June 16, 2009

The backyard

Now that I've finally got the back of the house painted (with the exception of the doors), I'm posting a photo. 

Call it what it is...a trailer. And boy, does it look like one back here. A long, low, skinny, metal box. I've been pretty good at ignoring it back here for the better part of two years, but, let's face it...we live in the desert. It gets HOT here. Even with the covered porch on the front of the house, the backyard is cooler in the afternoons/evenings. We want to take advantage of that so...we're building a deck and adding a patio.

To break up all that boxiness, we decided to make the deck and ramada in an arc shape, rather than adding another rectangle to the house.

Mark's sketches: Overhead view

Elevation

The ramada is actually just eye candy.  We don't need it for shade as much as something to make the back of the trailer look more appealing.  The deck is essentially a 38' x 10' arc to get us down to a flagstone patio.  Due to the unfortunate placement of the septic tank, (pretty much in front of the French doors) 10'  is all we can get.  The flagstone patio will start on the other side where the table & chairs are in the photo.

Right now I'm wishing CAD programs didn't make my eyes glaze over...a 3D version would be extremely helpful.  

13 comments:

T.Allen said...

I already know it's going to be spectacular!

A Cuban In London said...

Excellent idea. I can't wait to see the results. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Perfect solution. I love the arc. Then I love how the perfect symmetry will be offset by the patio on one side. Glad it finally clicked for you!

Catherine said...

Great plans. A ramada is a lovely accent and the arc design will soften the appearance of your home and deck. We lived in a mobile and the rectangle does indeed get old.

Golden West said...

I predict you'll spend so much time outside enjoying this, it will seem like a new room! And hanging baskets should foil the hungry deer...

larkspur said...

Bloom where you are planted.

It will be a beautiful addition to your home; you'll never want to go back inside!

littlebyrd said...

It is going to be fabulous Charmaine! I can't wait to see the finished pictures!!

Barn House said...

How exciting! Starting new (big) projects can be a little daunting, but the end results are always the most rewarding. Enjoy the journey!

perpetualpillows.com said...

Nice plan! I love the arc and the ramada. It certainly will lose its box shape and be very inviting. I have a suggestion about the septic tank since we faced a similar situation with our deck...will send you an e-mail.

Judi FitzPatrick said...

Ooh, another exciting project for us to watch. Sending you happy building vibes. Hope you'll post some progress photos along the way.
Peace, Judi

A Wild Thing said...

Love the color...making our simple ranch home into a country cottage was the most fun. Building a deck with a gazebo and wood hot tub, just made the back of the house. It was desert living there too, very hot and all sand, so I zero-scaped everything just so I wouldn't have to water, it was beautiful and the critters didn't eat the cactus...

Alas the 'X' has it all now and it has all been mowed under...oh well...I'll never mow again...what is that all about anyway...water it, mow it, water it, mow it...duh!!!

Your yard is a dream to me...solitude, thanks for sharing!

s

Unknown said...

Looks wonderful to me..and anything under your hand will turn to magic :) Missed you ...hugs/m

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Super exciting and what a great idea to do an arc! I hope you post pics of the process!