outdoor spaces

In an effort to unify the hotel with the wild landscape, the roofs are carpeted with two-foot-tall wild grass, the same grass that covers the surrounding area. This also helps with insulation and energy-efficiency. One of the corridors that connect the buildings is left uncovered. This leads to a separate complex with a heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and outdoor Jacuzzi.

A 2,500-square-foot backyard off a Portland home was completely overhauled by architect Michael Howells. Its new design uses pavers to divide the yard into sections that include planters, a cedar soaking tub, and a fire pit.

A 150 square-foot glass roof retracts to provide access to the roof and to create an open exterior court at the mezzanine.

Orleans House occupies one of the easternmost points in the U.S., a place exposed to salt water, light, sky, marsh, bay, barrier beach, and open ocean. Tides, wind, and waves are forever remaking the landscape; here is a world in motion. We let these elements guide us as we began designing.

Private Oasis

“We talked about creating a sense of mystery when [guests] walked in from the street,” says Christopher. A gate swings open on a steel bar-stock frame to reveal a courtyard and the dining room beyond.

Outside, a set of Bertoia chairs offer an appealing perch around a vintage glass-and-metal table.

Strung seashells make up an organic screen for the carport, a natural touch added by the seller.

A wicker sectional from Target and a custom fire table that Todd designed sit under Sunbrella shade sails.

With little to no permitting required because of its small size, Sett Studio units can be used for an extra bedroom, a yoga studio, a hydroponics growing area or an office space, like this 96-square-foot one shown here.

The house is set on a forested hill, which means the backyard—though scenic—is too steep to enjoy. It’s also perpetually shady. Schicketanz wanted somewhere she could soak in the sun, so she added a roof deck. “It’s really the only usable, large outdoor space I have,” she says.

"There's a sort of peacefulness that envelops you," says Sam Ferris of the house he grew up in, show in 1955.

A stepped concrete garden planted with herbs and flowers marks the descent to the house. The courtyard is the focal point of the U-shaped structure; there is clear visibility between the kitchen on one side and the children's bedrooms on the other.

The family takes full advantage of their sylvan yard, Sarah Baird and her children Bo and Sky read a book out on the picnic table.

After raising the rear patio to the level of the kitchen, the team reused the original redwood decking and supplemented it with recycled pieces from other projects. Recessed planters punctuate a garden wall. Scott and Regina warm themselves by a Solus fire pit on chilly evenings.

Kartheiser’s private courtyard includes a covered seating area and fire pit, designed by Roberts.

A mix of vintage finds and pieces designed by Mathesius, including a Cor-Ten steel fire pit on the second-floor deck, furnish a majority of the home.