After several weeks of honing the design, we are now breaking ground on what is to be a fantastic improvement to the look and livability of this secluded creek-side home.

Once the footings were poured, we wasted no time in constructing the foundation. With the front of the house being home to the pergola and fire pit patios, block work was laid, and concrete poured to extend and define these spaces. In the back of the house, we have poured a turn-down slab that will support the screen porch addition.

Mike Trimble, of Trimble Construction, made quick work of the stone leveling and backfill so we could receive delivery of the finish masonry products. The owners have made their choices for surface material and we have chosen Lowry Masonry to install them. Techo-Bloc Blu80 pavers on the lower patio surfaces and walkways, Eldorado Stone veneer for the new walls, and blue stone for the wall caps, stairs and upper patio surface. Using natural stone from the nearby creek, Jeff Lowry and his crew expertly crafted the challenging circular fire pit.

Andersen window and door units were selected to replace the cumbersome sliding doors that were once used to replace overhead doors when the original garage was converted into living space by the prior owner. A Therma-tru out-swing door unit was used to replace the failing slider to the rear of the house. Andrew and Jeremy will work to seam the existing wormy chestnut trim with the new combination window and door.

Trimble Construction is on hand again to complete the back fill, fine grading and grass planting that will really tie the patio and walkway areas into the existing contours.

Jeremy and Andrew get to work constructing a 15′ x 15′ screened-in porch with an exposed rafter/ bead-board/ pyramid shaped canopy interior that will tie into the existing roof as a simple looking hip extension from the exterior. Julian and Allen Brinkley will aid in bringing the paint finish to life. We will also use and highly recommend the Screen-eeze system for anchoring the screen panels.

All material choices were made by Andrew based on cost and longevity (yellow pine framing and beaded ceiling boards, Miratec composite trim boards, douglas fir screen doors, foot rail, and handrail).

Now for the final phase of this project, the posts and decorative timbers that make up the pergola cover over the large patio section. This architectural assembly will serve to screen the sunlight and make a partially shaded area to enjoy the pastoral views all around.