Porch of the Week: Covered Deck Becomes a Glassed-In Retreat
A design-build firm blocks wind gusts from Puget Sound, in Washington, extending porch time for these homeowners
Becky Harris
February 12, 2022
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Flying napkins spurred an important functional change to this covered deck in Seattle. “These homeowners entertain a lot and host a lot of philanthropic fundraisers, networking events and other parties. But they found strong winds would come up from Puget Sound so quickly that suddenly their napkins would be flying all over the place,” says designer Lisa Price of Jackson Design Build.
The structure’s architecture already worked in concert with the new home, but it needed more protection from the wind. The scope of the project included adding glass doors and panels around the sides and redesigning the transition from the deck to the ground.
The structure’s architecture already worked in concert with the new home, but it needed more protection from the wind. The scope of the project included adding glass doors and panels around the sides and redesigning the transition from the deck to the ground.
“After” photos by WE Studio Photography
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple who have a child in college, and their dog
Location: Seattle
Size: 950 square feet (88 square meters)
Designer and builder: Jackson Design Build in concert with architects at Build
Before: The covered deck had spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range. But for the homeowners to be able to use it how they wanted, it needed protection from sudden strong gusts of wind.
“The wind whipped up from Puget Sound around the house to the south, then came back around the east side of the house through the [deck] back toward the Sound,” Price says. They needed to enclose two sides of the covered deck to block gusting winds. They could leave the water-facing side open with an unobstructed view while protecting the entire area from the wind.
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Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple who have a child in college, and their dog
Location: Seattle
Size: 950 square feet (88 square meters)
Designer and builder: Jackson Design Build in concert with architects at Build
Before: The covered deck had spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range. But for the homeowners to be able to use it how they wanted, it needed protection from sudden strong gusts of wind.
“The wind whipped up from Puget Sound around the house to the south, then came back around the east side of the house through the [deck] back toward the Sound,” Price says. They needed to enclose two sides of the covered deck to block gusting winds. They could leave the water-facing side open with an unobstructed view while protecting the entire area from the wind.
Find a local design-build firm on Houzz
After: This is the approach from the driveway to the porch. The ramp eases catering deliveries for the many events the homeowners host. Architects from Build, which had designed the house and the original covered deck, completed some general drawings for enclosing it.
Then Price took it from there, finding the best doors and glass panels to match the existing architecture through Cherry Creek Windows and Doors. The new glass doors and panels envelop the deck in a way that stops the wind but lets the homeowners open it up to let fresh air through when things are calm.
Price had one outswing door, seen here on the left, and three sliding panel doors custom-made by Fleetwood Doors for the project. The size of the jambs works nicely with the existing steel posts, and the new sliding glass doors help give the structure a look reminiscent of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. “These clients are super savvy about design. It’s really fun as a designer to work with people like them,” Price says.
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Then Price took it from there, finding the best doors and glass panels to match the existing architecture through Cherry Creek Windows and Doors. The new glass doors and panels envelop the deck in a way that stops the wind but lets the homeowners open it up to let fresh air through when things are calm.
Price had one outswing door, seen here on the left, and three sliding panel doors custom-made by Fleetwood Doors for the project. The size of the jambs works nicely with the existing steel posts, and the new sliding glass doors help give the structure a look reminiscent of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. “These clients are super savvy about design. It’s really fun as a designer to work with people like them,” Price says.
Search for a window and door professional in your area
The doors are wide, so when the weather is calm, the porch feels very open and lets more manageable breezes through. The roof structure in the foreground (closest to the water) is open and matches similar details elsewhere on the home’s exterior. “It casts beautiful shadows throughout the day,” Price says.
Browse outdoor lounge furniture in the Houzz Shop
Browse outdoor lounge furniture in the Houzz Shop
In addition to the views of Puget Sound, the design also keeps the views of the surrounding gardens as open as possible. The crew was careful not to disturb existing trees. An orchard of peach trees wraps around two sides of the porch, providing a beautiful view and healthy snacks. “We all enjoyed them during construction,” Price says. There are also apple trees, as well as a plum tree, on the property.
The porch has heaters in the ceiling and speakers for the sound system.
The porch has heaters in the ceiling and speakers for the sound system.
Before: These steps led down to the water-facing side of the yard. While flying napkins inspired the transformation, a smoky grill inspired an updated design for the steps. “The homeowners wanted a way to keep the smoke from the grill from pulling under the ceiling,” Price says.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
The team added onto the existing deck and power-washed and re-coated the wood to restore it. Extending the useable deck space on the right gave the homeowners a spot to wheel the grill away from the porch. It also opened up an opportunity to create an interesting intersection of steps. “And the new steps are wide and gracious,” Price says.
Because the deck is only 30 inches off the ground, a handrail was not required. This kept the view open, but should the homeowners need railings in the future, they can add them.
Shop for an outdoor grill
Because the deck is only 30 inches off the ground, a handrail was not required. This kept the view open, but should the homeowners need railings in the future, they can add them.
Shop for an outdoor grill
Here is a closer look at where the new steps intersect the original deck in the corner.
This plan shows how the porch relates to the rest of the house. Puget Sound is off the plan to the left. The walkway on the bottom right leads to the front door, with the garage above it. The shaded area represents the covered portion of the porch’s trellis.
“The homeowners have told us that they are so happy, and that now they are able to enjoy the porch from February through October,” Price says. In addition to all the parties, fundraisers and networking events they host, they enjoy quieter times too, such as drinking their coffee out here every morning from late winter through the fall.
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“The homeowners have told us that they are so happy, and that now they are able to enjoy the porch from February through October,” Price says. In addition to all the parties, fundraisers and networking events they host, they enjoy quieter times too, such as drinking their coffee out here every morning from late winter through the fall.
More on Houzz
Read more landscape design stories
Get landscape design ideas
Find a landscape designer or architect
Shop for outdoor products
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These covered porches, decks turned into enclosed rooms are just as perfect for the northwest as they are for parts of the country with harsher weather. They also don't have to be built expensively. It added alot more than just another room to my home, it's a huge psychological uplift as well.
What a clever and beautiful solution to a problem I would love to have. That view! Sigh . . .
Curious about the material for the decking? Teak? what kind of wood? Maybe I missed it in the story...