Fully integrated Signature Estate featuring Creston controls and Crestron panelized lighting, and Crestron motorized shades and draperies, whole-house audio and video, HVAC, voice and video communication atboth both the front door and gate. Modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail.

Fully integrated Signature Estate featuring Creston controls and Crestron panelized lighting, and Crestron motorized shades and draperies, whole-house audio and video, HVAC, voice and video communication atboth both the front door and gate. Modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail.

Built in Ipe benches and planters shape the space of this roof deck, giving our client flexibility and privacy. -Brad Dickson Photography
Mid-sized trendy rooftop rooftop deck photo in New York with no cover

This award-winning two-level deck resides in Chester, NJ. The flooring is blind-fastened Ipe hardwood. The railing is a combination of cedar and our own custom made Azek post wraps. The upper deck features plenty of space for eating and lounging. The lower deck features a hot tub with plenty of seating space around it. A small privacy wall on two sides adds to the intimate ambiance. Low voltage lights and custom gates finish the look of this wonderful deck.

This award-winning two-level deck resides in Chester, NJ. The flooring is blind-fastened Ipe hardwood. The railing is a combination of cedar and our own custom made Azek post wraps. The upper deck features plenty of space for eating and lounging. The lower deck features a hot tub with plenty of seating space around it. A small privacy wall on two sides adds to the intimate ambiance. Low voltage lights and custom gates finish the look of this wonderful deck.

Not everyone has the backyard that suits a hardscape patio. Those situations sometimes call for a different approach....especially in this case! We built a second-level deck and pergola for this family outside of Greenfield. Cedar all around! They also wanted to retain their beautiful views. So we used a cable railing system that is safe and effective at preventing falls, but also perfect for maximizing those views. I think it turned out well, don't you? Sun-Dried tomatoes anyone?

lower tier of the deck with two staircases
Example of a large backyard metal railing deck design in Omaha with no cover

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

The renovation and a modern revamp of a grand Paddington terrace house for a large family meant that every space was carefully considered including the garden. The entry level of the residence was opened up and spilt into two levels with the garden doing the same to cater for the sloping nature of the site. Large Sliding doors at the rear open up onto a generous deck/ entertaining space. To one side is a floating style built in BBQ, designed to take up the least space its light stone benchtop contrasting beautifully against the charcoal boundary wall. The brief was a tricky one with the space having to accommodate off street parking for a 4WD size car, play space for children, adults entertaining, bin storage and plunge pool. The plunge pool was custom designed off one side of the deck (to allow for the car on the other) with a lockable sliding timber platform/ cover that when open is hidden under the deck. This meant no pool fences and a space that can be used as decking when not in use. At the rear of the pool a cluster of large contemporary cylinder pots with contrasting plantings provides extra greenery and hides a bin storage area. The pots were chosen over planting in-ground because they can be moved if needed making the space more flexible for the families needs. Three wide steps of the deck lead down to a multipurpose synthetic lawn area that functions as the kids play space or car-parking area. Two mature Kentia palms were replanted to add greenery and a canopy of fronds over. Bamboo adds further softness along the side boundary and will grow tall to screen the neighbours. A palette of charcoal, soft greys and whites has created a calming yet very functional space for a busy family.

Fully integrated Signature Estate featuring Creston controls and Crestron panelized lighting, and Crestron motorized shades and draperies, whole-house audio and video, HVAC, voice and video communication atboth both the front door and gate. Modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail.

Since most of their backyard would be turned into decking, they felt natural wood (cedar) for both the deck and extensive railings was the way to go. As experts like Bob Vila point out, cedar is a great choice because of its durability; it also resists rot, moisture, as well as insect damage. “It’s also a great choice for the Northeast because of cedar’s ability to adapt to changes in moisture, which is key during freeze-thaw periods,” says Bill Renter. www.besthottubs.com

The client wanted a deck to be connected to the rest of the yard and transition to the upper deck 10ft of grade to the patio on grade. The centrally located circular kitchen area services both the patio and the upper deck and gives lots of options whether it’s just the family or a party for 50. Minimizing rails and stairs during the transition from the upper deck to the lower deck on grade was critical to the clients. Adding the kitchen to the project without obstructing the view out the rear patio doors was also an important request from the client. The WOLF PVC Black Walnut accents and fascia really sets off the Driftwood field. Dutch Quality weathered ledge stone was used in the kitchen with a granite counter. Custom welded aluminum rails and EP Henry Bristol pavers are also featured. The built in flower beds extend the feel of the patio area and allow for plantings to be added. This project turned an unusable back yard and disconnected elevated deck into cohesive multi-level living space.

The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call "tweeners"; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area. This was done by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing portion of the patio, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished, limestone-colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into it's surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool with their bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge, Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls (which were overwhelming in the space) and also opened up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive Pecan tree at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited for proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks added, and once again expertly married into the existing decks, opening the area to house a large dining table and a newly built-in BBQ area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property. Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscape as possible. But, the surrounding decks, walls and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle-yet-transformative changes that came together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, as well as to improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of this massive hardscape.

View of composite Trex decking ramp creating a subtle rise that links the back deck to the adjacent walkway.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman deck remodel in Other

Gorgeous 4 level, 1650 square foot deck with roof line observation deck overlooking Grandfather Mountain. Premium oil based finished, custom handrails, and under deck roofing in between levels. Photography by Bernard Russo

Gorgeous 4 level, 1650 square foot deck with roof line observation deck overlooking Grandfather Mountain. Premium oil based finished, custom handrails, and under deck roofing in between levels. Photography by Bernard Russo

Trex deck with custom double level and staircase.
Deck - large backyard deck idea in St Louis with no cover

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Tom Jacques and Drew Cunningham
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard deck remodel in Toronto