Photos by A4 Architecture. For more information about A4 Architecture + Planning and the Beachmound Cottage visit www.A4arch.com

The home offers plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

A 3-season porch kit can provide similar livability (except on very cold days) but remain low cost and simple enough for do-it-yourself homeowners. It can add resale value to your home, without increasing your property taxes.

Built in ramp leading to the backyard deck and exercise room.

A contemporary home in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire has been reinvigorated with a slick, stylish extension. This was made complete with the addition of two automated Solar Screens. Read the full story below… The owners of this modern Hertfordshire property extended over their patio to create a covered outdoor bar and seating area. This created a relaxed indoor/outdoor space between the back of their home and the garden. The homeowners were looking to develop this area further, something that would give them the flexibility to turn it from an outdoor space into an indoor space at the touch of a button. After finding Phantom Screens online, they got in touch with one of our experts. The homeowners required a solution to the solar glare that was entering the back of the house, without interrupting their garden views. After sending us rough measurements and images of the house, we had a brief exchange with the homeowners over the phone and gained a good idea of the solutions we could provide. We arranged a free home survey at a date and time to suit our customer. We visited the property to take accurate measurements and discuss the colour and mesh options in more detail so that our customer was fully aware of the options we could provide. Our installers returned a few weeks later and installed the screens – find out what to expect at a Phantom Screens installation here. It was decided that two Automated Power Screens were to be installed to the large opening at the back. These were retrofitted and fixed to the two columns and wall at the far end. The fabric in the screen is Suntex 80 black mesh – acting as Solar Screens by providing an 80% UV block. This is ideal for muting the harsh solar glare that can come in the summer afternoons and evenings at this northwest-facing property. Our high-quality screens are durable, weatherproof, and can be fitted internally or externally. The mesh is made of PVC-coated fibreglass, making it waterproof so it can withstand the rain. This was a bonus for this install as our customer deploys their screens to keep the rain out of their covered outdoor seating area. Using a darker mesh with a higher UV block also provides additional privacy. The screens are designed so that when looking through them, your eyes will focus on the light, so your sun-soaked garden views will remain intact, but any nosy neighbours will struggle to see in! The Automated Solar Screens have transformed this area into a cool retreat from the sun with total insect protection. Check out another recent Power Screens install which has created a similar garden area here. Our customer now enjoys relaxing in their outdoor seating area without any nuisance from the bugs. Having gotten used to screens keeping the insects out, they now cannot live without them. They were even able to celebrate their son’s birthday with a BBQ, which they said was a smash success thanks to the screens! Screens are not just for the summer – they provide year-round comfort, and protection from the elements. These happy customers even used their screens to keep their veranda clear of the snow – allowing them to enjoy a cosy winter BBQ!

Custom three-season room porch in Waxhaw, NC by Deck Plus. The porch features a gable roof, an interior with an open rafter ceiling finish with an outdoor kitchen, and an integrated outdoor kitchen.

Front porch addition designed and built by Georgia Front Porch.

Design Group Collaborative

This young family worked with an architect to create plans for a modernist home that departs completely from the style of their neighbourhood. As part of the custom build, Kingdom Builders constructed a great room containing an open kitchen with custom millwork, professional appliances and a large, Caesar stone island. We built a self-contained master suite on a separate floor with a sitting room that opens up to a 650 square foot rooftop deck and hot tub, and a self-contained two-bedroom suite downstairs. We also installed polished concrete underlaid with radiant heat and a standing seam metal roof. Remarkably, the entire house is lit with LED lighting.

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