Spectacular Lighting for the Pool Deck
This client wanted a fun pool experience. So we lit it up!
On Silvering and Stains: Ipe
The above image is of fairly fresh ipe (EE-PAY). It had shipped from the mill a few weeks prior and the photo was taken just after a passing rain shower. Now compare that to aged ipe: Decks are in high exposure environments. Sun, rain, wind… the elements beat down on decks. This is why most…
A Simple Patio Project
This paver project transformed an unused space into an intimate backyard nook for outdoor dining and barbecuing. We built the patio and the steps as well as the handrail. When the owners first called they were interested in a deck quote. However, I often start a project asking for a photo. When they texted me…
Ipe Deck with a Forest View
This hardwood deck is made up of ipe boards in varying applications to give it a sleek look. The ipe deck is a clean rectangle with horizontal railing slats that allow enough space to view the forest behind. Just beyond the forest are little creeks, small bridges, and an old tree house, making the deck…
Garapa Decks Over The Salt Marsh
This garapa deck takes full advantage of the lovely views. We opened up the kitchen to an inviting outdoor deck space overlooking the salt marsh. Although the deck’s size is modest (perfectly fitting the home and backyard), there were some large obstacles to completing this project, even before we started the construction*. There were moments…
Ipe Deck: Winter Build
Seasons in New Hampshire pose a challenge for outdoor builders like us, but by planning projects well we don’t have to stop construction. For this ipe deck we installed footings in the fall just before the ground froze. With the footings in place and the materials on site, we were able to return a few…
Stone and Clay
Even a common, ordinary brick… wants to be something more than it is. — Louis Kahn This design didn’t start with bricks. We started with bluestone per the clients’ request. We all agreed that the beauty of bluestone was in the blue tinged greys and natural variations. Bluestone is a word used to describe a…
A Roof Top Deck
Low-slope roofs, often referred to by the misnomer “flat roof”, can sometimes be the perfect place to add outdoor living space. In this case, our client’s home had been prepared to receive a roof top deck a couple years prior. The master bedroom already had a sliding door out to the roof of the garage….
Patterns by the Pool: Ipe, Cedar, & Tension Cable
When the owners reached out to us they had just installed a brand new pool. They were ready to enjoy the hotter months floating in cool water, but there was still the issue of how to access the pool. The new pool was separated from the old deck by a large grassy area. Once again…
Creating a New Space With Pavers
The request was for a new hang-out space… in the front yard! There were some unique challenges to overcome; the space wasn’t square, there is a huge tree nearby, and whatever we built would be right on the property line. We came back with a design for a paver patio, a new stoop, and a…
Black Locust with Shou Sugi Ban
Sustainability and design were top priorities to the homeowners on this project. They sought an environmentally friendly decking material and decided on black locust. Black locust is a beautiful, fast growing, renewable, and rot resistant tree that reduces the demand for rain forest lumber. We used this hardwood for the deck and cascading stairs. Between…