GlenEagles Lot 148

Just a page to share some ideas on patio design elements and the transition to a lowered garden or seating area.  The Northwest corner of the lot transitions rather flat and takes you to the shortest distance to the Tomahawk Creek Trail.  The Northeast corner of the lot drops off rather steeply to the TCT, and might be a good location for a second firepit feature and some seating.

The upper patio or courtyard would be level with the sunroom/dining room and is complicated by the fact that the tandem garage is suspended and we would like walkout access with a flat slab to the storage below this garage area.

The level continuous with the sunroom would need an area for a smoker and grill.  

I like the fire pit in picture 1 and I like how part of the seating are cushions placed on the stone seat.  I also like the random variation and various colors in the stone pavers.

Picture 1

In picture 2 I like the fire pit and the pillowed seating also.  One comment is both these patios appear to be steps down from the house they are at.  It is not exactly clear to me how we keep this patio level with the sunroom and still maintain daylight for the lower level.  Maybe one of the bedrooms could not be daylight.  

Picture 2

Picture 2B, below really makes a statement and could make a dramatic statement on the patio. We are already planning on the wall so adding a big section of fire might be a good fit.

Picture 2B

Maybe there should be built in planter boxes.  They could be used to add color from the house side or be stepped down on the yard side. See picture 3.  

Picture 3

Rather than a fire pit, it might be interesting to look out at a roaring outdoor fireplace.  Something like picture 4 below.  While pictures 1 & 2 show fire pits, I think an outdoor fireplace would move a persons attention out in the direction of the woods which would be nice.

Picture 4

Next there would be an intermediate patio or courtyard to accommodate the daylight for the lower bedrooms.  Maybe a couple chairs on this level and then reverse the steps down to the yard/garden level.  Maybe a small table or picnic table could be place there. See pictures 5 & 6. I really have no ideas how to visualize this part of how much room would really be available.  Both of these "intermediate patios" likely exceed the space we have available but I like the look of the stone picnic table.

Pictures 5 & 6

Finally as you transition to the back of the lot there may be plenty of room for a 2nd fire feature. Something simple like a fire pit or a fireplace.  You could do a stone seat.  I would think it should blend with the nature rock of the area and have a less structured look.  You could look down into the valley a bit that runs on the North East side of the lot.  I could see it being the "Scotch & Smores" pit.  See picture 7-10 below.

Pictures 7-10

Last the yard would have to have a short path to steer us in the direction of Tomahawk Creek Trail. Maybe a path like the one in picture 9 below somewhere in the North East 1/3 of the lot would get people headed to a natural deer pathway through the perimeter woods between the lot and the trail.

Picture 9