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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.

Landscape contracting by Avid Landscape. Carpentry by Contemporary Homestead. Photograph by Meghan Montgomery.
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Today’s Vintage Farmhouse by KCS Estates is the perfect pairing of the elegance of simpler times with the sophistication of today’s design sensibility. Nestled in Homestead Valley this home, located at 411 Montford Ave Mill Valley CA, is 3,383 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. And features a great room with vaulted, open truss ceilings, chef’s kitchen, private master suite, office, spacious family room, and lawn area. All designed with a timeless grace that instantly feels like home. A natural oak Dutch door leads to the warm and inviting great room featuring vaulted open truss ceilings flanked by a white-washed grey brick fireplace and chef’s kitchen with an over sized island. The Farmhouse’s sliding doors lead out to the generously sized upper porch with a steel fire pit ideal for casual outdoor living. And it provides expansive views of the natural beauty surrounding the house. An elegant master suite and private home office complete the main living level. 411 Montford Ave Mill Valley CA Presented by Melissa Crawford

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Interior design by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors using Ames Ingham Lighting. Custom Rectangle 4.
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Our clients came to us looking for a complete renovation of the rear facade of their Atlanta home and attached deck. Their wish list included a contemporary, functional design that would create spaces for various uses, both for small family gatherings and entertaining larger parties. The result is a stunning, custom outdoor living area with a wealth of options for relaxing and socializing. The upper deck is the central dining and entertaining area and includes a custom cantilevered aluminum pergola, a covered grill and prep area, and gorgeous concrete fire table and floating wooden bench. As you step down to the lower deck you are welcomed by the peaceful sound of cascading water from the custom concrete water feature creating a Zen atmosphere for the entire deck. This feature is a gorgeous focal point from inside the house as well. To define the different outdoor rooms and also provide passive seating opportunities, the steps have built-in recessed lighting so that the space is well-defined in the evening as well as the daytime. The landscaping is modern and low-maintenance and is composed of tight, linear plantings that feature complimentary hues of green and provides privacy from neighboring properties.

Designer: Christina Garcia, Allied ASID Design Firm: Dallas Design Group, Interior
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Outdoor kitchen & dining deck features Viking appliances and easy access to kitchen through the snack bar style window.
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Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come.

A wide view of this open-plan kitchen showcases the seamless transition from the dining area to the kitchen island. The modern aesthetic is complemented by the sleek design of the kitchen island, ideal for both cooking and socializing. The natural light pouring in creates an inviting space for gatherings.

Mudroom featuring custom industrial raw steel lockers with grilled door panels and wood bench surface. Custom designed & fabricated wood barn door with raw steel strap & rivet top panel. Decorative raw concrete floor tiles. View to kitchen & living rooms beyond.

Photo by Gillean Proctor
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