While this 40-year-old northern Virginia home already had a nice stone patio, the homeowners were looking to expand their outdoor entertainment options. The challenge? To work within the footprint of the existing patio, which had been built by their son, while not obstructing views of the nearby woods from the upper level of the home.
The NARI CotY award–winning solution that Bob Gallagher and his team at Sun Design Remodeling came up with features a circular design and a conservatory-style conical roof with a 12-foot-high peak. The circular screened porch connects to the home’s lower-level family room, which was already equipped with a bar and kitchen area, creating separate areas for the family to dine, entertain family and friends, or simply sit in an area protected from bugs and rain while enjoying the outdoors.
Greg Hadley Photography
Another benefit of the conical roof design is that it doesn't obstruct views of the nearby woods from the home's second-floor windows.
After partially disassembling the travertine stone patio pavers, the Sun Design team corrected some grading issues that had created a drainage problem underneath the original patio. Then they installed concrete footings and 6×6 PT posts to support the structure’s 2×8 PT wall framing.
The circular porch features a knee wall clad with natural stone veneer both inside and out. The knee wall is capped with stone taken from the existing patio, helping to tie the existing and new work together.
Greg Hadley Photography
Japanese-style rain chains guide water collected by the gutters away from the walls.
The posts and columns are wrapped with PVC trim for low maintenance, and have strategically placed weep holes in the wall assembly to allow water to drain out. The room is finished with a vaulted T&G beadboard ceiling, which gives the space a more expansive feel and a traditional look.
On the outside, gutters collect water draining off the conical roof. But instead of clunky downspouts, the design features rain chains to avoid obstructing the view from inside the pavilion.
