Morgan Residence

A suburban backyard on a budget.  A number of haphazard elements - multiple house entrances with various step configurations and a meandering concrete patio - were knitted together and repurposed as a thoughtful, living extension of the house.  Existing concrete was cut, patched and stained, steps were united and enlarged as landings, the trellis was moved and rebuilt with more appropriate proportions, and a fireplace and outdoor kitchen were added.  Pathways were skillfully terminated with a stone wall, planting and the fireplace to allow the patio to perform as a peaceful outdoor living room.  The outdoor kitchen was kept close to the house to ensure its frequent use while the trellis defines a smaller, shady dining room within the larger context of the yard and patio.  This flexibility tocomfortably accommodate a variety of uses and group sizes is a hallmark of thoughtful design.