Before and After
Situated in the back of a mid-century modern and single-story home, the client wanted a functional outdoor living space in a style complementing the architecture of the home.
The Process
The old paver patio was not adequate for the needs of the family. The client’s wish list included a firepit, large dining and lounging areas, an expansive outdoor kitchen and bar for watching games and entertaining, and an area for a future hot tub.
The biggest challenge the design team had to overcome was insufficient drainage in the backyard. The old patio would quickly fill up with water, which would then seep into the house during heavy rains. So in addition to creating a visually appealing space, the Aspen design team had to engineer a drainage system capable of moving any amount of rainfall or snowmelt away from the home.
The Solution
The Aspen design team created a simple, open floor plan using modern materials like 2-foot-by-3-foot slab pavers (Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth XL), dark suede-finished granite countertops, Unilock UCara for the outdoor kitchen, and Unilock Lineo Dimensional for the gas firepit.
The design solution was for a multi-level space so the countertop could be at the same level over the entire kitchen. Multi-levels also aided in the management of water and how it drained from the space. Fitting the space better than another roof structure, a LouveRoof pergola was installed to offer the family shade while sitting outside, as well as protection from rain. Electric heaters extend the outdoor living space’s useful season well into the late fall or early winter.
Whereas the original patio was small and didn’t drain well, the new space is a true extension of the home’s living space in both form and function. Opening the sliding glass doors allows the homeowners and their guests to flow freely between the indoors and their new outdoor living space.
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Get in touch, and we’ll set you up with a licensed landscape architect who will discuss your needs and wants, interpret them, and work with you to formulate a plan for a living space that suits your personality and lifestyle.