Elevated Tupelo stone dining patio with large format pavers is just steps from the kitchen.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Minneapolis with natural stone pavers.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Inspiration for a large midcentury backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor entertaining at it's best.
Transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Seating areas under pergola and fire pit surrounded by Russian Sage and perennials.
Expansive contemporary backyard patio in New York with a fire feature, gravel and a pergola.

Back deck opens out to the side; stone pavers frame a sunken rectangular pool. Tony Soluri Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary side yard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Photography by David Dietrich
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Photography - LongViews Studios
This is an example of a country patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

In 2016 we were hired to design both the front and back landscape to compliment this beautiful stone home with timber features. We created an entrance with a subtle impact edging the walkway with natural stone walls to contain the gardens. With the driveway being an odd shape, the division helped frame the front and separate the two hardscapes. A large side walkway opens into the backyard firepit area and looks onto a large timber frame structure. Photography: Jason Hartog Photography

Photo of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, gravel and a roof extension.

Big flowery puffs of Hydrangea provide base for the deck and create a nice separation from the patio. Photography by Larry Huene Photography.
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Purser Architectural Custom Home Design built by CAM Builders LLC
Expansive traditional backyard patio in Houston with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

This is an example of a transitional patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

What better way to enjoy the best feature of a lake house – the lake – than spending an evening sitting around a fire? Roast marshmallows or have a heart-to-heart – the fire is the perfect setting for connecting with loved ones.

Cantabrica Estates is a private gated community located in North Scottsdale. Spec home available along with build-to-suit and incredible view lots. For more information contact Vicki Kaplan at Arizona Best Real Estate Spec Home Built By: LaBlonde Homes Photography by: Leland Gebhardt

This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

a more disciplined look to this wood-burning fire pit and matching stone wall, mixed stone and brick pavers
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.