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The two 16'x16' decks were connected with a 3'-wide catwalk of the same material. The height of the decks and catwalk allowed for construction of storage lockers immediately under the catwalk. The space between the decks created a 16'x16' dead area in full view of the decks and the house. Moreover, a 3’-drop below the back yard grade made the space inaccessible. The space clearly called for a solution that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Johnson Associates solution:
We wanted to create an attractive utility area that doubled as an eye-catching patio but needed to complete the project in a very small, restricted area. We started by excavating to create a level grade and built a curved quarry rock retaining wall that increased the space to 300 sq. ft. We then installed a cobblestone patio, surrounded by retaining walls on two sides that sat between the two decks above. The fourth side of the patio terminated at the storage lockers.
To provide adequate drainage, we ran perforated drains under the patio that connected to a catch basin and diverted water away from the back of the house. The retaining wall rock and the cobblestone pavers were hand picked to coordinate with the color of the new decks.
Because the patio was 3' below the level of the back yard, large flat rocks were hand picked and used as steps to access the patio. A cobblestone path was built to connect the stairs from the deck to the rock steps that access the patio. This path provided a hard surface so the homeowner could walk from the deck to the patio without stepping on the lawn. To soften the look, the hardscape was complimented with deciduous trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
This Outdoor Room exceeded the owner's dreams by providing a grotto-like view from all angles that doubled as a utility area beside the storage lockers where potting tools lived.
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