Backyard Timber Porch
This porch is a response to a situation much worse than no-porch at all: an open arbor that dripped for much of the year on anyone entering the backyard. . . and raising rescue dogs, a lot of backyard visits are in order here.
An outdoor room came out of the endeavor, much to everyone's liking.
We looked at scale and existing conditions for context, wanting this to be large enough for comfort all year, but to only partially cover the hot tub, tucking one side under an eave for winter protection.
Omitting the king post made for a modern feeling two-spoke truss, with more openness across the volume above.
Skylights are included near the house to keep the area underneath from being too dark, also allowing daylight to enter the back windows and patio door.
The relationship to the yard needed to be immediate, so stepping or sitting at the edge of the porch is natural, whilst giving adequate protection to the wood posts.
Permeable pavers were used to handle weather and water around the tub, but also to give the walking surface texture and rhythm, and to help it feel connected to the yard as a patio that engages the landscape with a material often used at grade.
There is some elegance in how the assembly meets the sky
Details are well-executed, letting the nature of the wood and steel shine through.
The porch addition feels high in value and strong in supporting quality of life by making a space to enjoy year round.
And indeed we had a nice conversation and kombucha to evaluate the outcome from its shady space below on a warm sunny day.