Archadeck of Austin reaps multiple design awards at annual event
Each year a nationwide group of Archadeck offices come together to share their best practices, ideas, new products and to review outstanding leadership in design. This year, like others, the locally owned and operated Austin location performed very well. We are very proud to have scooped up on four of twelve design awards, plus a distinguished Customer Satisfaction Award which reconfirmed Austin’s place as the 2nd best producing Archadeck location in North America.
Archadeck of Austin prides itself in being “all about design and customer experience”. Here are some of the ‘Best of Show’.
Decks
Austin won second place for this project outside the Craig O’s restaurant in Lakeway, TX. This deck uses TimberTech Earthwoods Evolutions composite decking in walnut designed in quadrants of diagonal board placement converging to the center. The deck is designed for 100 lb/sf commercial loads and has a massive concrete footing hidden behind an attractive cedar skirt. A powder coated Fortress railing system surrounds the deck and is capped in the same composite. Stairs descend down to the parking lot and play area. Patrons will enjoy many meals overlooking the serene hills East of Lakeway atop this deck.
If you are curious, the following deck from outside Boston won 1st place…
Our friends at Archadeck of Ft. Worth placed 1st for this pool-side cabana.
Porch Enclosures
First place went to our friends at Archadeck of Ft. Worth for a fabulous pool-side cabana. The Austin entry took third place, under some tight competition, with our pool-side cabana constructed in Round Rock, TX. Both of these projects are indicative of a growing trend to move the living room outside complete with integrated kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, television; everything you need to entertain outdoors.
Denver Hardscape award winner
Hardscapes
Demonstrating the diversity of Archadeck’s designs, the Austin hardscape project took the 3rd place award vs. a really unique and innovative project outside Denver that took home 1st place. The Austin hardscape project is located in the Steiner Ranch community of Austin and includes a covered tile patio up top for visiting, lunch or even coffee. The project includes stone steps that lead down to a stained concrete lower patio perfect for every facet of entertaining. The project also includes integrated lighting so it looks spectacular day and night.
Our combination outdoor structure in Riverplace stole the spotlight.
Combination Award
This new award category reflects the fact that great projects are rarely one-dimensional. Every year the very best projects combine multiple elements into a cohesive design that may include a shade structure, decking. masonry, and other elements to provide the homeowners with a complete backyard with multiple uses and gain the maximum added value to their home. We are excited that our project constructed in Riverplace took the spotlight for #1. The project was designed by our own Mark Mommsen, whom was also the winner of #1 design representative. The project brings together a very unique stand-alone roof structure with Permacast columns which are mounted on an elevated Tigerwood deck beside the pool and outdoor fireplace with stone benches on the opposite side of the pool. All this is designed to face the canyon/green belt and golf course located behind the residence.
Archadeck of Austin receives the Customer Satisfaction Award, among others.
If the customer isn’t happy, nobody’s happy!
As the owner of Archadeck of Austin, I’m very pleased to say we won the coveted Customer Satisfaction Award. To win this award there can be no, and I mean ‘zero’ negative responses in post-construction surveys. Last year we built 133 residential projects. We are not perfect and are always improving, but to have absolutely no negative responses is a testament to our desire for excellence in customer service. We were also recently added to the Angie’s List Honor Roll and we strongly encourage people to submit reviews to Angie’s list.
Jim Odom, Archadeck of Austin
We are looking forward to a great 2012 season, with more great work in Austin,TX. If you’re on the fence, the time is really good to remodel your outdoor space the way you’ve always wanted. It is a great investment.
(512) 259 – 8282
Austin@archadeck.net
An Austin Two-Level Concrete Patio Becomes a Dance Floor Complete with Outdoor Grill and Fire Pit
Archadeck of Austin begins the construction on this one of a kind patio.
Do you remember the dance scene in the Sound of Music where Georg and Maria dance on the outdoor patio to the folk tune? There are so many enchanting elements of that scene and one of them is certainly the fact that they are outside on a private patio.
These Austin owners commissioned a large double concrete patio for just that purpose – dancing. They love to entertain and both they and their friends love to dance. What better than an outdoor entertaining area made for both dancing and socializing?
This image shows the concrete beginning to be poured over a long line.
From a logistical perspective, there were some challenges. The homeowners have a utility easement that restricts them from building a normal structure and are limited to a low profile patio. With this in mind we were able to create a huge patio and then a second patio three feet higher which is closer to the home itself. This gives the patio a tiered effect, which enables the homeowners to create a grand entrance when leaving the back of the house by descending onto the semi-circle patio and then down to the lower patio to reach the dance floor and fire pit area.
This is the home before construction began on the multi-level, tiered patio.
The structure will also include a nine foot outdoor kitchen on one end, a custom fire pit and custom built-in bench seating to take a breather after dancing the night away. The fire pit can also inspire romantic evenings with a slow dance or two by the light of the fire. Archadeck of Austin was able to weave the customers personality and tastes into this design to give them an outdoor structure, that against all the odds and structural confines, will give them exactly what they wanted-a place to dance, and much, much more. The structure should be completed in about a month, and we can’t wait to share photos of the finished structure with you. These homeowners look forward to taking center stage for their first dance on this one-of-a-kind patio.
This design rendering by Archadeck of Austin shows the upcoming patio in all it's glory, with dance floor, retaining wall, kitchen area and fire pit.
