Mascera Residence

Designer Comments

The existing backyard had ample green space and a temporary above ground swimming pool, but this family had bigger ambitions for what could be. Looking for the right professionals to transform their underutilized and underwhelming backyard into a cohesive, multi-functional outdoor living space was a difficult challenge. Diving both feet first into their research for an outdoor living design/build firm that would be able to create a space that was a well-integrated extension of their home was a top priority!

Enter MasterPLAN Outdoor Living. With a close client collaboration at the core of our relationships, we took the time to get to know the motivation behind the project at hand, what the family did and did not want/like, how they wanted to feel in the completed space as well as the features they envisioned in it. In this regard, getting to the root of the project helps facilitate a smooth, creative and pointed full-color, 3D design process with lifelike project renderings so everyone can see exactly what the space will look like.

Working through the different features and layouts was important to get this space precisely right. As you see in the client wishlist, it was very important that we connect the driveway to the rear improvements as well as the pole building at the side of the property. We were cognizant to keep the materials looking natural in texture, pattern and color to be cohesive with the home’s surroundings. Also a top priority was to include all 3 zones in the design for a well-rounded space: cooking, dining and lounging. We were able to accomplish the perfect vision for the space within a few complimentary revisions to the design and we were ready for the build process!

The first order of business was to remove the existing above ground swimming pool and temporary staircase that led from the rear slider door to the ground level. We were now at a blank slate, ready to install the design the family fell in love with!

Ultimately leaning towards a patio over a deck, we installed a stamped concrete walkway to connect the driveway to the rear patio. The slate skin pattern adds a natural looking slate rock effect and special dimension to the concrete to give it just the right amount of character but not compete with the additional features the in the space. This selection of stamped concrete also highly complements the existing stone veneer on the home and nearby pole barn. To improve the connection to the rear slider door, we designed and installed a generously sized staircase landing and wider steps to allow the opportunity for decorative planters and a safe, welcoming transition in and out of the space.

One of the main features off of the staircase is the outdoor kitchen and bar, which gives a warm welcome into the space. This thoughtfully designed hybrid feature is both functional and space-saving at the same time! The kitchen boasts a 40” stainless steel grill equipped with internal and external lighting, access door underneath for cleaning storage and to house the propane shut off valve. Additional soft-close storage was designed to the left and right of the grill, with enough space to store grilling utensils, plates and non-perishable foods as well as a pullout trash and recycling bin system. Everything a chef needs to focus on the meal instead of where everything is! Not only can the chef focus on the meal-at-hand, but they won’t feel left out since the built-in bar seating is integrated into the outside of the kitchen itself. The bar itself sits at 42” above the patio which allows guests to comfortably relax, interact and take in the view of the Gap. For convenience, we installed outlets throughout the kitchen/bar area, and to create a warm ambiance and safety in steps, we incorporated LED undermount lighting underneath the black antiqued granite countertops. The appliances, outlets and granite seamlessly blend and highlight the Environmental Stoneworks Cut Stone veneer in the color Aspen.

Once meals are prepared, it is time to dine! Directly next to the kitchen the family can take a seat at their 8-person dining table, underneath a traditional wood pergola that provides dappled sunshine and shade throughout the day. A ceiling fan was incorporated for a gentle breeze in the warmer months and to keep pesky bugs at bay, as well as a convenience outlet on a post to plug in market or holiday lights when needed. Off the corner of the patio is the kid’s playset, making an easy transition from patio to grass without fault.

Moving right along from the dining area, is a super cozy spot complete with custom propane fireplace and the family’s lounge living room set. Being that this is a direct vent fireplace insert, we were able to keep the structure on the shorter side further preserving the views of the Gap just beyond the yard. We installed the same stone veneer on the fireplace as the kitchen, bringing the neutral-colored materials further into the space as a nod to design.

Just beyond the lounge you will find the family’s hot tub. One special request from the couple was to find a way to integrate the hot tub in the space without it looking cumbersome and to try to hide its bulk. Request acknowledged! We used the yard’s grade to our advantage and the hot tub sits about 2’ below the patio to not just mask its size, but so they can use the patio as a “step” into the hot tub itself! This eliminates any need for a set of side plastic steps to maneuver in and out of the water feature. The lower height of the hot tub also works out beautifully that when the cover is open, it does not obstruct the views from the living room window out into the Gap! In a well-planned outdoor living space, sight lines are extremely important to the experience.

Just opposite the hot tub, we needed to retain the grade change, so we continued the natural theme and installed 2-4’ grey and brown boulders. This mimics the natural boulder staircase that we installed on the other side of the lawn to connect the pole barn and the outdoor living space. Lastly, to soften up the hardscapes and tie everything together, we installed a minimal landscaping plan to include low-maintenance evergreens and perennials along with path and well lighting to highlight the home and specific plantings around the space.

Overall, this backyard had tremendous potential to match the view just beyond. All it took was some deeper conversations to understand the space and the family’s needs to get it just right in design and the construction was just as detailed in execution. This outdoor living space feels as if it were built with the home and always belonged. The family spends more time outside entertaining than they imagined and have enjoyed the space together in more ways than one!

Client Wish List