The materials you use play an equal role to the workmanship in terms of how long something will last.  Or, to be blunt, cut corners anywhere and you’ll live to regret it.

You can see the integrity of the structural framework in the previous Project #8 post.  Every component in this pavilion’s construction is top-notch.  Anthony Power Beams span & connect to the steel columns.  The decorative round columns are fiber-reinforced composite and all the architectural trim is engineered resin & polyurethane materials by Azek.

The roof rafters arrived as preassembled sections that fit together nicely.  I also liked the way the upper construction tied into the steel columns.

The town building dept. required the plans be certified by a licensed structural engineer, which was not a problem albeit the added expense.  (Towns are becoming more & more stringent so triple-check what they require.)  I was there for the inspections during construction and could see the inspector was impressed with “the build”.

Coordinating Inspections

It’s always a challenge to schedule the various inspections so that the project can move along smoothly.  This pavilion had its own unique inspection issues with the upper framing and electric for the paddle fan/light.  Normally, both the building inspector and electrical inspector want to see framing and wiring before the walls and ceilings cover things up.  The problem was the crew wanted to complete the pavilion in 1 day. They traveled from out-of-state and planned on just the one day to finish.

This is where good relations with town offices can help.  If all your previous dealings have been upfront and inline with codes & ordinances, then there’s a good chance they’ll work with you.  After explaining the “1 day build” situation to the construction office, they were willing to make the extra inspections during the day.  The crew was then able to install the cedar ceiling, finish up the soffits and add the trim.

The paddle fan was re-purposed from a porch on the house which was being renovated.  It is rated for a wet location and outdoor use.  We did, however, discover the mounting stem was too short and had to order a longer one from the manufacturer “Fanimation“. The fan actually fits very nicely and the family likes it better in the pavilion than they did in the porch.

All of the electronics in the home including on the outside are tied into a central control. Modules located throughout the home allow you to control everything.  Using a handheld remote the homeowner was able to activate all the outside lights and audio.  A nice, convenient feature.

Sometimes Prefab Is The Way To Go

Although we could have had an architect design a similar structure and then contract to have it built, using Dalton Pavilion and their turn-key approach proved the better way to go.  The architectural detail, quality of materials and workmanship are incomparable.  The fact that this pavilion and Dalton’s similar outdoor garden structures are their area of expertise helped assure us of a professional outcome.  Also, because these structures are prefabricated, it makes them very cost effective.

Have you used prefabricated structures on your property?  If so let us know your experience (good or bad) by commenting below.

Here’s the next post for this project.

In the last post for this project we saw the sonotube footings beneath the four corners of the concrete slab.  When the decorative stone & brickwork is complete, each footing will secure and support a pavilion column.

Within the 12″ wide bluestone border is a row of brick to visually tie-in the surrounding brick patio. The remaining area is finished with “pattern” bluestone.

The 2 X 4″ you see sticking up next to the the stairway marks where a 4″ PVC sleeve is located (see photo left). It should be routine that sleeves are installed whenever hardscape construction causes a barrier from getting future wires and utilities from one side to the next.  Make sure you indicate on the landscape plan where these sleeves are located.  I guarantee sometime in the future you’ll need to find them.  Another little trick is to grind a small mark in the stone where the sleeve is – a mark that will be there forever.

With the patio areas complete it was time for the pavilion construction to begin. Dalton Pavilions, located in PA, sent a crew along with the pavilion components.

Their first task was to locate and square the 4 corners of the pavilion. If the mason contractor did his job well, those 4 points should be directly over the sonotube footings.

To the right you’ll see the electrical conduit and wire to power the paddle fan and light for the pavilion.  This feature was planned from the beginning and was specified in the construction drawings.  The mason had to locate the conduit precisely in the footing to accomodate a predrilled hole in the flange of the steel column.

These 5 X 5″ square steel columns are the essence of the pergola’s strength.  They are responsible for supporting the balance of the structure above them, and to secure the entire structure to the ground.

For each steel column four holes were drilled through the patio and into the sonotube footings.  Threaded steel rods could then be anchored into the holes using Hilti Epoxy.  In a short time the epoxy is hardened enough that the steel columns are set and bolted down securely. With the decorative white columns slid over the steel the true strength of the pavilion is beautifully concealed.

In the next project post we’ll see the pavilion come together as a key focal point and shelter in this landscape.

Here’s the next post for this project.

Fit And Finish

On this past project of mine the builder renovating the house took on the task of building the wood deck.  I think his carpenters did a great job!  Just look at the detail in terms of “fit and finish”.  Seeing the other work he and his staff completed on the home left little doubt the wood deck would be beautifully built.  Even the materials were first rate: The flooring is Ipe – without a doubt the most durable, long-lasting natural wood available.

