Contemporary Home Overlooking the Potomac River

When we met with the owners of this home, they presented us with a book illustrating the work of Greene and Greene (architectural predecessors to Frank Lloyd Wright.) They told us that they wanted the work in that book to be the inspiration for their landscape. Excited about this new creative opportunity, we brought the book back to the office and pored over it. The Greene and Greene philosophy is captured in this quote: “The Style of the house should be as far as possible determined by four conditions: First, Climate; Second, Environment; Third, Kinds of materials available; Fourth, Habits and tastes—i.e., life of the owner” (C. S. Greene). We built the landscape with those elements in mind. The patios are proportional to the house and suitable for their intended use. We used an eclectic blend of reclaimed materials to create the elegantly simple outdoor living spaces that surround this home. When we installed the plant material, we re-used and transplanted as much of the existing plant material as possible. All the mature trees were left untouched. For new plants, we chose from native cultivars that would transition smoothly to the wooded space surrounding the home. The house sits on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River. Greene and Greene referred to such homes as ultimate bungalows. O'Grady's Landscape

The Urban Tree House

Joy Street Design

This smart home was designed by our Oakland studio with bright color, striking artwork, and sleek furniture. --- Designed by Oakland interior design studio Joy Street Design. Serving Alameda, Berkeley, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Piedmont, and San Francisco. For more about Joy Street Design, click here: https://www.joystreetdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.joystreetdesign.com/portfolio/oakland-urban-tree-house

Patios and Decks

Razzano Homes and Remodelers, Inc.

London Courtyard

Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer

A view across the garden where you can see the water which was designed to create the illusion that it runs from the top of the stainless steel water wall into the reflective pool and then over the stainless steel water chute into the bottom pond

Two Level Composite

MN Fence + Deck

With over 1000 sqft of outdoor space, this Trex deck is an entertainer's dream. The cozy fireplace seating area on the lower level is the perfect place to watch the game. Don't worry if it starts to rain because the deck is fully waterproofed. Head upstairs where you can take in the views through the crystal clear Century Glass Railing.

Wohnraum im Freien

Rinn Beton- und Naturstein

Abwechslungsreiche Gestaltung auf der Terrasse mit vielen Möglichkeiten - Eine Sitzecke, ein Quellsteinbrunnen und ein Essbereich mit Grill. Eine moderne, schlichte Gestaltung durch Grautöne und gerade Formsprache.

Bridgewater Falls/Fletcher Custom Home

Judd Builders

Outdoor entertaining space with stone fireplace.

ECO 22 BLACK

ECOFIREPLACES FIREPLACES

Portable Ecofireplace with weathering Corten steel encasing. Thermal insulation made of rock wool bases and refractory tape applied to the burner.

Patel 2017

Peter M. Hestevold, DBC&M,LLC

Battersea Square

Granit Architects + Interiors

This small but complex project saw the creation of a terrace above an existing flat roof of a property in Battersea Square. We were appointed to design and prepare a scheme to submit for planning permission. We were able to successfully achieve consent to extend the roof terrace and to create approximately 100 square metres of extra space. The process was protracted and required negotiation with the local authority to restrict any overlooking potential. The solution to this challenge was to create a design with two parts connected by a 1m wide walkway. We also introduced planting in front of the glazing that controls the overlooking without the need for sandblasted glass. This combination of glazing and planting has made a significant difference to the final feel of space on the terrace. Our design creates separate zones on the terrace, with sections for living, dining and cooking. We also changed the windows in the penthouse to sliding folding doors, which has created a much more functional and spacious feeling terrace. We had to work closely with the structural engineer to work out the best way to create a deck structure over the existing roof. Ultimately the design required large long-spanning steels supported by the load-bearing walls below. An infill deck structure supports the terrace too. There was significant technical coordination required with glass balustrade company to achieve the right finish. The terrace would not have been complete without a great garden. We worked in partnership with garden designer Richard Miers, who specified the planted beds, water features, planting, irrigation system and lighting. Overall we have created a beautiful terrace for our client with approximately 100 square metres of extra living space.

Wrap Around Deck -- Envision Distinction Spiced Teak composite deck

Envision Outdoor Living Products

This balcony deck features Envision Outdoor Living Products. The composite decking is Spiced Teak from the Distinction Collection.

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Rooftop Terrace with Fountain and Custom Built-in Bench

Amber Freda Garden Design

This Boerum Hill, Brooklyn rooftop terrace garden features a zinc fountain flanked by corten steel planters, custom-built ipe wood planters, bench seating, and a bed of Mexican beach stones. Many people enjoy outdoor fountains for the relaxing sound they provide, which can also help to drown out noises from A/C units or other jarring sounds of the city. We also designed these beautiful ipe (pronounced e-pay) wood planters and a comfortable built-in bench with storage under the seats. Check out the before photo at www.amberfreda.com.

