Harold Cross, Archadeck of Central Iowa; Dan Welk, Click! Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard stone patio kitchen remodel with a gazebo

Expanding the narrow 30 square foot balcony on the upper level to a full floor allowed us to create a 300 square foot gym. We closed off the opening to the kitchen below. The floor framing is extra strong, specifically to carry the weight of the clients’ weights and exercise apparatus. We also used sound insulation to minimize sound transmission. We built walls at the top of the stairway to prevent sound transmission, but in order not to lose natural light transmission, we installed 3 glass openings that are fitted with LED lights. This allows light from the new sliding door to flow down to the lower floor. The entry door to the gym is a frosted glass pocket door. We replaced existing door/transom and two double-hung windows with an expansive, almost 16-foot, double sliding door, allowing for almost 8-foot opening to the outside. These larger doors allow in a lot of light and provide better access to the deck for entertaining. The cedar siding on the interior gym wall echoes the cedar deck fence. HDBros

Green Hill Project Photo Credit : Nat Rea
Mid-sized beach style backyard deck photo in Providence with no cover

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Photo of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

Expanding the narrow 30 square foot balcony on the upper level to a full floor allowed us to create a 300 square foot gym. We closed off the opening to the kitchen below. The floor framing is extra strong, specifically to carry the weight of the clients’ weights and exercise apparatus. We also used sound insulation to minimize sound transmission. We built walls at the top of the stairway to prevent sound transmission, but in order not to lose natural light transmission, we installed 3 glass openings that are fitted with LED lights. This allows light from the new sliding door to flow down to the lower floor. The entry door to the gym is a frosted glass pocket door. We replaced existing door/transom and two double-hung windows with an expansive, almost 16-foot, double sliding door, allowing for almost 8-foot opening to the outside. These larger doors allow in a lot of light and provide better access to the deck for entertaining. The cedar siding on the interior gym wall echoes the cedar deck fence. HDBros

A square deck doesn’t have to be boring – just tilt the squares on an angle. This client had a big wish list: A screen porch was created under an existing elevated room. A large upper deck for dining was waterproofed with EPDM roofing. This made for a large dry area on the lower deck furnished with couches, a television, spa, recessed lighting, and paddle fans. An outdoor shower is enclosed under the stairs. For code purposes, we call it a rinsing station. A small roof extension to the existing house provides covering and a spot for a hanging daybed. The design also includes a live edge slab installed as a bar top at which to enjoy a casual drink while watching the children in the yard. The lower deck leads down two more steps to the fire pit.

Ipe hardwood deck and potting bench; Photo-Mark Edgar

I have worked for many past years with this homeowner. This year they were ready for a new deck and design. The goals of this deck was to create useful outdoor living areas and minimize the amount of railing. Another goal was to be maintenance free with a possible roof addition later. We came up with a few designs and then chose one that had 2 levels. The upper level was designed for a future roof for next year to be built on for Summer Shade. The lower level was designed close to the ground without railing. Because of no rail – we did add some deck dot lights around the border so in the evening – you can see the edge of the deck for safety purposes. The product that was chosen was Timbertech’s PVC Capped Composite Decking in the Terrain Series. Colors were Brown Oak for the main and then accented with Rustic Elm. The railing was Westbury’s Full Aluminum Railing (Tuscany Series) in the black color. We then added lighting on all of the steps as well as on top of the picture frame border of the lower deck. This deck turned out great. This late Winter/Early Spring, we will be building a roof above – pictures to come after completion. Part 2 of this project we did in Spring of the next year. We built a new Roof over the main deck with an aluminum ceiling. This project turned out great and even matches the 3D Schematic!

Basement - contemporary basement idea in Minneapolis

Custom Wood Stairs with Chandelier reaching from Upper Level to Lower Basement Level
Staircase - modern staircase idea

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard deck remodel in Boston with no cover

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

Architect: Grouparchitect. Contractor: Barlow Construction. Photography: Chad Savaikie.
Mid-sized modern beige three-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Seattle with a shed roof

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.

This porch addition is open on the upper deck and enclosed on the lower level. It is the perfect retreat right off the kitchen for eating and enjoying the outdoors. the lower level is a great hangout space off the basement.