The handrails, spindles and posts are all made from clear cedar. The posts are securely attached to the side-plate of the deck with carriage bolts, but notice how they are recessed.  Also, the carpenter used larger flat washers to keep the bolt head from sinking into the wood when it was tightened. All nice touches.

On the wood deck close to the kitchen the homeowner wanted the table for their outdoor meals.  To help the table fit the deck more efficiently the carpenter designed a “built-in” bench integrated with the guardrail.  A clever solution and one I had seen before in a kitchen table setting.

This wood deck is beautiful and really contributes to the whole outdoor setting and experience.  Originally the homeowner was treating the wood once a year, but I believe they have stretched it now to once every two years.  They’re using products manufactured by Penofin and are pleased with the results.

As beautiful as Ipe is, it can be a “bear” to work with.  What’s been your experience with Ipe?

Pool Patio To Bar Area

In an earlier post on the Cabana Framing we saw how the concrete slab for the bar area was recessed to give room for the pool patio stone work.  To the right you see stone mason Lester Szajna bring the dry-set Norwegian Buff stone right into the bar area. This stone is a type of quartzite, is quite hard and as a result takes time to cut. The stone is set with no joints, except where the dry-set patio stones meet the pool coping. The coping stone is cemented to the pool “beam” and is, therefore, one with the pool structure.  Whereas the dry-set patio is independent and like all dry-set construction, will move fractionally with the seasons.  Therefore, there must be a space between the two stone features so that any slight movement in the dry-set patio will not touch and dislodge the cemented coping stone. In this joint space there will be a flexible material installed.

The Cabana Work Continues

With the patio stone work completed up to and around the cabana, the carpenters can now continue with the finish details on the exterior and bring their work right down to the patio stone. All the trim material is Azek, a PVC based product.  The look is as beautiful as wood and will last for many years with little to no maintenance.

Here’s the previous post for this project. And here’s the next.

The cabana is approximately 120′ from the main house so it will offer a number of practical features for family and guests.  In addition to convenience there is the added design element of the cabana echoing the home’s architecture.  Showing once again the value of bringing structure out into the landscape.

With the concrete slab in place and the framing lumber delivered, it’s time to start building.  The framer and his helper are seen here working on the end of the cabana where a bar counter will be.

This bar area is designed to be open on 3 sides.  This will give those sitting at the bar a view to the pool (looking left) and a view down to the sportcourt (looking right).

Notice how the concrete slab at this end was formed and poured at a lower level than the floor on the interior of the cabana.  This was done to allow the upcoming pool patio stone to carry right into this bar area.  I’ll have a picture for you when it’s done.

As you can see the roof extends right over the bar area on the right side.  There will be decorative square columns on the corners.  These columns and all the cabana’s trim work are being done with Azek’s cellular PVC trim products.  This means virtually no maintenance and no rot…every homeowner’s dream.

The main interior space opens to the pool with sliding glass doors.  This “lounge-style” room will have a tile floor for easy care.  In additional there will be 2 small rooms side-by-side at the left end of the cabana.  One to  be used as a changing room and the other as a storage closet.

A louvered, stainless steel, overhead door will be installed over the bar so the cabana interior can be completely enclosed when not in use.  Many homeowners use the cabana to store all the seasonal items and furniture for the winter.

Here’s the previous post on this project. And here’s the next post.

The cabana was designed to be built on a concrete slab – a very common approach to seasonal structures.  The architect was aware of the imported fill on the site and specified the concrete pier footings be dug down to virgin ground.  The fill was a minimum of 5′ deep.  You can see the ladder coming out of the excavation where the sonotubes are set.  The builder used The Bigfoot System with sonotubes to provide maximum load bearing capacity.

Once the sonotubes were filled with concrete the excavation could be closed and compacted.  A wood form for the concrete slab was then constructed and filled with clean gravel. Fill dirt was added to the outside of the forms for support.  There was no concern for “settling” because the entire structure was suspended on the concrete footings.

While the cabana had its own utilities planned, the pool equipment was to be positioned directly behind the building.  This scenario works out well because they actually share many of the services (e.g. electric, water, gas, etc.) and the integration is fairly straight forward.

With the wood form set and supported, steel reinforcing rod is positioned per architect’s specifications.  I should mention that every criitcal step of this process has been inspected along the  way.  As much as a nuisance as these inspections can be, they are there to protect the homeowner.  I keep telling myself that while we’re anxiously awaiting an inspection that will allow us to continue to the next step of construction.

