| 2008
WLCA Silver Award Winner |
The owner’s goal was to develop an outdoor patio
space to take the place of an old, undersized, high maintenance
wood deck. A paver patio was suggested with seat walls to reduce
maintenance and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the
space.
The design solution utilized carefully articulated
paver quilting to develop spaces within the patio and also introduced
a seat wall around the perimeter of the patio to not only enclose
the patio but also to provide overflow seating while entertaining
large groups.
The patio is adequately sized to accommodate multiple
tables and chairs and creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Outdoor lighting was incorporated into the seat walls and pillars
as well as accent lights on adjacent trees to bring the patio
to life at night.
All the features implemented in this outdoor living
space enhance the owner’s enjoyment of the completed project.
The new patio essentially functions as an extension of the indoor
dining/living room space.
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| Backyard Retreat – The groomed turf
directs the client’s eye towards the patio oasis. A prime location
to extend the indoor living/dining area seamlessly to an outdoor space
for relaxation and entertaining. A River Birch and two Autumn Brilliance
Serviceberry trees flank the sides of the outdoor room to give the
space vertical and outdoor ceiling dimension. When mature, these trees
will provide pleasant dappled patio shade. |
The seat walls feature gentle “S” curves providing
the client with a sense of relaxation. The seat walls terminate with
two low pillars adorned with light fixtures providing a gateway and
sense of arrival to the patio. The Brussels Block pavers connect the
corners of the pillars in an arc formation creating a welcome mat
to visitors as they pass through the pillar opening. |
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The
existing wood deck lacked the charm and elegance that was evident
within the interior of the home. The existing space did not reflect
the client’s lifestyle and needs. The wood deck was not only maintenance
intensive but also quite utilitarian in appearance. The client was
ready for a change. |
The
arc and circular form are used repeatedly in the design. The arced
entry staircase reinforces that design theme and ultimately becomes
a centerpiece of the paving design. The upper level is sized to comfortably
handle up to three people at one time without falling off the step.
This design detail is of utmost importance when the patio space is
an extension of the kitchen. The enlarged upper step enhances smooth
pedestrian circulation by providing space for people to stand while
waiting for others to pass through the door with food and refreshments. |
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| Late in the day on steamy summer
afternoons, the River Birch casts a cool dappled shade over the patio
space making the outdoor room usable even on the hottest of days.
The Brussels Block ashlar paver pattern to the patio reinforces the
casual but elegant nature of the space. |
The perimeter of the main gathering space in the patio is defined
by a circular paver band using the Brussels Block XL unit. The perimeter
of the patio is adorned with shrub roses to add vibrant color and
a bird bath to promote bird watching while enjoying the space. |
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The existing deck lacked cohesion with the remainder of the backyard.
The deck simply spilled down to the turf lawn without a sense of
space transition. |
The elegant end tables, oblong table and metal chairs
reinforce the graceful flow of the space. These site amenities give
the patio scale and warmth. The seat wall creates a strong sense of
outdoor room definition while enhancing the expansive vista beyond
through the lush backyard. |
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| The patio is an even more dynamic space in the
evening. The night lighting celebrates the trees through uplighting
which highlights the multi-trunk branch structure and the translucent
leaves that flutter in the light evening breeze. The perimeter of
the space is defined through the use of light fixtures at the pinnacle
of the pillars. The ambient light creates a cozy environment for evening
entertaining or relaxing. |
Wall down lights wash the face of the seat wall
allowing the chairs, end tables and flower pots to pop in the foreground.
The down lights also reinforce the relaxing curves of the seat wall
while the River Birch in the background becomes an evening focal point
in the backyard. |
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| The pillars are in perfect scale and proportion
with the seat wall creating a calming composition. Flowering annuals
cascading out of rustic pots in the foreground and the lush landscape
screen in the background are the perfect complement to the pavers
and pillar. |
As you pass through the lighted pillar gateway to the patio, the
French door becomes visible creating a subliminal link between the
indoor and outdoor environments. As the plants continue to mature,
the space will become more intimate and warm while further defining
the walls and ceiling of the outdoor room. This project has enhanced
the client’s outdoor living lifestyle and created a space that will
be enjoyed for years to come. |
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