This Lake Elmo couple wanted to enlarge their screen porch for family gatherings, but the home was on a pond at the 100-year flood setback. The porch’s proximity to the water was allowed, but it could not creep any closer.
The family owns one of the largest concrete companies in the Midwest. They were looking for a partner to create an innovative solution for their lifestyle. The designers at Mom’s Design Build developed a concept that met their needs and the land use regulations. The contractor integrated a pergola with operable louvers and descending vinyl and screen wall panels.
FUNCTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS
The contractor removed the outer wall of the existing porch and attached a custom pergola frame that supports both the Struxure Outdoor roof louvers and Phantom Screen panels. The individual wall sections boast independent screens and clear vinyl panels controlled by wall switches.  Users can enjoy an unobstructed view of the pond and the new fire pit patio or lower the various panels and close the roof louvers to block sun, rain, wind or mosquitoes.
Infrared heaters added to the ceiling of the existing porch and the beams of the new pergola are designed to heat people not air for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
A fixed-panel wall section supports a hinged door to permit easy access when the other wall panels are rolled down. Read more the function enhancements at Star Tribune: Pergola on Steroids Allowed Year-Round Outdoor Living.
AESTHETICS
The pergola projects a clean, minimalist look that complements the house and integrates nicely with the original porch. Natural beams and white posts provide classic contrast. The designer extended the home’s straight lines with rectangular paving stones, square columns and the flat pergola roof. The bluestone paving mirrors the open patio.
INNOVATION PROBLEM SOLVING
The contractor overcame the flood plan restriction by extending the porch with an operable pergola with grade level paving and roll down walls. While it is attached to the beam that supports the porch, it is not considered an addition.
The roof louvers divert rainwater along hidden gutters that empty into downspouts concealed by the broad custom post.The contractor also designed the beams to conceal the wall panels, which slide in deep posts slots.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
The porch’s new bluestone floor is installed with wet-set mortar, while the pergola floor is installed over sand and crushed limestone. This ‘flexible’ approach allows the floor to rise and fall with seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.
While the pergola functions as a screen room or even a sunroom, it is deftly designed to look like a classic open pergola. The couple can’t wait to host family gatherings in the heated space for their more than 20 family members.
If you love this space feel free to schedule an appointment and let one of our national award winning designers transform your living space.
