Heinlein Residence

Designer Comments

When this homeowner first reached out to MasterPLAN, her backyard felt more like an afterthought than an extension of her home. A few temporary wooden steps led from the four-season room to an informal gravel patio with a dining table, while a portable firepit and Adirondack chairs sat on uneven ground in the distance. For someone who loved to entertain family and friends, the space simply didn’t fit her lifestyle. After discovering MasterPLAN’s website and learning about our custom design-build approach, she called to explore the possibilities for transforming her outdoor space into something extraordinary.

The homeowner envisioned an outdoor “room”, a place that felt protected, comfortable, and cohesive with her home’s natural surroundings. To bring this vision to life, we designed a covered deck that would serve as a true extension of the interior living space. Instead of a traditional patio, a composite deck provided the best solution for a seamless, step-free transition from indoors to outdoors. This eliminated elevation changes and created a more inviting, connected feel for gatherings and relaxation.

The new outdoor “room” was designed for laid-back lounging and entertaining. While she didn’t need a formal dining area or full outdoor kitchen, we carved out a dedicated corner for her portable grill, complete with a hardline connection to the home’s propane system to eliminate the need to swap 20-pound tanks. Adjacent to the grill is a dedicated corner for her custom wine barrel dining table with hi-top seating.  Just beyond, the lounge area became the heart of the space.  To make this lounge space perfect for entertaining, we included a full entertainment package with a wall-mounted TV, recessed ceiling speakers, a strong Wi-Fi connection, and comfortable, custom furniture. To extend enjoyment beyond the summer season, we incorporated three Bromic electric infrared heaters, allowing her and her guests to use the space comfortably for up to four additional months each year.

Because the property is nestled in the woods and serves as a second home, low-maintenance and natural-looking materials were paramount. The deck features TimberTech Vintage Collection composite decking in English Walnut, paired with black aluminum railings for durability and easy upkeep. The deck’s soft, custom curve provides visual interest, improves circulation around the lounge area, and gives the space a distinctive architectural flair. Each railing post includes LED accent lighting for both safety and evening ambiance. The roof design, a hybrid of A-frame and lean-to styles, blends seamlessly with the home’s existing architecture. Inside the roof structure, a white tongue-and-groove ceiling, LED dimmable recessed lighting, and a wood-toned ceiling fan create a clean, cozy atmosphere. Posts and beams are wrapped in Heritage Brown barnwood, reflecting the home’s natural woodland surroundings.

A wider staircase enhances the transition from the deck to the new flagstone patio, designed to perfectly accommodate her portable firepit and Adirondack chairs, which is a charming nod to the original setup, now refined and intentional. Towards the end of the rear design phase, the homeowner asked MasterPLAN to reimagine the front porch and side entry as well, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the property.  We were happy to open the design back up and create magic for the front of the home!

The original front porch was a small, uncovered pressure-treated deck that had seen better days. The homeowner wished for a sunny, protected spot to enjoy her morning coffee, something that felt inviting and tied in beautifully with the new backyard design. We designed a larger front porch and added an attached A-frame roof system that mirrors the home’s existing rooflines and the roofline being installed at the rear of the home. The materials were carried through for consistency, using TimberTech Vintage decking in English Walnut, black aluminum railing, and a white tongue-and-groove ceiling. Dimmable LED recessed lighting and a rustic sconce provide warm illumination, while the cathedral ceiling creates an impressive architectural feature visible from the street. To complete the space, we installed a natural flagstone landing for safe, even footing and a polished finish.

The side entry, which serves as the homeowner’s primary access point, also needed attention. Previously, it was a small, enclosed landing made of aging pressure-treated wood with no roof coverage, creating both a visual and functional challenge. In winter, the area would ice over, making it unsafe and uninviting. We redesigned the entry to span the area between the garage and home siding, extended the roofline to shield it from the elements and to provide enhanced durability. The landing and stairs were widened for better flow, using the same TimberTech decking and flagstone transition landing to maintain a cohesive look. Integrated step lighting now provides safety and a soft evening glow.

What was once a disconnected, underutilized yard is now a collection of beautiful, functional spaces that invite relaxation and connection all year long. The cohesive design of the rear deck, front porch, and side entry blends modern comfort with timeless natural materials; a perfect match for the home’s wooded setting and the homeowner’s love for entertaining!

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