishes and furnishings that complement the cabin's rustic materials while keeping the space open and inviting.
The sunroom captures sunlight throughout the day and serves as a flexible space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. The addition was designed to sit comfortably alongside the existing log structure while introducing expansive glazing and aluminum clad folding doors that draw daylight deep into the home.
NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors and windows
Aluminum Clad Folding Doors Open the Sunroom to the Patio
A NanaWall aluminum clad folding glass door opens the south wall of the sunroom, creating a direct connection to the natural stone patio. Spanning more than thirteen feet wide and nearly eight feet tall, the system allows the entire façade to open when the panels are folded back. Specified with pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the door complements the cabin’s traditional materials while introducing the flexibility of modern indoor-outdoor living.
When closed, the door frames the view while bringing daylight into the sunroom. When open, the space seamlessly flows into the patio. Plus, customized with double glazed panels, these aluminum clad systems offer an insulated barrier that keeps cold weather out and keeps comfortable interiors year-round.
“The NanaWall system was the ideal solution for the proposed design,” says Klein. “The result is a seamless connection between the sheltered interior area and the openness of the outdoor environment.”
aluminum clad folding windows
A Folding Window Creates an Indoor-Outdoor Bar
Complementing the folding door and indoor-outdoor cabin design, a NanaWall aluminum clad folding window was installed at bar height along the sunroom wall facing the patio. Stretching more than thirteen feet across and just over four feet in height, the opening transforms the wall into a casual indoor-outdoor serving counter.
Specified with matching pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the system folds away easily, creating an indoor-outdoor bar that encourages interaction between the sunroom and patio. When open, the counter becomes a flexible gathering point for meals, drinks, and conversation, allowing those inside and outside to share the space comfortably.
“The NanaWall door and window systems played a pivotal role in achieving our design objectives,” says Klein. “The connection between the indoor and outdoor environment has become seamless.”
inoor-outdoor living with clad folding windows and doors
The Flexible Design Solution for Every Home Style
Beyond creating large openings, the NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors were chosen for how well they integrate with the cabin’s traditional architecture while delivering modern functionality. The wood clad panels, specified with simulated divided lites, reflect the style and charm of classic window detailing, while panels that fold outward maximize usable space inside the cabin.
Minimal frames maximize glass area, drawing natural light deeper into the sunroom and adjacent spaces. Paired with higher weather performance sills, the systems are built to withstand the region’s climate while allowing the sunroom to shift easily between a sheltered interior space and an open-air extension of the patio.
Additionally, NanaWall aluminum clad systems feature clip-on cladding technology that allows the wood to breathe in environments where temperatures are extremely hot, humid, or cold. This, in turn, aligns with the renovation’s goal of resolving prior drainage and moisture issues.
outdoor living with NanaWall aluminum clad systems
Final Thoughts: Historic Cabin Design Reimagined for Modern Living
Today, the Vandevert Homestead perfectly blends old-time charm with modern living. The renovation maintains the historic character of the original log structure while introducing brighter, more connected spaces that better engage with the surrounding landscape.
With the transformation of the garage into a light-filled sunroom and flexible NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors, everyday living now flows naturally between the kitchen, dining area, sunroom, and patio. The result is a cabin that feels both timeless and renewed, where historic craftsmanship remains intact while the home experience is lighter, more open, and closely tied to the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

This is as good as it gets for the before and after effect. The customer wanted to transform their property to a place that they would create memories with family and friends for years to come. The centerpiece of it all is the pool space in the backyard, highlighted by a pool house constructed by a builder we have worked with for many years. It was our job to rework the grade in many ways to create a space that was easy to move around in and enjoy, while still allowing for the natural runoff of water from nearby properties. Some other notable features are the upper deck that we relevelled and resurfaced, the "Juliet" above it, a dry creek bed that transforms into a white water river in heavy rain to control the heavy flow of water from surrounding areas, and a brick driveway that sets the stage for it all when you arrive at the property. The end result of it all is this masterpiece of design and installation that are on full display in the photos below

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.
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This Mission Valley condo renovation involved the complete restoration of a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium following water damage remediation. MA Properties Construction completed drywall replacement, texture matching, interior painting, flooring repairs, trim installation, and finish carpentry to restore the property to move-in-ready condition. The project focused on quality craftsmanship, efficient project management, and long-term durability while enhancing the home's appearance, functionality, and value. Serving Mission Valley and San Diego with professional condo remodeling, renovation, restoration, and general contracting services.

