Backyard on Lake Minnetonka showcasing new patio and terraces. The motorized louvered pergola system that uses a remote to open and close for ultimate flexibility with the sun and rain.

Example of a transitional deck design in San Francisco

Ali Atri Photography
Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal front porch remodel in New York with decking and a pergola

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in DC Metro

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

Mark Lohman
Large beach style light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The covered deck opens from the dining area and also leads to the uncovered grilling deck.
Deck - craftsman backyard deck idea

Peter Aaslestad
Small country tile screened-in porch photo in Richmond with a roof extension

Living room - traditional formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room idea in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Deck - mid-sized traditional backyard deck idea in Seattle with no cover

Trendy backyard deck photo in Orange County with a roof extension

Balcony - mid-sized contemporary metal railing balcony idea in New Orleans with a fire pit and a roof extension

Example of a trendy brown two-story exterior home design

Minimalist courtyard stone patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Slated walls Waterfall flowing from 2nd floor Fleetwood pocket doors #buildboswell
Large trendy backyard tile and custom-shaped infinity pool photo in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard deck remodel in Louisville with a roof extension

The buyers were looking to remove their existing sunroom and add a covered outdoor living area. The original goal was to extend it to the end of the house but we were able to keep that uncovered and add some additional features to the covered area like the tongue and groove ceiling and the stamped concrete to get the look they wanted. The covered space is approx. 220 square feet and 450 sq ft total including the concrete. The lower plate line of the house gave us an opportunity to slope the ceiling back towards the house to create additional volume inside of the space. The room has recess cans, a fan, and is wired for a television with a Sonos Sound Bar. The stamped concrete is an Arizona Flagstone pattern with individually colored and carved stones. The stamped concrete is an Arizona Flagstone pattern with individually colored and carved stones.