Finally, we’re able to pour the concrete slab and get ready to frame the building.  The slab is a visual milestone as it clearly shows its footprint on the site and its relationship to the other elements.

Also, having the concrete slab in place allows any other nearby grading or site work to be done.  Often this milestone enables other aspects of the project to proceed such as base prep for the pool decking.

As you would expect, communication is key among all the different contractors.  Good project management moderates this communication and weaves together contractors’ schedules with project phases.

Here’s the previous post for this project. And here’s the next.

This simple pool cabana and rectangular inground swimming pool were on the property when the new homeowner moved in. As part of the overall renovation the cabana would get a facelift with not only interior improvements, but an exterior redesign that echoed some of the architectural elements of the home.

The inside became a one room lounge area with tile floor, a counter/cabinet section with sink and fridge, and a cozy grouping of comfortable seating surrounding a low coffee table.  A paddle fan in the ceiling is a nice, practical feature.

To provide a changing area for guests, an outside enclosure was built off the back of the pool cabana. This private changing area includes a few separate stalls with built-in benches and hooks for clothes. There’s also a shower and all this is “open to the sky”, which is quite nice for its summertime use.

On the exterior the added side window, wider door entry and overhang transformed a shed-like structure into a charming, homey place to hang out.

Landscape Planting Completes the Look

Nothing can help any structure integrate better with the site than an appropriate planting design.  Once again scale and proportion come into play.

The planting area shape is curvilinear to be more casual.  It extends just past the front corner of the pool cabana to soften the vertical line of the building.  The planting bed also extends past the back of the cabana to soften that vertical line and the connection of the changing area.

The plant choices are a mix of deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.  One plant I’d like to point out is the Amelanchier (a.k.a. Shadblow).  It’s the taller, multi-stem shrub on the left corner.  Notice how effective this plant’s height is in “grounding” the structure to the site.  Also, check out the Clematis growing on the white trellis panels.  This element adds additional color and interest without taking up valuable space.

In the overall setting I like the scale of the pool cabana. It provides the practical amenities the family needs without overpowering.

Often we come across a part of a home where it just needs a little something to make it more interesting and inviting. The building may be too flat or just not have enough detail in its design.

A garage side of the house is typically a good example of this austere look. The addition of this pergola type woodwork over the garage dramatically improved the appearance of this everyday approach to the home. It is constructed entirely out of cedar and has been allowed to weather to a natural grey.

Walpole Woodworkers, MA

Walpole Woodworkers in MA produces a variety of exterior architectural features to take average looking parts of your home and make them special.

Enhancements like this should be one of your considerations when designing the landscape.  Its features like these that really give the home personality and charm.

I should mention that most of these features are now being made out of synthetics as an alternative to wood.  The longevity and maintenance benefits are obvious.  And I must say, some of these synthetic products are virtually indistinguishable from wood.

Entrances and Outdoor Spaces

Walpole Woodworkers, MA

Entrances to the home are another area to add a pergola like structure.

They help to define the space like an outdoor foyer.  The overhead cross-joists serve as a “ceiling” to the area, making it seem even more like an outdoor room.

There are few ways to approach these pergola type design challenges.

• Research and become familiar with the offerings from a company like Walpole. Then, take those design offering ideas to your project and see how they might fit the situation(s).
• Companies like Walpole will do custom work too.  Contact them with pictures of the project area and perhaps a simple sketch of your idea.  They will also send a representative out to the site if necessary.
• There are skilled carpenters out there that can build structures like this.  The pergola like woodwork on the garage in the first picture was done by a local carpenter.  He took a simple sketch and concept and “ran with it”.

The roof would be a prominent feature, especially approaching from the upper level of the property. The architect specified a simulated slate roof that was so authentic looking I had to pick up a piece to see that it was manufactured.

A stone veneer would be used for the building’s exterior – a great look with the slate roof. These natural elements would give the cabana an old world feeling and help the building meld with the surroundings.

From my experience sometimes a cabana or other accessory building can crowd a site. This can be a result of:

• not having enough space on the property.
• not locating & orienting the building correctly.
• designing it too large.

Scale drawings are always helpful to illustrate size proportions in terms of space. However, I often mark-out with paint or granular lime the footprint of design elements to give myself and the homeowner a visual reference. It’s not unusual to make size adjustments after seeing the mark-out.

In this project the cabana was both an aesthetic & functional asset. At more than 150′ from the main house it stood as a remote extension of the home encouraging family & friends to “come on down!”

A good sized patio was planned to accommodate a table with chairs, some additional seating and plenty of space for just hanging out. The problem I anticipate is getting people to leave once the party is over.

Here’s the previous post for this project.