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These homeowners bought their large home in the brand new development largely because it looked out over a pastoral preserve that can never be developed. But the foreground was nothing but an elevated screened porch on spindly posts and an expansive, flat lawn. They tasked designer Heather Sweeney to create an outdoor environment that could accommodate frequent 20 to 30 person events and extend the home’s lower level entertainment space outdoors. It needed to reflect their favorite travel destination, Tuscany, but fit the home’s modern farmhouse architecture. They credit the team with nailing the design (no pun intended!) and working into winter to have the magnificent space ready for summertime.

NEEDS:

  • To convert the newly developed lawn into an outdoor entertainment environment that would showcase the pastoral view, provide privacy from the neighbors and satisfy the owners’ unique Tuscan/Modern Farmhouse style.

  • Extend the home’s lower level entertainment space outdoors by enhancing the transition space under the porch and decks to create a smooth transition from inside to outside.

  • Have it completed for spring, despite the early winter.

 

FUNCTIONALITY

  • The design extends the home’s ground level entertainment space outdoors.

  • There are three distinct paved areas that each provide a space for lounging, sunning or dining (for groups large and small).

  • The large, elevated, gas fire table provides warmth, light and ambiance for the lounging area.

  • Decorative lattice panels under the deck provides attractive privacy from neighbors without blocking the breeze.

  • The landscape lighting is integrated into a system so that when sun sets the lights will come on.

  • Similar to the lighting, the irrigation system automatically waters the landscaping when the soil is dry.

  • Porcelain tile and planks provide safe, uniform, low-maintenance surfaces.

  • We installed a new fence and landscaping at the driveway that permits direct mower access to the lower level backyard.

  • Layers of aspen, arbor vitae and flowers buffer the view of neighbor’s tall fence.

  • The sun deck is strategically oriented for tanning based on the path of the sun; the lounging and dining areas for enjoying the scenic views.

  • Natural limestone paving stores daytime warmth for evening dinner guests, while the porcelain tile sun deck remains cool under foot.

AESTHETICS

  • A decorative screened wall and finished ceiling created a more refined environment for the patio under porch and decks.

  • Large stepping-stones in natural turf add rich color, texture and pattern between the stairs and the patio.

  • Ornamental trees supply up-close structure and texture to the flat site.

  • A large Brown Jordan sectional coach in the patio’s ‘living room’ is positioned to not only appreciate the fire table but the pastoral view as well.

  • An effective balance of rustic Tuscan and clean contemporary design elements and materials were used to create a look that complemented the clients taste.

  • Stout architectural columns replaced the spindly porch posts to anchor the prominent fireplace stonework above.

  • The custom fire pit with dark decorative finish contrasts with light fabric sectional.

INNOVATION

  • Porcelain tile and planks installed with polymeric sand provide a uniform, slip-resistant, low maintenance surface that resists wash outs and settling.

  • Downspouts were routed within decorative porch and deck column wraps to keep them concealed and more discrete within the space.

  • Layered plantings around the perimeter of the space shield the neighbors’ fence and creates more of a cozy environment for the lounging and dining areas.  

OLD & NEW

  • A Tuscan table on limestone pavers balances out the modern Brown Jordan sectional over porcelain plank patio.

  • Tall, layered perimeter plantings provide privacy from neighbors. Dwarf trees and flower beds create separation between the dining and lounging areas.

  • Handsome architectural columns replace spindly posts under porch and twin decks. Downspouts from porch are routed within the decorative post wraps.

Do you have a dream to create a space that functions better for you and your family? If so, we would love to meet with you and chat more about the possibilities! Contact us today!

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Mom's & Design Build

12275 Weckman Road
Shakopee, MN, 55379
United States

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