How Five Teams Built Outdoor Living Into Challenging Spaces
No matter the size of the home or the lot it's built on, clients are increasingly seeking a connection to the outdoors. On some custom builds and renovations, that's a challenge.
Whether it’s working with a small lot or bringing an existing space into modern day, the teams behind these homes cleared the hurdles to bring their clients’ visions to life:
Creating a Cohesive Yard Space
For the homeowners of this 2,514-square-foot home in Seattle, having space to entertain was important. However, with an awkward and disjointed lot, finding cohesion was a challenge.
To bring a modern touch to the Craftsman home’s outdoor spaces, Kable Design Build and Best Practice Architecture added a steel canopy that stretches over a concrete seating area along the side yard. That patio then extends down into the rear yard to join the spaces together. Additionally, the front garden was redesigned around an existing cedar tree with a small patio to give the homeonwers another place to sit. [Learn more]
Adding Outdoor Space to a Small Lot
Even at just 1,300 square feet, this home in Austin manages to incorporate the outdoors into its design. Built on an infill lot that was initially intended for an accessory dwelling unit, this compact home by Smock Studio and Specht Novak features two interior courtyards as well as a low-maintenance front garden that anchors the home to the outdoors. [Learn more]
Making Something Out of Nothing
With the help of MV Architects and Zantzinger the homeowners of a Chevy Chase, Md., home were able to revamp a dark, moss-covered porch into a 310-square-foot entertaining space.
At the heart of the renovated porch is a custom plunge pool designed for year-round use. The seven-foot-by-seven-foot pool can be used as both a cold plunge and hot tub and is enclosed by sliding doors with custom lattice work that both adds character and keep pests away. [Learn more]
A Floating Home Makes Use of its Rooftop
With their location on the water, floating homes inherently have a connection to the outdoors, but this Seattle home by Dyna Builders and Hoshide Wanzer Architects puts the outdoors to the forefront of its design. With just 820 feet of dock space to work with, the project team had to be intentional about where and how outdoor space would be included.
One way the team managed to incorporate the waterfront was through expansive glass walls that open directly onto the bay. The glass wall provides views of passing boats while operable shading elements give the homeowner privacy. Additionally, a rooftop deck is designed with modular tables and a rolling fireplace that make the space flexible for various uses. [Learn more]
Vertical Outdoor Spaces Suited For an Awkward Lot
Despite its challenging lot, the project team behind a 4,800-square-foot home in Fremont, Calif., made sure to incorporate plenty of outdoor space. Situated on a flag lot, the home is tucked away, accessed by a long, narrow driveway between two existing homes.
Working with the awkward lot, Padam Builders and Mahya Salehi Studio used vertical space to incorporate access to the outdoors. Rather than having a singular yard, a series of porches and balconies are attached to each of the home’s five bedrooms. [Learn more]
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About the Author
Catherine Sweeney
Catherine Sweeney is the associate editor for Pro Builder and Custom Builder, where she creates both digital and print content, including Pro Builder’s daily e-newsletter and various news stories for both brands. Before joining Endeavor, she began her career in local journalism, later pivoting to the commercial real estate industry where she worked for several years as a reporter and editor.