A free-standing roof structure provides a shaded lounging area. This pavilion garnered a first-place award in the 2015 NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association) National Deck Competition. It has a meranti ceiling with a louvered cupola and paddle fan to keep cool. (Photo by Frank Gensheimer.)

photo by Emma Cross

Alan Jackson- Jackson Studios

Courtyard style garden with exposed concrete and timber cabana. The swimming pool is tiled with a white sandstone, This courtyard garden design shows off a great mixture of materials and plant species. Courtyard gardens are one of our specialties. This Garden was designed by Michael Cooke Garden Design. Effective courtyard garden is about keeping the design of the courtyard simple. Small courtyard gardens such as this coastal garden in Clovelly are about keeping the design simple. The swimming pool is tiled internally with a really dark mosaic tile which contrasts nicely with the sandstone coping around the pool. The cabana is a cool mixture of free form concrete, Spotted Gum vertical slats and a lined ceiling roof. The flooring is also Spotted Gum to tie in with the slats. Photos by Natalie Hunfalvay

A modern inspired, contemporary town house in Philadelphia's most historic neighborhood. This custom built luxurious home provides state of the art urban living on six levels with all the conveniences of suburban homes. Vertical staking allows for each floor to have its own function, feel, style and purpose, yet they all blend to create a rarely seen home. A six-level elevator makes movement easy throughout. With over 5,000 square feet of usable indoor space and over 1,200 square feet of usable exterior space, this is urban living at its best. Breathtaking 360 degree views from the roof deck with outdoor kitchen and plunge pool makes this home a 365 day a year oasis in the city. Photography by Jay Greene.

The outdoor deck area is raised from the grass area but at the same level as the kitchen so that the occupants in the kitchen can look down over the pool. The solar pergola allows for all weather entertaining.

Jeffrey Jakucyk: Photographer

Outdoor living room designed by Sue Oda Landscape Architect. Photo: ilumus photography & marketing Model: The Mighty Mighty Mellow, Milo McPhee, Esq.

VHT

Photo: practical(ly) studios ©2012

This new house is reminiscent of the farm type houses in the Napa Valley. Although the new house is a more sophisticated design, it still remains simple in plan and overall shape. At the front entrance an entry vestibule opens onto the Great Room with kitchen, dining and living areas. A media room, guest room and small bath are also on the ground floor. Pocketed lift and slide doors and windows provide large openings leading out to a trellis covered rear deck and steps down to a lawn and pool with views of the vineyards beyond. The second floor includes a master bedroom and master bathroom with a covered porch, an exercise room, a laundry and two children’s bedrooms each with their own bathroom Benjamin Dhong of Benjamin Dhong Interiors worked with the owner on colors, interior finishes such as tile, stone, flooring, countertops, decorative light fixtures, some cabinet design and furnishings Photos by Adrian Gregorutti

E2 Homes Modern ipe deck and landscape. Landscape and hardscape design by Evergreen Consulting. Architecture by Green Apple Architecture. Decks by Walk on Wood Photos by Harvey Smith

Photo: Lisa Petrole