Before & After: A patio space for all seasons

Oct 23, 2020 | Architecture, Landscape, Planning & Envisioning, Remodel, Residential Projects

It’s almost hard to believe these two images are of the same space. Of course, the space is entirely transformed. We worked closely with the client to design and create this outdoor Steamboat sanctuary, a serene living space they can enjoy through all of the mountain seasons.
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Before Vertical Arts transformed the space, the outdoor living area went largely unused.
The owner is a fine artist by trade and also had a long career designing luxury mini golf courses in Florida, so their love of art runs deep. Vertical Arts was inspired by an existing gallery hall in the home that features the owner’s own paintings and connects to the outdoor space through two large glass doors. We worked to design a seamless transition that would extend this gallery space outdoors into the patio area that went largely unused before its transformation. During our proprietary envisioning process at the beginning of the project, we prioritized crafting a tranquil and scenic spot that would be accessible the majority of the year. 

Our biggest challenge was creating privacy for the site using both the natural landscape and architectural details. We expanded the patio’s footprint by moving the concrete pad further into the hill and used a natural snowmelt stamp pattern on the concrete, emulating how the ground might look in winter months. We also redesigned the retaining boulder wall, knocking out the existing one to use more natural, larger boulders in order to open up the space and allow more access to the yard.   

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The timber trellis takes center stage in the background, while the homeowner’s sculpture is featured in the foreground.
The centerpiece of the design is a large, stained timber trellis powder-coated aluminum pieces serving as privacy panels. The thin laser-cut panels feature an eye-catching natural design that was hand-sketched by the homeowner. The cozy couches are snuggled around a custom concrete fireplace with built-in infrared heaters providing additional warmth. 

Between the seating area and the home, the team came up with a unique way to showcase the homeowner’s art, pulling one’s gaze from the indoor gallery to a sculpture outdoors and blending the indoor gallery with the outdoor space. Vertical Arts created an illuminated, landscaped space to highlight a sculpture designed by the homeowner. The wood and metal sculpture is meant to resemble a door and is designed to weather the wear and tear of the mountain elements. It will evolve and change with the seasons, not unlike the space itself.

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The homeowner’s artistry is on full display on the custom steel-cut laser panels manufactured by Parasoleil.
Vertical Arts also created a secondary pathway to the patio with slab flagstone steps, connecting the garage to the outdoor space and enhancing privacy. The terraced space features flowers, trees and vegetation hand-selected by the homeowners including black-eyed susans, shasta daisies and various spruces. The added patio space and additional walkway have enhanced the couple’s entertaining options and encouraged them to spend as much time as possible outdoors in their comfortable, beautiful sanctuary. 

This was a wonderful collaboration between the Vertical Arts team and the homeowners to bring this dream space to life. Be sure to follow all Vertical Arts updates on our website, Houzz, Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about how we can help you design your dream mountain home, contact us.