We recently completed an expansive front and backyard transformation in the Crystal Cove Community that brings style, comfort, and luxury to every corner of our clients' property! This project features everything from high-end finishes to custom outdoor living elements. Here’s what went into this dream space:
Front Yard
- New concrete entryway, French limestone courtyard, and white limestone driveway & sidewalks for a timeless look.
- Custom walls, seat walls, & water features with stone veneer and integrated lighting.
- Lush new plants, trees, and low-voltage LED lighting to showcase it all!
Backyard
- Outdoor kitchen with wood plank porcelain tile, a wood-burning pizza oven, BBQ area with a Taj Mahal countertop, and a stone-wrapped fireplace.
- A cozy sunken seating area with a water and fire feature at its heart.
- New plants, trees, and LED lighting to bring everything together.
Pool & Spa Addition
- Custom swimming pool with spa and heater, surrounded by elegant limestone coping.
This outdoor oasis is designed for ultimate relaxation and year-round enjoyment. Ready to bring luxury to your outdoor space? Let’s make it happen!

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation:
Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait.
At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind.
Then came the decision: it was time.
Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset.
The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered.
This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live.
The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last.
Then the shift happened.
Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it.
The pool returned—but not as it was.
Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect.
Around it, the yard found purpose.
Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun.
By the end, nothing felt accidental.
What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention.
Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

This is as good as it gets for the before and after effect. The customer wanted to transform their property to a place that they would create memories with family and friends for years to come. The centerpiece of it all is the pool space in the backyard, highlighted by a pool house constructed by a builder we have worked with for many years. It was our job to rework the grade in many ways to create a space that was easy to move around in and enjoy, while still allowing for the natural runoff of water from nearby properties. Some other notable features are the upper deck that we relevelled and resurfaced, the "Juliet" above it, a dry creek bed that transforms into a white water river in heavy rain to control the heavy flow of water from surrounding areas, and a brick driveway that sets the stage for it all when you arrive at the property. The end result of it all is this masterpiece of design and installation that are on full display in the photos below

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation:
Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait.
At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind.
Then came the decision: it was time.
Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset.
The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered.
This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live.
The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last.
Then the shift happened.
Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it.
The pool returned—but not as it was.
Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect.
Around it, the yard found purpose.
Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun.
By the end, nothing felt accidental.
What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention.
Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex.
The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

Discover a luxurious, Mediterranean-inspired plunge pool tucked away within a private courtyard, creating an intimate and tranquil retreat.
This project features a cleverly designed, compact rectangular pool that maximizes the enjoyment of a secluded space. The warm, inviting turquoise water is beautifully framed by expansive, rich gold-toned natural stone coping and decking, which complements the home's terracotta roof and stucco facade.
The pool is anchored by a dramatic multi-tiered water feature wall, clad in rugged, stacked natural stone in earthy tones. This feature includes multiple flush scuppers that create a soothing, sheet-like cascade of water into the pool, adding a continuous element of serene sound and motion.
Integrated seamlessly into the design is a square, raised spa finished with shimmering mosaic tile, offering a distinct area for ultimate indulgence. Lush, vibrant greenery—including a towering screen of bamboo—provides natural texture and exceptional privacy, transforming this courtyard into a sophisticated and completely secluded oasis.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation:
Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait.
At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind.
Then came the decision: it was time.
Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset.
The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered.
This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live.
The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last.
Then the shift happened.
Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it.
The pool returned—but not as it was.
Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect.
Around it, the yard found purpose.
Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun.
By the end, nothing felt accidental.
What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention.
Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Multiple Bubbling Urn Fountain Feature with Pondless Waterfall recently installed at Fox Chase Golf Club Pavilion in Lancaster County, PA. This project included installation of a water feature with 3 bubbling urns varying in size, and a stream and waterfalls. LED lighting was also installed throughout both water features. The Bubbling Urn Fountains are also equipped with the aquascape fire fountain add on kit. These beautiful bubbling urns will turn to amazing fire fountains during the evening hours. Combining fire and water will transform any outdoor space into a cozy backyard paradise.

