The owners of a two-story, 14-year-old colonial in Northern Rhode Island wanted to create outdoor living areas with a resort-like feel for their family and guests. The backyard of their two-acre site included an existing plain-Jane pressure-treated deck, a gently rolling lawn bordered by trees behind the house and a fabulous view to the southeast. The project included a three-season porch, a larger curved two-level deck, a curved cedar pergola, a bluestone terrace, a rustic stone fire pit, landscaping and lighting.

Design considerations included blending the new structures with the existing house to appear as though they have always been there. Care was taken in designing transitions from the two-story house to porch, porch to deck, deck to terrace, terrace to yard, rectilinear to organic, high to low, and man-made to natural. Retaining views was important to the owners, who also wanted a variety of shady and sunny areas.

Porch for Dining and Sitting

The owners wanted a porch big enough for dining and sitting areas, with an open, light and airy feel. The 16- by 20-ft. porch was nestled into an inside corner formed by the exterior walls of the kitchen at the end and office on the side. The porch extends 8 ft. beyond the office, giving exterior exposure — light, breezes and views — on three sides. Locating the porch in this corner takes advantage of the views while limiting obstruction of views from other areas.

The bead board ceiling is vaulted and illuminated with cove lights. An arch-top window placed in the gable end, transoms, screen panels and six skylights provide daylight into the adjacent kitchen window. Designing the porch in this corner, with the rooflines tied into the office at one end and dining bay window roof at the other, blends in with the existing house and mitigates the awkward out-of-place office shed roof by hiding it from view. Roofing, siding and trim to match existing materials and an arch-top window similar to the current family room window further strengthen the idea that the porch has always been there.

The existing rectilinear deck and benches appeared stuck on the house and limited access to the yard. The deck was enlarged, and broad steps were added to enhance the connection to the yard. Large sweeping curves form the edges of the decks, transitioning from an upper deck to a lower deck and from deck to terrace. The linear pattern of the decking is softened with curved edges.

Curved Pergola