Holzdecks

plan - garten

Cumaru Holdeck mit angesetztem Wasserspiel aus einem Granitquader Indirekte Beleuchtung

MHS – Neugestaltung eines Innenhofes

grotheer architektur

Fotografin: Nina Struve; www.ninastruve.de

rooftop outdoor living

austin outdoor design

The stunning views are only accentuated by the custom features created for this rooftop project. This photo shows the the seating centered around the fire pit table, the kitchen area and countertop. Photo by Ryann Ford.

Ipe Entertainment Deck

Decks by Kiefer LLC

A covered porch with trusses to complement the Tudor-style home became the new living room complete with a fireplace, couches, wet bar, recessed lights, and paddle fans. Rocking chairs surrounding a firepit provide a cozy space for engaging in social activities such as roasting marshmallows or smoking cigars.

AH4 : Multi-Story Modern Craftsman on Acreage

Cascade West Development

Bucktown Rooftop Living

PITCH Concepts

An intimate park-like setting with low-maintenance materials replaced an aging wooden rooftop deck at this Bucktown home. Three distinct spaces create a full outdoor experience, starting with a landscaped dining area surrounded by large trees and greenery. The illusion is that of a secret garden rather than an urban rooftop deck. A sprawling green area is the perfect spot to soak in the summer sun or play an outdoor game. In the front is the main entertainment area, fully outfitted with a louvered roof, fire table, and built-in seating. The space maintains the atmosphere of a garden with shrubbery and flowers. It’s the ideal place to host friends and family with a custom kitchen that is complete with a Big Green Egg and an outdoor television.

Outdoor Room Deck with Grilling and Beverage Center

Heartlands Building Company

This space includes a beautiful fireplace, a grilling and beverage center, and easy to maintain composite decking. There is also a doggy door to conveniently let the dog out to the back yard.

Umbau eines alten Hühnerstalls in eine Wohnung

buerobaumann ARCHITEKTUR

Gartenansicht der Wohnung nach dem Umbau

Deck Design Ideas with a Water Feature and with Fireplace

Decks are synonymous with Australian and New Zealand outdoor living. It’s out on your deck that you can read the Sunday paper, have a barbecue with neighbours or host a party – and come summer, Aussies and Kiwis swarm to them like mozzies to a bug zapper! Decking is also a popular flooring choice for patios, pergolas and pool surrounds, as well as balconies and verandahs. As an extension of your living space, outdoor decking needs to be ripe for relaxation, handle harsh weather and high foot traffic, and suit the style of your home, too. We are, however, spoilt for choice when it comes to decking options, especially regarding the choice of hardwood, which can make deciding on the right timber decking for your needs tough. Before you start building a deck, browse Houzz photos for design inspiration and check out the Stories section for more ideas. Once you're ready, you may want to hire a Landscape Architect or Gardener to help you complete your project.

How do I determine my deck design?

Decks can be customised to suit your home and landscape, so be open to a variety of designs. On this page, you’ll find the likes of balcony, verandah and patio decking, as well as breezeway decks, low-slung decks (barely raised off the ground) and master bedroom decks, just to name a few. If you have a contemporary home, you might prefer a mixed-materials deck with concrete stairs, for example, or rather a more simple party deck, complete with built-in seating and a barbecue. Decks can also wrap around garden features, like a feature tree, or curve through your garden. If you want to tame a slope in your backyard, a raised deck or platform deck can help with backyard access. It can be covered or left uncovered, but if choosing the latter option, try to add structure to the space with planting. Multi-level decks are also great for sloping lots, and can help zone areas within your backyard. If you want to highlight or make more use of your backyard, consider a freestanding deck, which, complete with an outdoor dining set, seating, a gazebo or umbrella, can be used for entertaining or simply unwinding under the sun. Boardwalk decking is a great way to guide people through your yard, add structure and can help add a sense of design.

What hardwood decking should I use?

Price, appearance and overall maintenance will dictate your choice of hardwood decking. Spotted gum, teak, blackbutt, grey ironbark, jarrah and merbau are all popular hardwood varieties in Australia and New Zealand, while composite decking – a combination of wood and plastic – is becoming increasingly popular, too. Hardwood looks more natural, but does need to be stained and weatherproofed frequently. Spotted gum is one of the most attractive decking materials – it has a lovely grain and requires minimal staining. Teak is the best performing hardwood, but comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re after a red-coloured hardwood, consider merbau, which can handle the harsh Australian climate. Merbau decking will, however, leach tannins, so it’s best avoided near other light-coloured hardscapes. Composite decking is a more low-maintenance option than hardwood decking, as it doesn’t require resealing. It’s also more environmentally friendly: it won’t fade, rot or warp with time, meaning you can maintain the same deck for longer. If you live in a fire-prone area, it’s also less of a hazard.