They wanted a high ceiling but...

Finding a solution with a difficult porch connection…

When the owners of this home contacted us to discuss adding a screened porch addition, they were looking for a space with an open and airy feel. After all, we go outdoors to leave behind the confinement of walls and windows. We want to experience as much of the sun, heat, and breeze as possible. We want to smell the scent of fresh-cut grass and hear the sweet song of birds answering each other’s calls. We want to hear the sound of rain and have a covered place to watch a lightning storm. We want all of that with the protection of a roof and screens but we still don’t want to feel confined. When considering adding a porch to this home, our site visit identified a significant challenge. The second story had a number of windows that we would not want to cover or visually obstruct. Our goal was to make the porch as spacious as possible without obstructing the second-story windows. You’ll see below that we maximized the vertical space by adding screened transom windows above the traditional screened windows. We utilized a low hip roof to gain some elevation or vaulting within the room while designing within the constraints.

From a design perspective, the goal was to achieve a rustic sensibility within a traditional elegant custom porch design. We utilized cedar posts and a cedar door to harken from the natural wood posts from porches of old. Adjoining the porch is a paver patio with a unique custom footprint. Many Chicagoland area homeowners want an outdoor living area that has both a seating area and a distinctly separate additional space serving as an eating area. The Unilock paver patio creates the perfect space for intimate dining among family and friends. Nestled between the two spaces is a small grill deck with enough room to tuck the grill close to each space but not interfering or taking up too much otherwise usable eating or seating area. The cherry on the cake is the custom-built firepit of complimenting Unilock paver stones. During the offseason, the family can utilize the fire pit for plantings and host other decorative outdoor elements.

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Take a look at more Chicagoland screened porch images in our online photo gallery.