Michael Nash Indoor-Outdoor Solution Judged Best in 11 States
Two-tier exterior custom-designed for family of five
A rear elevation solution that combines a mid-level screened-in porch with an open-air “kids” play zone below has won a regional “Contractor of the Year” award (COTY) for Michael Nash Design Build and Homes. The design solution–in which a builder-grade screen porch been replaced by a substantially larger accommodation with expanded outdoor entertainment components–was implemented in the home of an Ashburn couple who had occupied for 14 years. The project was named the best exterior ($100,00.00 to $250,000.00) in eleven south Atlantic states by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
In accepting the prize, Michael Nash president and founder Sonny Nazemian was quick to acknowledge his company’s high-performance design team, which grappled with several site and interior design challenges.
“Homeowners today are seeking plans that fully utilize previously overlooked space enhancement options,” Nazemian said. “As a firm, we have become particularly adept at achieving large improvements in functionality and interior design while adding comparatively little square footage. Our whole approach is to expand what is possible within a budget by prioritizing and focusing the investment where it counts.”
Owners of the 5,000 square foot residence were seeking a multi-level indoor/outdoor solution that would better satisfy the entertainment requirements of the entire family.
With three school-age children underfoot, the plan called for an organic way to sequester the children’s activity play zones from more relaxed adult pursuits in the screened-in porch. Porch activities might include watching the game by an open fire or (in warmer seasons) under a rotating overhead fans, or simply visiting.
Two-tier Exterior Solution with Firepit
A recently completed two-tier rear elevation makeover to a 5,000 square foot production house in Ashburn accommodates a wide array of outdoor entertainment needs for a family of five that includes three school age children.
“We wanted a plan that could work well for six or seven months of the year,” Nazemian adds. “This is the real essence of an indoor outdoor design.”
Aesthetics being a key requirement, an outside retaining wall inspired designers to clad the exposed rear elevation in stone and add a floor-to ceiling hearth. A beveled tongue-and-groove ceiling and wood-grained porcelain flooring reinforces the interior’s rustic harmonics.
On an adjacent outside deck, there’s an 8’x8’ jacuzzi. The children’s play zone below the porch features a broad flagstone patio, a swinging couch and a second television.
The deeper satisfaction for the owners, though, is the beautifully articulated indoor-outdoor arena with its many well-defined, cleverly-integrated activity zones, to wit:
- A stone firepit on the plat’s southeast corner offers a welcoming, slightly elevated view of surrounding country side–a perfect gathering spot from early spring to late fall.
- A barn-style screened door linking the new porch to the grilling deck evokes the bucolic heritage of the lovely rolling country side that once offered grazing for cattle; the grill shares a footprint with a nearby jacuzzi.
- The lower-level flagstone patio is ideal for dining alfresco. Covered in stain grade ceiling panels and adorned with recessed lights and ceiling fans, the lower patio offers day and evening open-air entertainment space. A swinging couch whimsically completes the eclectic outdoor conversation pit.
Lower Level TV Viewing Area
the children’s play zone below the porch features a broad flagstone patio, a swinging couce and a second television
Upper Porch
A outside retaining wall inspired designers to clad the exposed rear elevation in stone and add a floor-to-ceiling hearth. A beveled tongue-and-groove ceiling and wood-grained porcelain flooring reinforce the interior’s rustic harmonics.
Grilling Deck
A barn-style screened door links the new porch to the grilling deck, which shares a footprint with a nearby Jaccuzzi
Firepit
A perfect gathering spot in any temperate weather scenario, the firepit offers a slightly elevated view of surrounding country side.
