Lake Front Country Estate Yard, designed by Tom Markalunas and JDP Design, built by Resort Custom Homes and The Collins Group. Photography by Rachael Boling

Serenity Indian Wells modern resort style desert home backyard pool terrace. Photo by William MacCollum.

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.

Relax! This backyard is a great place to escape next to the firepit after eating dinner with the family in the outdoor dining area.

Photos by Brian McCord, RealtyPicture.com

Seating area by pool.

Michael Lyons - Architect Ken Vaughn - Photographer

The first step to creating your outdoor paradise is to get your dreams on paper. Let Creative Environments professional landscape designers listen to your needs, visions, and experiences to convert them to a visually stunning landscape design! Our ability to produce architectural drawings, colorful presentations, 3D visuals, and construction– build documents will assure your project comes out the way you want it! And with 60 years of design– build experience, several landscape designers on staff, and a full CAD/3D studio at our disposal, you will get a level of professionalism unmatched by other firms.

Photo by Matchbook Productions - back yard patio and walkway using stamped concrete in vermont slate pattern with a cool gray and dark charcoal color; new landing and steps with Belgard Hardscapes belair wall and caps; great use of outdoor decor; great entertainment space

LEICHT Küchen: http://www.leicht.de/en/references/abroad/project-hassel-luxembourg/ Creacubo Home Concepts: http://www.creacubo.lu/

Bringing south of the boarder to the north of the boarder our Mexican Baja theme courtyard/living room makeover in Coronado Island is where our client have their entertainment now and enjoy the great San Diego weather daily. We've designed the courtyard to be a true outdoor living space with a full kitchen, dinning area, and a lounging area next to an outdoor fireplace. And best of all a fully engaged 15 feet pocket door system that opens the living room right out to the courtyard. A dream comes true for our client!

Beautiful, expansive bluestone patio, dry-stack terracing, boulder caps. Extensive regrading and re-working of the back yard which had a significant drop off. In order to create the space we had to completely terraform the space. The walkways are bordered with 4x4 pressure treated wood, staked into the ground, continuing the gorgeous bluestone all around the house. The front garden bed was also redesigned with river rock, boulders, and trees to be planted in the Spring.

Bighorn Palm Desert luxury home terrace modern firepit and outdoor kitchen. Photo by William MacCollum.