Arlington Heights, IL
For this Arlington Heights family, the backyard was already a place they loved. They poured their energy into the garden, but there was one thing they couldn’t control: the weather. When the sun was too strong or the rain rolled in, the space they loved became unusable. They wanted a place where they could sit back, take in the view of their hard work, and enjoy the outdoors more often throughout the year.
This project began with that simple goal. We started by creating a solid foundation with a new concrete slab, then built a roof structure that tied into the existing home so the addition felt like it had always belonged. From there, the space took on a life of its own. A custom fireplace became the heart of the patio, offering warmth on cool evenings and extending the outdoor season for months. New lighting, a ceiling fan, and thoughtfully placed outlets added comfort and ease.
The character of the space came through in the details. The fireplace was wrapped in stone, finished with a reclaimed wood surround, and topped with a reclaimed beam mantle that brings natural warmth to the structure. The homeowners were deeply involved in shaping the look and feel, even specifying the size of the columns so the patio would fit the way they planned to use it. A discrete fence next to the fireplace conceals the A/C unit, allowing the garden and patio to remain the visual focus.
What once was an underused patio is now a place to gather, unwind, and enjoy the beauty they have created in their own backyard. It is a space built for sunlight, for rainy afternoons, and for all the quiet moments in between.