Our client had previously employed another company to tackle this large Slate floor in Walton on Thames but they hadn’t managed to remove the old sealer due to it being an old varnish seal. Varnish was used as a traditional way of sealing stone but can be damaged by scratching and it does little to improve the look of the stone. Varnish is also very difficult to break down which is a problem as it’s important to remove the old sealant before applying new, applying a new sealer onto Varnish simply wouldn’t work.
I visited the property to survey the floor and work out which combination of products and methods would work best and after some testing and I was able to confirm that not only could the old varnish be removed but once re-sealed with a modern sealer the slate would be transformed.
The client was over the moon to hear this news as they had thought there was nothing, they could do to improve the floor.
With a price and schedule agreed I returned to the property at a later date and started by tackling the varnish. The method I used was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go, let it soak into the floor for ten minutes and then work it in with a heavy rotary scrubbing machine fitted with a black pad. The soil was then rinsed with water and extracted off the floor with a wet vacuum.
The floor was then inspected, and each tile checked to ensure the varnish was completely gone, any stubborn areas were then spot treated and scrubbed by hand. Once I was satisfied, I set about giving the stone a deep clean by repeating the same process with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. As before all the soil and cleaning products were then low pressure rinsed off the stone and vacuumed away. The floor was then left to dry overnight.
I returned the following day to apply a new modern sealer. First, I tested the floor was dry using the moisture meter. It was in the acceptable readings range, so I was able to start applying the sealer straight away.
For this floor I chose to apply Tile Doctor Seal and Go, it works really well on Slate tiles and as you can see from the photographs it completely transformed the appearance of the stone. Seal and Go is a water-based blend of acrylic polymers that provides both a stain resistant surface seal and a durable low-sheen finish, being water based it has the added advantage of not giving off any odour as it dries. The client had specified earlier that they didn’t want the floor to look shiny to the resultant silky appearance was the perfect solution. Thee coats were applied, and my client was very pleased with the finish.
Jonathan Oldham
South Middlesex Tile Doctor

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

We recently completed an expansive front and backyard transformation in the Crystal Cove Community that brings style, comfort, and luxury to every corner of our clients' property! This project features everything from high-end finishes to custom outdoor living elements. Here’s what went into this dream space:
Front Yard
- New concrete entryway, French limestone courtyard, and white limestone driveway & sidewalks for a timeless look.
- Custom walls, seat walls, & water features with stone veneer and integrated lighting.
- Lush new plants, trees, and low-voltage LED lighting to showcase it all!
Backyard
- Outdoor kitchen with wood plank porcelain tile, a wood-burning pizza oven, BBQ area with a Taj Mahal countertop, and a stone-wrapped fireplace.
- A cozy sunken seating area with a water and fire feature at its heart.
- New plants, trees, and LED lighting to bring everything together.
Pool & Spa Addition
- Custom swimming pool with spa and heater, surrounded by elegant limestone coping.
This outdoor oasis is designed for ultimate relaxation and year-round enjoyment. Ready to bring luxury to your outdoor space? Let’s make it happen!

In this compact Houston yard, we created a relaxing outdoor retreat with thoughtful design and custom features. The focal point is a stamped concrete patio, which provides a stylish and durable foundation for gatherings. A serene water feature with a river rock basin, hand-selected by the client, adds soothing sounds and natural beauty to the space. Landscape lighting enhances the ambiance, illuminating key elements and extending the enjoyment into the evening. We also installed an A/C screen and storage. The landscape is softened with native plants, creating a green, eco-friendly solution that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. This project shows how a small yard can feel both functional and expansive.

Xtreme Renovations, LLC has completed another amazing Master Bathroom Renovation for our repeat clients in Lakewood Forest/NW Harris County.
This Project required transforming a 1970’s Constructed Roman Themed Master Bathroom to a Modern State-of-the-Art Master Asian-inspired Bathroom retreat with many Upgrades.
The demolition of the existing Master Bathroom required removing all existing floor and shower Tile, all Vanities, Closest shelving, existing Sky Light above a large Roman Jacuzzi Tub, all drywall throughout the existing Master Bath, shower enclosure, Columns, Double Entry Doors and Medicine Cabinets.
The Construction Phase of this Transformation included enlarging the Shower, installing new Glass Block in Shower Area, adding Polished Quartz Shower Seating, Shower Trim at the Shower entry and around the Shower enclosure, Shower Niche and Rain Shower Head. Seamless Glass Shower Door was included in the Upgrade.
New Drywall was installed throughout the Master Bathroom with major Plumbing upgrades including the installation of Tank Less Water Heater which is controlled by Blue Tooth Technology. The installation of a stainless Japanese Soaking Tub is a unique Feature our Clients desired and added to the ‘Wow Factor’ of this Project.
New Floor Tile was installed in the Master Bathroom, Master Closets and Water Closet (W/C). Pebble Stone on Shower Floor and around the Japanese Tub added to the Theme our clients required to create an Inviting and Relaxing Space.
Custom Built Vanity Cabinetry with Towers, all with European Door Hinges, Soft Closing Doors and Drawers. The finish was stained and frosted glass doors inserts were added to add a Touch of Class. In the Master Closets, Custom Built Cabinetry and Shelving were added to increase space and functionality. The Closet Cabinetry and shelving was Painted for a clean look.
New lighting was installed throughout the space. LED Lighting on dimmers with Décor electrical Switches and outlets were included in the Project. Lighted Medicine Cabinets and Accent Lighting for the Japanese Tub completed this Amazing Renovation that clients desired and Xtreme Renovations, LLC delivered.
Extensive Drywall work and Painting completed the Project. New sliding entry Doors to the Master Bathroom were added.
From Design Concept to Completion, Xtreme Renovations, LLC and our Team of Professionals deliver the highest quality of craftsmanship and attention to details. Our “in-house” Design Team, attention to keeping your home as clean as possible throughout the Renovation Process and friendliness of the Xtreme Team set us apart from others. Contact Xtreme Renovations, LLC for your Renovation needs. At Xtreme Renovations, LLC, “It’s All In The Details”.

