-
This before picture shows an existing outdoor room lacking in defined usable spaces. The landscaping program was to retrofit the existing patio into a series of outdoor rooms softened by lush plantings that would draw visitors outside to appreciate this beautiful setting. Relaying the existing flagstone patio allowed drainage issues to be resolved through the use of newly installed channel drains.
-
Initial 3D renderings helped convey the overall design intentions and were essential in determining the scale and proportion of the fireplace. Views were considered from multiple windows inside the house, both upstairs and down to get the design right before starting construction. Raised stone planters were proposed to help scale down existing 7’ tall stone walls and offer built-in seating opportunities.
-
Construction of the custom stone fireplace incorporated a Rumford ventilation system which reflects more heat through the use of a narrow interior throat. A buried 500 gallon propane tank was implemented in combination with an electronic ignition starter and safety gas shutoff to make starting this wood burning fireplace a breeze.
-
A seamless indoor/outdoor transition.
-
Cascading perennials and early spring flowering bulbs soften the locally sourced buff flagstone. Specialty evergreens were chosen for their unique character and form which serve as conversational pieces, especially during the winter months.
-
The outdoor stone fireplace perfectly matches the interior fireplace of the Great Room in both materiality and scale. Custom carved stone corbels below the mantel were added to mimic the architecture of the logs on the Adirondack style house.
-
The latest in LED lighting technology was incorporated into the design to further enliven the space at night. A sophisticated lighting transformer allows for the fixtures to be easily controlled via a smart phone by the touch of a button. Various lighting programs can be utilized depending on the desired effect of the homeowner.
-
Sustainability was a priority and achieved through the use of reclaimed moss rock boulders from on-site and locally sourced materials chosen for their durability to the elements. The organic nature of the boulders and character pines take the edge off the stone hardscapes.
-
Special attention was paid to every detail, including the bronze screen on the fireplace which was custom fabricated to match the interior fireplace screen in the Great Room. The handles were even forged with the same scroll details ensuring consistency with the architecture.
-
The mountain backdrop serves as a beautiful anchor to the newly created outdoor spaces and provides a unique sense of place. The stone veneer on the walls and fireplace was brought in from the same nearby quarry used on the house almost 20 years prior tying everything in together.
-
This before picture shows the potential of the outdoor room that has not yet been realized. The patio was such a harsh environment that the clients seldom used the space for entertaining. Poor drainage was another issue that the design needed to address.
-
A custom stone firepit was installed which runs off a subsurface propane tank for everyday use. Raised stripstone planters and a custom moongate put the finishing touches on this space and offer a sense of enclosure. A wide fire break of local rock mulch located just above the space incorporates reclaimed boulders and helps offer piece of mind.
-
This custom steel log set was inspired by the mountain setting and fabricated from scratch. The texture of the logs and pine cones on this log set was even influenced by nearby trees on the property. An electronic ignition switch makes this firepit a favorite amenity of the clients and sees regular use.
-
The conceptual design reveals how the large existing patio was defined into more user friendly spaces. A centrally located raised stripstone planter separates the main dining space from the entertaining area anchored by the wood burning fireplace. The raised stone planters tuck neatly into the existing stone walls, along with the custom stone firepit. Native plantings were incorporated as often as possible to soften the overall feel of the space.