The pond house has magnetic mosquito curtains that can be opened and closed in minutes Photo by Peter Margonelli

Our goal with this project was to create a fun, inviting, safe space for kids and friends to hang out in and make memories. Keeping privacy in mind, we installed a large fence around the lawn to keep all the fun inside their private yard. Stepping stones and patio was installed to enhance walkways and patio areas with accent design. Lighting, in-ground trampoline, and decor all added the perfect amount of spice to liven up this space and give it a truly unique, customized feel. The client's backyard space went from drab to beautiful and we’re so happy for the opportunity to work with them on such a large project!

2 Aristocrat Eko retractable awnings installed over 2 separate back patios This awning is 6' long and projects 4' out.

International Landscaping partnered with ShadeFX to provide shade to another beautiful outdoor kitchen in Toronto. A 12’x8’ freestanding canopy in a neutral Sunbrella Cadet Grey fabric was manufactured for the space.

An expansive Trex Transcend "Spiced Rum" deck with "Lava Rock" border and fascia. Timber frame BBQ cover. This deck has automated perimter lighting and enhancements to the frame and structure to improve the lifespan. This complete outdoor livingspace was the result of detailed planning and attention to detail and the customers wants.

The Snug is a cosy, thermally efficient home for a couple of young professionals on a modest Coburg block. The brief called for a modest extension to the existing Californian bungalow that better connected the living spaces to the garden. The extension features a dynamic volume that reaches up to the sky to maximise north sun and natural light whilst the warm, classic material palette complements the landscape and provides longevity with a robust and beautiful finish.

Paul Schefz

Ian Harding

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Lluis Casals

Replaced wood deck with Trex decking boards in gray and brown picture frame. White vinyl railings and posts. Wrapped in azek.

It’s hard to improve the quality of Aluminum Deck Rail from UltraLox™. They’re lining more and more decks in North America with their premium powder-coated aluminum railing and glass railing systems. The do-it-yourself easy of construction is a key factor in that. These simple, easy-to-install railing systems cut down on installation time and cost. The hidden fastener system allows for seamlessness around your outdoor oasis. https://ultralox.com/aluminum-railing/

Tomer Benyehuda

William Short Photography For a third year in a row, AZEK® Building Products is proud to partner with Sunset magazine on its inspirational 2018 Silicon Valley Idea House, located in the beautiful town of Los Gatos, California. The design team utilized Weathered Teak™ from AZEK® Deck's Vintage Collection® to enhance the indoor-outdoor theme of this year's home. It's featured in three locations on the home including the front porch, back deck and lower-level patio. De Mattei Construction also used AZEK's Evolutions Rail® Contemporary and Bronze Riser lights to complete the stunning backyard entertainment area.