Outdoor Makeover
Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in Atlanta.
Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in Atlanta.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

Backyard designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Kings Park, NY. Starting with the installation of a gunite swimming pool, travertine patio, and a pavilion with outdoor kitchen. This backyard received a complete transformation.
The old railroad tie retaining wall was removed and re-constructed with a poured reinforced-concrete wall. It was then veneered with tumbled travertine split-face veneers and finished on top with 12 inch wide, 2 inch thick travertine coping. Sheer descent water features were also installed in the wall over the center spilling into the pool.
The custom designed swimming pool has a roman end by the diving area, steps and a spa in the shallow area, and a sundeck with an LED water bubbler on the long side of the pool facing across the pool to the water feature. The bluestone coping installed for swimming pool and spa complement the porcelain tiles installed in the swimming pool water line. The tile markers outline the steps, benches, sundeck, and the spa interior. The finish of the pool is Super Blue Diamond Brite, which consists of a white quartz with speckle of blue.
An outdoor kitchen was constructed with granite counter top overhanging the stool sitting area. All walls were veneered with split-face tumbled travertine and Twin-Eagle appliances were installed. The appliances include a 24-inch griddle, see-through refrigerator, bar sink, ice maker, a large burner, and many storage cabinets. A 16x16 pavilion was custom-built over the outdoor cooking area, completed with stained wood beams in the ceiling and all synthetic wood trims wrapping the four columns and fascia.
The entire backyard floor and pool patio was completed with Moca tumbled french pattern travertine. The outdoor lighting is designed and installed to uniformly light up the backyard and accent each area. And a free-standing gas fire pit is also placed within the couch area facing the pool.

This luxury outdoor living space centers around a modern swimming pool accented by fire and water features that create a dramatic focal point. The combination of fire elements, clean lines, and reflective water delivers a true resort-style experience while extending usability into the evening. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the pool area seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape and outdoor living zones.

Due to its deteriorating condition, the asphalt roll roofing on this ADU required replacement before the Fall rains. Asphalt roll roofing generally lasts only 5-10 years, leading to ongoing maintenance challenges. The original 1×10 sheathing showed significant sagging in several spots, resulting in standing water not suitable for asphalt. Additionally, there was a complete absence of ventilation after improper installation of R-21 fiberglass insulation, leaving no air gap between the sheathing and insulation. A noticeable hump along the center of the roof indicated that the load-bearing wall had been supporting that section since construction, contributing to light sagging between the walls.
The old roof was completely removed down to the joists, revealing a solid base for the new installation. The central hump was eliminated by shaving the high point along that line. 2×6 beams were ripped in half then nailed on top of the existing joists, creating a 1.5″ gap for insulation and providing strong attachment points for the OSB sheathing, which was secured with screws to prevent any potential issues with nail heads popping through over the roof’s expected lifespan of over 50 years. The EPDM membrane was then adhered using glue and contact cement along the edges of each sheet, with the ends folded over the roof edges and secured with termination bars. Drip edge flashing was added and taped to ensure a water-tight seal, and EPDM-safe caulking was applied over the seams for additional protection. Finally, all exposed wood was primed and painted.
The new roof features a 60mil commercial-grade EPDM rubber membrane, offering a lifespan exceeding 50 years, in stark contrast to the 5-10 year lifespan of asphalt roll roofing.
Using two sheets of EPDM for installation streamlined the process, resulting in one single seam across the entire roof, compared to the asphalt roll’s dimensions of 3 feet wide by 33 feet long, which created 8 vertical seams and 9 horizontal seams—significantly increasing the risk of leakage and failure. Wrapping the rubber over the edge of the roof effectively addressed concerns about water infiltration at the edges, an issue prevalent with the asphalt and drip edge interface.
Another benefit to removing the splitting 1×10 decking and replacing it with OSB sheathing is the increase in structural integrity, moisture resistance, longevity and consistency.
The project successfully transformed the ADU’s roof from a maintenance-prone asphalt roll system to a highly durable 60mil EPDM rubber membrane. By addressing critical structural issues, including sagging sheathing and inadequate ventilation, the team ensured that the new roof not only offers superior water resistance and longevity but also meets higher performance standards for insulation and durability. The replacement process eliminated common weak points, such as numerous seams and poor edge sealing, which were vulnerabilities in the old roofing system. The result is a streamlined, secure installation that provides peace of mind and long-term value, with a lifespan extending well beyond the original roof.
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