This massive 7-figure project in Martis Camp (Truckee, California) began in April of 2106 when Jon invited a few members of the Throughstone Group to fly there and walk through the site to see what ideas they could collectively form for the client from a "blank slate". A theme was then proposed; a rough plan was approved; and phase one site preparation began that same Fall. It's a one-of-a-kind collaboration involving every member of the Throughstone Group from Colorado, California, Washington and Italy. Phase two began in May of 2017 and finished six months later in November. The final phase will be complete in the early summer of 2018. Jon's stonesmith travel team relocated to Truckee for six months and installed approximately 300 tons of basalt and granite stone. The SB Forge + Iron crew designed and built numerous bronze-plated and bronze-sculpted features. The Seattle Solstice team co-designed and built Jon's sculptures up in Seattle, transported them to the site and flew down to install them. Jay of Stellar Jay Designs built all of the wood works in Durango, Colorado and trucked them up himself to put them all in place. Craig and Mary from NW Outdoor Lighting will complete the lighting system in 2018.

Nick Springett Photography
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Expansive country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Michael Lyons - Architect Ken Vaughn - Photographer
Photo of an expansive transitional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, concrete slab and a gazebo/cabana.

Inspiration for an expansive backyard patio in Grand Rapids with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard patio in Sacramento with concrete pavers, a fire feature and a gazebo/cabana.

Builder: Markay Johnson Construction visit: www.mjconstruction.com Project Details: This uniquely American Shingle styled home boasts a free flowing open staircase with a two-story light filled entry. The functional style and design of this welcoming floor plan invites open porches and creates a natural unique blend to its surroundings. Bleached stained walnut wood flooring runs though out the home giving the home a warm comfort, while pops of subtle colors bring life to each rooms design. Completing the masterpiece, this Markay Johnson Construction original reflects the forethought of distinguished detail, custom cabinetry and millwork, all adding charm to this American Shingle classic. Architect: John Stewart Architects Photographer: Bernard Andre Photography

Expansive contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”

This is an example of an expansive country backyard patio in Denver with a fire feature.

Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

We love the combination of paver colors the clients selected for their Unilock patio and hardscape. The field of the patio features Unilock’s Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in the platinum color, and the darker soldier course features Unilock’s Series 3000 pavers in black granite. We built the outer edge of the patio with Unilock’s Ledgestone.

Martina Gemmola
This is an example of an expansive modern backyard patio in Melbourne with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Photography: Piston Design
Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature and a roof extension.

A One of a kind outdoor living space complete with a wood burning fireplace. The space feature two Trex deck area that showcase island mist decking along with vintage lantern accents. The patio also has multiple levels that include a covered area under one of the decks perfect for lounging. The main feature is the custom fireplace that has integrated fireboxes as well as a seating wall. Photography by: Keystone Custom Decks

Photo of an expansive country patio in Other with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Inspiration for an expansive modern backyard patio in Indianapolis with a fire feature and stamped concrete.

Sunset garden stone patio comprised on Native South African and Australian drought tolerant plants.
Inspiration for an expansive backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Stone patio, fire pit and mountain views at BrokenArrowLodge.info in Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe photography by Photo-tecture.com
Design ideas for an expansive country backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.