When creating or remodeling an outdoor living space, bear in mind the architectural style, aesthetic features and outdoor setting of your home pre-project. You must consider more than the features or materials you want to incorporate into the finished product.  

The owners of this 1960's cottage in Medina faced this very conundrum. The home, built on the shores of Lake Washington, was intended to be a vacation property. Its greatest feature was its view. The current owners wanted to update and enhance the deck and the outdoor living space, thereby making the lovely view more accessible.

The lion's share of the deck space was consumed by a hot tub that was rarely used by the couple and presented too much of an attractive nuisance for their young children. The area below the deck was equally uninviting for use by the family, consisting of an unfinished concrete area with uneven piers and open eaves through which the rain and debris fell from the deck area above.

The challenge was to integrate the areas above and below the deck to create a family-friendly outdoor living area. In order to meet the budget, and to stay consistent with the cottage-like feel of the house, the deck itself was not expanded.

When your home has a magnificent view of Lake Washington, a deck remodel can shoot to the top of your to-do list. Master Builders Association member Stone Pillar Remodeling was brought in to update the deck and add an outdoor living space where the owners could take full advantage of their view of the lake and still remain in character with their 1960's Medina cottage. Thanks to a design by Mark Nelson of Nelson Architecture of Medina, the conversion did just that.

In addition to working the home's original style into the project design, the owners wanted to incorporate Pennsylvania bluestone into the new space, as it was used as an aesthetic feature in the home's entryway. The choice in material provided continuity in design to the final project.

But before any finishing work could begin, the old deck had to go. Stone Pillar Remodeling began by demolishing the existing deck and reframing it. Then, the deck and the stairs to the area below were waterproofed and covered with bluestone. The waterproofing created a dry patio area below the deck, which was expanded in a semicircular shape, reflecting the shape of the deck above. The patio was finished with brushed concrete. A bluestone border connects the spaces, while encompassing an outdoor dining area.

The original deck's 4-inch by 4-inch piers were replaced with 2-foot, 3-inch square pillars designed to add both architectural detail and function:  The pillars hide the sheer panels installed to enhance support for the master suite.

A barbeque area was added below the deck, with a bluestone slab countertop and built-in Dacor grill. Beadboard cabinetry with unique stainless hardware provided necessary storage while enhancing the home's cottage style. The ceiling was finished with tongue-and-groove cedar, and can lighting was added for nighttime use. Exterior fixtures were also placed on the new pillars to extend the lighting into the back yard. Finally, a custom metal-and-glass railing replaced the wood-and-glass railing, completing this project and providing for an enhanced view of the lake. The final product was an outdoor living space that reflected the home's character and architectural style and better matched the home owners' lifestyle and access to a great view.

Thanks to Stone Pillar Remodeling for contributing their ideas and information on behalf of the Master Builders Association. For more information on the MBA, go to www.masterbuildersinfo.com.  

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