Great Room by A Pool
Virginia Beach, VAType/ Residential
Time/ 2018
Client/ Private
Status/ Completed
The Carolino family often has friends and family gatherings at their home. The get togethers were becoming so much fun they decided to invest in an outdoor living area for everyone to enjoy. The wanted a space they can use year-round, where people can kickback and relax while also being able to enjoy the pool. The design takes into consideration the circulation and activities of the entire indoor first floor as it flows into the backyard, instead of solely focusing on the clients “must have”covered porch. The flow of the design activates the backyard with different types of outdoor spaces around the pool. After the completion of the project in May 2018, there were gatherings and parties almost every weekend during the summer! The design was so popular, neighbors, friends and colleagues’ were asking to having events there.
Sketches
Client Meeting
The design created a series of outdoor spaces under the covered porch with the intent to mirror the function inside the house (i.e. kitchen, dining, and living rooms) and include easy indoor and outdoor access. Creating balance between the side and back yard setback, while meeting the requirements by zoning ordinance that included the distance to the pool, we were able to maximize the main porch area to allow for people sitting in the outdoor living area to have a direct pool view. A food axis is created that is parallel to the main house. The outdoor kitchen and bar is located on one side and outdoor dining on the other, the design also includes bar seating next to the pool.
Construction
The project design also focused on the transition from inside the house to the outdoor spaces. The steps down from the main house extend as a bench, (planter box, etc.) to ensure a smoother, more natural transition. The covered porch remains a separate space by staying one step higher than the pool deck. Stepping back and looking up, the design also carefully studied the roof line to work with the existing dormer and still look like a natural part of the house. The addition creates a wonderful convergence between the house and nature, allowing the family to enjoy their love for the outdoors to the fullest.
Before & After
Wendy & Pete Carolino
"We wanted to do a new addition, a complete outdoor living space and were not sure where to start. GARC was able to take our vision and turn it into a reality. The time and attention to details, listening to our requests and investment through project completion was beyond impressive. We love our beautiful outdoor living area and it has become the center of many family gatherings!"
