Patios

For all the pleasures of indoor-outdoor living, Milgard offers its Essence Series® Sliding Doors. These models don't skimp on customization: in addition to all the aforementioned interior wood finishes, exterior colors, glass options, and decorative grids, their handles come in 7 hardware finishes that range from slate black to brushed chome. For additional security, these doors can include a SmartTouch Bolt® which can lock the door in a venting position to promote fresh air circulation. Seen here are the Essence Series® French-Style Sliding Doors; the Essence Series® In-Swing French Doors and Essence Series® Out-Swing French Doors offer a hinged option.

To further connect the indoor spaces with the New England landscape outside, glass walls in the living and dining areas slide open to eliminate the barriers between indoors and outdoors. Green slate tiles compose the flooring inside.

Lee used a bit of visual trickery in the form of forced perspective to make the yard appear larger than its 500 square feet. "You can look at the garden from essentially three directions, from the inside looking directly out, and from the two long ends of the garden," he says. "If the garden was designed with orthogonal lines, you quickly get the sense of that it’s a small narrow space. By tilting the lines of the curb walls and step, you get a much different feel."

Sheltered from the harsh Arizona sun, a north patio serves several important functions. It extends the apartment’s footprint, encourages airflow, and provides a private corner for residents to relax away from the city buzz. “Physical connection to the outdoors is paramount in a small space. It’s physically and mentally healthier,” Hall says.

Make sure to chat with the other members of your household to decide what exactly you're hoping to gain from working with a professional for your garden. What are your main goals and visions?

The landscaping features encore azaleas, arborvitae, and Japanese cypress. An oak forest in the backyard provides a sense of privacy and seclusion.

The Zizmors didn't want to use curtains to screen their wide-open home from noisy neighbors. Instead, Kari Elwell Katzander of Mingo Design, an urban landscaper, created a living wall of wooden planters and English ivy that provides privacy without blocking light.

An installation by Willem Cole hangs in the gallery, which leads to an open stairway to the office and private bedrooms upstairs.

Landscape designer Jay Griffith recreated the area between the house and the studio.

The project title “Casa 4.1.4” refers to the four main volumes, one central plaza and four patios. This simple configuration creates distinct, private spaces tied together with open-air common areas.

Along with its durability, concrete requires very little maintenance.