Best Outdoor Living

Winner: Design Alternatives, Inc. – Bunch Outdoor Living 

"The client's challenge was a growing family and aging parents. Large gatherings of family and friends often arrive at the residence year-round. 

The objective: move these gatherings to the outdoors without losing continuity from the indoor fourseason's style room to the outdoor patio. 

He wanted to cook while mingling with guests without fighting walls. She wanted ease of cleaning and usability of this newly renovated 1,000-square-foot addition for as many months as possible in this Midwest climate. 

What once was an outdoor porch was enlarged to provide a respite from the elements when weather is cold, yet it provides a visual connection with guests on the patio all year round. This was achieved by use of a 16' wall of glass that opens to 8' at the center doors. 

The entire design solution revolves around a dual-entrance stairway. This keeps traffic organized: the cook to the kitchen zone and the guests to the entertainment zone. This wide staircase engages stair lights for aging eyes as well as provides ambiance in the evening hours. They were designed with a deep tread so that guests using walkers can easily maneuver the stairs. 

The entire garage-style patio floor is heated and makes cleanup of leaves and even spills a breeze. Infact the entire floor can be cleaned using a hose. A sump pit was designed under the sink prior to the concrete floor being poured for ease of maintenance for all mechanical connections. 

"Curvy" solid surface counters and weatherproof outdoor cabinetry with steel legs were selected to withstand varying Midwest temperatures and make clean-up a breeze. Commercial appliances including a gas griddle, grill, deep fryer and full stove round out the varied appliances providing the chef a dream kitchen. Stainless steel coordinates all the finishes and provides safety as does the large backsplash at stove area and large vented range hood.

The homeowners wanted their patio to look original to the 2-decade home. The style/color of new cultured stone was selected to blend with the original. Columns were designed at the patio to match those on the homes existing front exterior. 

The custom stone fireplace was built by a family member and grounds the entire patio design, as well as provides additional warmth in chilly weather. It features limestone hearths, wood storage and a gas "easy-start" ignitor. A vaulted, bead-boarded ceiling visually expands the space defined by the existing roof line. The existing roofline's 8/12 pitch provided the starting point for the overall size of this remodel/addition. 

Large ceiling fans provide additional air circulation in summer months. 

A built-in bar in the four-season's room provides large commercial refrigeration where all guests feel free to grab their own cold beverage. The commercial ice maker provides ice for the grandkid's smoothies. Storage for an individualized wine collection and an extensive adult beverage collection are high-lighted by LED tape light and glass shelves within the cabinetry. A glass tile backsplash ties in the room's amber color palette aids the LED under cabinet lighting in providing an appealing space to craft your own beverage. 

Local Association: Builders Association of Greater Lafayette