Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

1950s Bungalow

Naomi

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with brick pavers and a pergola.

Private home - Atlanta, Georgia

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area.

Purple Rain

Mom's Design Build

Small traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with with fireplace, brick pavers and a pergola.

Ideal Outdoor Living Spaces

Trinity Homes of Las Cruces

Mediterranean courtyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

New Urban Garden

SED Design

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Park Slope Residence

Gradient Architecture PLLC

Photography by Travis Mark.
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Midwest Outdoor Living in a Bird Lover's Backyard

The Cleary Company

Daniel Feldkamp @ Visual Edge Imaging
Large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with brick pavers and a pergola.

Our Work

Sabina Signature Landscapes

Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in Austin with brick pavers and a pergola.

Misc

Blooming Desert Pools and Landscapes

Large transitional backyard patio in Phoenix with brick pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Signature Landscapes

Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Minneapolis with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

Courtyard Retreat

Noble Knights Construction Services, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in Other with a pergola, a water feature and brick pavers.

Scenic

Sterling Brook Custom Homes

An all stone outdoor kitchen with dining area and easy access to pool bath and game room makes for party central with flair.
This is an example of a large mediterranean patio in Dallas with a pergola and brick pavers.

Urban Frenzy

KD Landscape

Brightly colored accessories work in concert with the plantings to bring this social space to life. This project received a 2013 Hardscape North America Design Award, and a 2014 ILCA Award of Excellence. It is also slated for publication in Chicagoland Gardening Magazine and Total Landscape Care Magazine. Site design by John Algozzini, lighting design by Kevin Manning.

Phoenix, Arizona | Lucero in Estrella - Castillo Manzanita Patio

Brightland Homes

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with brick pavers and a pergola.

Eclectic retrospective

Garden Structures & More

Very inviting isn't it? I have lost count how many of these I have built over the years. And they are like snowflakes every single one is different!
Design ideas for a small eclectic backyard patio in Minneapolis with brick pavers and a pergola.

Fire Elements

Aspen Falls Landscape & Construction

Belgard Beautiful outdoor living space with fireplace and paver sitting wall.
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Award Winning Outdoor Living Space in Dublin OH

Archadeck - Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus received the Archadeck Design Excellence Award for this project. The winning project is a combination hardscape, deck, pergola and fire pit project in the Ballantrae subdivision of Dublin, Ohio. The deck area is high-aesthetic and low-maintenance as it was built using composite decking from the TimberTech PRO Legacy Collection. Legacy Collection’s decking boards are capped on all four sides to provide complete protection against mold, mildew, moisture damage, stains, scratches and fading.

Barrington Hills Entertaining Patio

Ringers Landscape Services, Inc.

Custom, regulation sized bags court with artificial turf!
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Pergola System

Air Sun Screen & Awning Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with brick pavers and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers and a Pergola

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!