Raised Permeable Patio Offers Innovative Solution in Northeast Austin

Have you interviewed Austin patio builders—only to be told the project you want cannot be done? That’s a sure sign you need to give Archadeck of Austin a call instead because we don’t talk that way. We figure out how to get your project done. The Northeast Austin patio project featured here is a prime example. These homeowners wanted to add a covered patio at their back door. Logistical issues included the size of their back yard and the 10’ setback requirement, with their back fence already very close to the home.

Archadeck of Austin’s Innovative Solution

As professional builders, we have to take setback requirements seriously to obtain the necessary building permits. In this particular case, the setback requirement prevented our clients from adding a “permanent structure” to their lot. While some Austin patio contractors would have stopped there, Archadeck of Austin got creative and applied some forward-thinking to the situation.

Our solution for these homeowners was to design a hybrid structure that would not be considered “permanent.” To be more specific, we custom-designed a raised permeable patio system. As long as it has a permeable surface, the patio isn’t considered permanent. The only portion of this project that’s considered permanent is the solid concrete footer supporting the walls of the patio. Everything else is built over clean white gravel that filters rainwater and doesn’t encroach on Austin’s regulations about the impervious ground cover.

We built the patio wall with medium nicotine and white limestone, and the smooth slabs across the surface are buff/white Lueders limestone. There’s more to this project than meets the eye, too. As part of the project we installed a drainage system. Rainwater flows through the patio, into the drainage system and into a common area.

Cedar Pergola Adds Style and Cover

Anyone in Northeast Austin wanting to include a pergola with their outdoor living project should take a close look at this pergola. It’s not as large as some we’ve built as Austin’s premier pergola builder, but it’s perfect for this home. It adds a bit of flair as well as protection.

There are two significant things to notice about this pergola. First, it covers a portion of the patio, not the entire area. At night, the homeowners will want to sit out under the stars and enjoy their fire table, a wonderful amenity for any patio. In the daytime, as the weather cools and they seek the sun’s warmth, the homeowners will always have the option to sit in the sunlight.

The second aspect to notice with this pergola is its Topgal polycarbonate cover. It shields the covered area from rainfall, so our clients can enjoy their patio “rain or shine.” While it may look like a simple sheet of plastic, this cover is a four-wall structure that provides thermal insulation. The pergola cover allows light to pass through but blocks UV rays to reduce solar heat gain below. It’s an excellent weatherproofing feature with an unobtrusive appearance.

As a finishing touch, we added a custom cedar privacy screen at one end of the patio to block the noise coming from the clients’ AC unit. The screen adds charm while serving an essential purpose.

Are you ready to add a patio and pergola combination to your back yard? Whether you are replacing a patio or interested in adding one for the first time, call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.