Narberth Residence

Designer Comments

Having a home to be proud of is a dream for many, but when your outdoor space doesn’t match the beauty of the indoors, it can feel like something’s missing. For this family, their backyard had become a problem area rather than a place to gather and relax. The old concrete slab patio had long passed its prime, heaving out of place and even compromising the surrounding walls, which was a real safety hazard. The staircases leading to the three rear doorways were undersized and awkward, while the overgrown landscaping felt impossible to maintain. Feeling overwhelmed, the homeowners reached out to explore a complete outdoor transformation, seeking a design and build that would complement their home’s architecture, suit their lifestyle, and finally bring balance between their indoor and outdoor living spaces.

At first, the homeowners weren’t sure whether to move forward with a raised patio or a deck. We were happy to guide them through the pros and cons of each option. A raised patio would have exceeded their budget and posed challenges with the basement windows and trapped moisture against the home’s foundation. In contrast, a deck offered a better inside to outside flow, better drainage, longevity, and design flexibility. The family opted to move forward with a seamless transition deck that connected all three rear doors, creating a natural extension of the home’s main floor.

The new deck, built with TimberTech Vintage English Walnut composite decking, offers a warm and inviting tone while remaining low-maintenance and durable. Skirting was added around the entire perimeter to keep critters out, with a hidden access door for convenient storage. The layout was thoughtfully designed to create three comfortable zones for cooking, dining, and lounging, just spacious enough yet intimate enough to feel like home.

The outdoor kitchen became one of the main highlights of the project. Outfitted with a stainless-steel sink, refrigerator, ample storage, and honed Black Galaxy granite countertops and passthrough shelf, it’s a showpiece built to last through every season. The base was wrapped in ProVia Driftwood PrecisionFit stone veneer, perfectly complementing the home’s stucco exterior by adding texture and warmth.

Adjacent to the kitchen sits the dining area, designed to comfortably accommodate an eight-person table with generous space to move around. Just beyond, the outdoor living room takes center stage. Instead of a traditional fire pit, we installed a custom gas fireplace, perfect for a relaxation and cozy nights. Two wing walls frame the fireplace, one featuring a custom angled cut that draws the eye and extends naturally into the landscape bed. Each wall includes custom Azek shelving for easy-to-clean, weather-resistant display space that mirrors the coziness of the indoors. The same stone veneer ties everything together beautifully.

A reclaimed barnwood mantle adds a touch of rustic charm, separating the fireplace from the mounted television above. The fireplace is fueled by natural gas and designed with a direct vent to distribute heat efficiently toward the seating area to ensure comfort even on chilly evenings.

Overhead, a custom A-frame roof system protects all three main zones and adds architectural depth to the home. Space constraints between the first and second-story windows made this design both functional and visually appealing. The A-frame allowed for matching asphalt shingles, plenty of natural light, and a seamless connection to the home’s existing rooflines. To further enhance the light and ventilation, six skylights were installed, two of which can be opened to release heat or grill burn-off. Integrated dimmable LED recessed lights and dual ceiling fans ensure the perfect ambiance and airflow in every season.

For even greater comfort, we incorporated four Bromic electric infrared heaters, providing directional warmth so the family and their company can enjoy the space well into spring and fall. With a few family members being the favorite snack of every mosquito in town, a custom Phantom Screen system was non-negotiable. With the touch of a remote, motorized screens lower from the roof beams and seal at the fireplace wing walls.  We installed fixed screens in the gables and even mesh screen beneath the deck boards ensure no insects sneak in, while two manual retractable screen doors provide easy access.  This forethought certainly created a fully enclosed, 100% bug-free environment.  As a hidden gem to the screen system, when not in use the screens recess back into the roof beams, totally hidden from sight!

Beyond the covered deck lies an open-air lounge space designed for leisure and stargazing. The rear of the fireplace and wing walls naturally define this area, while the same stone veneer continues outward for visual continuity. The curved edge of the deck softens the lines and allows extra room for foot traffic and conversation. A sleek black aluminum railing with integrated low-voltage lighting adds both safety and ambiance, and recessed up-lighting casts a dramatic glow on the stone wall at night which creates a stunning visual centerpiece. Overhead, a custom almond-colored pergola filters sunlight by day and frames the stars by night, offering beauty and flexibility throughout the seasons.

To tie the space together as a whole, we designed a minimalistic, low-maintenance landscape and lighting plan to soften the structures and enhance the atmosphere. The result is a backyard that feels inviting by day and magical by night. What was once a hazardous, underused backyard is now an outdoor living space that is worthy of such a beautiful home and an even more lovely family.

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