Before & After: Back Yard Gazebo

Some of our favorite projects are those in which the entire project team collaborates closely throughout the process. When the clients who own this Westchester home came to us to upgrade their rear yard, we were excited to work with them. We've been lucky to collaborate with the family on their beautiful home for years.

The pergola was located at one end of the pool, with the house on one side and a patio leading to a lake on the other. While beautiful, the pergola's design obstructed, rather than connected, the three areas. We wanted to respect the work that was already in place, while repositioning the landscape and hardscape to take advantage of the view and connect the house, pool, and lake. Practical design considerations were the clients' desire to reuse the steel columns holding up the original pergola, opening up the rear wall of the structure to some degree, and minimizing the overhang of the new roof.

After spending time in Japan, the clients were inspired to incorporate contemporary Japanese-style elements into the interior and exterior of their property. We strove to carry this inspiration into the design of the new gazebo.

Drainage is handled via a rain chain, becoming part of the sculptural structure. As water drains off the roof through the roof chain, the peaceful sound adds to the enjoyment of sitting in the gazebo. The open rear wall creates a view that highlights the rain chain and plantings beyond. We raised the ceiling height to provide room for a ceiling fan and to ensure that the view of the lake is not obstructed by the roof of the gazebo.

Power washing the clients' existing Smith and Hawken furniture gave the pieces a fresh look that invites them to enjoy the patio adjacent to the lake.

We were lucky to collaborate with incredibly involved and creative clients, a contractor and landscaper who are true artisans, and an incredible interior designer. When the entire team is so engaged in the project, the design process becomes fun and iterative. This starts with rough sketches that are then translated into 3D models and eventually into construction drawings that are used by the build team. Scooter Hatch of New England Carpentry, who also constructed the original pergola, worked with us to ensure that the new structure was cohesive with the surrounding area. Plantings selected by the family's longtime landscaper, Rocco Morfea, unlocked the view of the lake from underneath the pergola. The family's interior designer, Bibi Monnahan, selected outdoor furnishings from Design Within Reach and Kingsley Bate, creating ample seating for the family to enjoy the space.

In many of our projects, and this one in particular, having a team full of creative partners was truly essential. The modifications to and around the structure help to highlight and transform the space. We're grateful to the clients for allowing us to be a part of the fun, creative modifications to their back yard.