This outdoor living area was a new build and needed protection from the sun. The Sunbrella shading is stationary and attached to the structure with stainless steel hardware. Designs by Dian fabricated and installed the shading. All custom pillows were fabricated by Designs by Dian.

The Cove Collection is the perfect addition to any contemporary outdoor space. The Natural Grey Supercast™ concrete lets the focus be on the stunning 20" round Crystal Fire® Plus Burner. The organic, natural appearance of the concrete is unique to each unit and color variations, pitting, and wear are common attributes to the beauty of the fire bowl.

A new pool house structure for a young family, featuring a space for family gatherings and entertaining. The highlight of the structure is the featured 2 sliding glass walls, which opens the structure directly to the adjacent pool deck. The space also features a fireplace, indoor kitchen, and bar seating with additional flip-up windows.

The garage wood double hung window was custom built to match the details of the 1925 house windows which are original and still in working order with counter weights in the walls. The siding was chosen to match the house exactly in scale, shape, and proportion.

In a unique location on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, an existing pool and rear garden was transformed inline with the ‘Hamptons’ style interiors of the home. The shape of an existing pool was changed to allow for more lawn and usable space. New tiling, rendered walls, planters and salt tolerant planting brought the garden up to date. The existing undercover alfresco area in this Dover Heights family garden was opened up by lowering the tiling level to create internal height and a sense of spaciousness. The colour palette was purposely limited to match the house with white light greys, green plantings and blue in the furnishings and pool. The addition of a built in BBQ with shaker profile cupboards and marble bench top references the interior styling and brings sophistication to the outdoor space. Baby blue pool lounges and wicker furniture add to the ‘Hamptons’ feel. Contemporary planters with Bougainvillea has been used to provide a splash of colour along the roof line for most of the year. In a side courtyard synthetic lawn was added to create a children’s play area, complete with elevated fort, cubby house and climbing wall.

Go to www.GAMBRICK.com or call 732.892.1386 for additional information.

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Chad Mellon Photographer

Wanderlust Photography, Sami Kennedy

This space (called the Grotto) below the upper deck provides a place to relax and entertain friends. Move the table under the cover for a waterfront dining experience. The lumber is tight knot cedar with a Penofin finish.

Wendy designed this garage door style window to allow pass through from the patio space to the kitchen. The counter area provides an easy entertaining space as well. Behind you can see the outdoor kitchen, featuring a stone fireplace, Big Green Egg, gas grill, and Lynx dropped burner.

Caroline Allison