Screened-In Porch Addition
The
Vision
A Long-Awaited Outdoor Retreat
These Ann Arbor homeowners originally reached out to Meadowlark about a remodeling project at a different home. They ended up not doing that project and, a few years later, connected with us again about a home they had purchased in a different neighborhood.
They were looking to expand their new home with a screened-in porch addition so they could have a wonderful space that could be used throughout three seasons. While some folks may prefer an open patio, an elevated deck, or a year-round sunroom, there was an allure to a screened-in porch. It's a place that's great for seasonal dining and entertaining or simply relaxing and enjoying the view. And in this case, there was a beautiful yard and landscape that faced west, providing amazing sunset views.
The homeowners planned on staying in this home for many years, and they wanted to take advantage of their beautiful backyard. They were tired of not having a better outdoor space to use on a daily basis or to entertain friends and family.
Design Challenges
Creating Comfort, Matching Aesthetic & Perfecting Placement
With the back of the home facing west, the existing brick paver patio would become burning hot in the Michigan summer afternoons and evenings making it an uncomfortable place to spend time. The homeowners were looking for a solution to minimize the heat so that they could enjoy this space. The paver patio was in good condition, and the homeowners thought that if some of it could be built into the design, that would be an added bonus rather than tearing up and replacing it.
The existing home was contemporary in style, and the homeowners did not want to break up that aesthetic with a screened-in porch addition to the home. During the design development, it was noted that the family room would become darker because the screen porch would be blocking some of the light coming in through the windows. That room would also become the entrance to the space which wasn't ideal. Meadowlark thought "why block the family room?" and determined that there wasn't a need to have it connected to the home.
Three window wells to the basement were on either side of the existing patio which meant that if the screened-in porch were placed on either side, natural light into the basement would be blocked. The homeowners frequently use the basement, and this was less than ideal if they were to be covered up.
The three steps that needed to be navigated from the sliding door into the home to get out to the patio were in a pyramid configuration without a railing. Whether carrying a tray of food or having mobility issues, this was less than ideal, and some thought needed to be put around the design situation for the future.
Design Selections
Modern Finishes From Top-Tier Brands
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Minka-Aire Java Outdoor Ceiling Fan in Kocoa finish
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Modern Forms "Phantom" sconces
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TREX decking in Coastal Bluff
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Cedar plank beadboard ceiling
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AZEK Beadboard was used on the south side interior
The
Results
A Screened-In Porch Addition Ideal for Relaxing, Dining & Entertaining
With the homeowners' goals defined and the design challenges discussed, the perfect solution was an unattached screened-in porch with a raised deck that could be used for dining, relaxing, or gathering which overlooked their beautiful backyard. The thoughtful design keeps it visually appealing while blending seamlessly with the existing home. Being detached from the house doesn't block light into the basement windows nor does it shade the family room or obstruct any other windows of the home. It does, however, help shade — in a good way! — the part of the paver patio that was not replaced with decking and minimizes the heat during Michigan summers.
By raising the elevation of the deck to the level of the top former step, the steps out of the home were eliminated. This made it much safer as well as improved the flow.
Meadowlark screened beneath the floorboards to keep little bugs from crawling up in between the boards. Planted shrubs add softness around the structure, and a flagstone paver walkway was built from the yard leading up to the stairs to the deck in between the screened-in porch and the home.
The pitched roof makes the whole porch feel larger and more spacious, while the crisp angles of the exterior tie seamlessly to the existing home. The deck has a unique shape and design that ties into the existing paver patio and looks like it has always been there.
To cool the space on a hotter day, a Minka-Aire Java Outdoor Ceiling Fan was installed. The tongue and groove cedar planking roof interior adds texture and warmth to the space.
For the lighting., Modern Forms "Phantom" sconces were used for a clean, architectural look. The shallow depth of the glass is hard to beat, and the subtle nuance of its frame features thin crossbars rendered in slightly different widths. It’s an effortless modern design providing the perfect mix of functional and ambient lighting.
The exterior was painted a Sherwin-Williams color that was color matched the house. The interior is painted with Benjamin Moore's Sea Glass CSP-735.
AZEK beadboard with the V-groove side visible was used on the south side interior as an accent under the windows. This composite product resists moisture and insect damage and will not cup, rot, or split.
The outdoor furnishings are now placed on the deck and can be easily accessed from the home without going downstairs. The dining table and chairs remain on the paver patio while a new dining set was purchased for inside the screened-in porch.
The homeowners are thrilled with the results! The openness to the backyard views makes the porch a favorite spot, and they spend many days relaxing, dining, and entertaining here.
Dreaming about a gorgeous screened-in porch addition or some other remodeling project for your home? Not sure where to start? Contact Meadowlark and let us guide you on your remodeling or addition journey.