If you are interested in building an outdoor structure that speaks to your unique needs and wants, contact Archadeck of Austin. We specialize in quality, classic structures that include features within the design that make them as individual as you are, to ensure years of enjoyment for you and your family. Call us at (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
You can also see more beautiful and unique patios by visiting our photo galleries on our web site.
Great architecture feeds a great lifestyle.
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Here is the design rendering for this beautiful deck by Archadeck of Austin from another angle.
We always welcome the opportunity to be able to work hand in hand with a skilled architect. We welcome the opportunity to work with customers whose architect developed a plan for their outdoor living space. However, often, the homeowner will bring in the landscaping plan which was drawn up by their landscape architect and based on this Archadeck of Austin incorporates an outdoor living space to fit in with their landscaping. The dilemma with this is that it is best to design the outdoor structure first and then customize the landscaping to fit in with the structure’s style and dimensions as well as that of the existing home.
In the case of this homeowner, they came to us while they were still in process with another contractor that had left them frustrated because of the number of mistakes they were seeing. These homeowners brought their architect’s design to the table along with the confidence that we could turn this project into something they could be proud of.
This photo shows the vision from the original architects drawing.
When we received their architect’s design, we put it through our standards and structural warranty design process that Archadeck of Austin does with all it’s plans and also drew a set of plans that fit our criteria for loading and other structural aspects.
The structure Archadeck of Austin is building for these homeowners is a 1,000 square foot Tigerwood deck. It will have a roof over the dining area portion which is right off the homes master bedroom. The deck will also have a cooking area on the other end. There is a split level staircase. There will be a roof structure that will be over the dining area and a shade structure over the entire remainder of the deck. The shade structure is quite unique in that it uses a truss system of framing in order to maintain the size of the structure using minimal posts. The most unique feature of this deck is that when most people build a deck, you don’t want to see any framing that is visible, on this deck the details of the framing will be one of the main focal points of the structure. We are using large 8 x 8 beams, opposed to the usual 6 x 6 that are commonly used. The beams are made of Douglas Fir and all the framing is oversized to take on a personality of its own to accentuate the entire structure. The beams are kept from actually touching the ground by the addition of custom-made steel. The structure will use a bullwire railing system to maximize the view. The deck will have a beautiful non-obtrusive view of a canyon.
Archadeck of Austin is busy at work making this dream a reality for these Austin homeowners.
The homeowners’ desire is for an architectural look that also has the characteristics of age-old craftsmanship. In most cases a structure can either possess architectural quality or functional quality, this structure will have both.The beauty of the framing system in itself, alone is worth talking about. Great architecture like this feeds great living. When you have a home that is well designed and well-built by an experienced builder, you live well in it. Where there are focal details and striking architectural beauty, it makes you living experience even better. Adversely, the same is true. When you have a detail that you just aren’t happy with, these small elements can detract from your living experience. This is why it is so crucial to start with great architecture and design, it can make a world of difference in the way you think, feel and live day-to-day.
Another angle from the design rendering shows attention to every detail.
If you have an architect’s drawing already done in anticipation of building your outdoor structure Archadeck of Austin can turn that rendering into a reality. Even if you don’t have an architects drawing, our talented design team can create a drawing and rendering and plans based on what you have in mind. We are a full service outdoor structure company that can consult, design, plan and build the outdoor structure of your dreams. Contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more (512) 259-8282 austin@archadeck.net
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
See more gorgeous Tigerwood decks built by Archadeck of Austin by visiting our photo galleries at http://www.archadeck-austin.com /gallery.asp?selpics=Decks&subcat=Tigerwood
A front entrance transformation in Austin, TX that takes these homeowners to a cherished memory in their lives.
Once in a while Archadeck of Austin gets a front row seat on witnessing magic happen before our very eyes. This magic comes from an outdoor structure design that creates an emotional reaction with the customers.
3-D design rendering for proposed front entrance by Archadeck of Austin
As is the case with these homeowners in the Circle C Ranch community right here in Austin, TX. We created a design rendering of the front entrance to their home that stirred in them memories and emotions that make this structure unforgettable. The homeowners both had attended college at St. Edwards University of Austin. The design rendering we created for their home immediately took them back to the front entrance of St. Edwards, where as it turns out, was the very place the husband had proposed to his wife, on those very front steps. The homeowners immediately said “I do” and decided to go forth with the design Archadeck of Austin had created that reminded them of that special place, at that special time.
Home in Circle C Ranch before the new entrance was added by Archadeck of Austin.
Their home, located in the Circle C Ranch community was a fairly large home. The original builder had done an average job on the entrance and the path leading up to entry was rather narrow, as were the stairs, and the front porch was railed with cedar. Archadeck of Austin was called in to open up the entrance with a new design that would add character and style to the home.
This photo shows the flared steps and wider, more welcoming entrance Archadeck of Austin created.
We went over the plan using a 3-dimensional view. Archadeck of Austin added flared steps which would welcome guests with open arms. We also added an arch, added some sidewall to the narrow steps to amplify the foot room and changed the cedar railings to metal to increase visibility. In order to achieve the desired effects we adjusted the steps, added a bit of deck and also added brick from the house. We used concrete aggregate to finish the sidewalk and add tread to the steps, as well as adding risers out of the same brick as the homes facade. We used the same brick to finish the wall, and the railings we added were beautiful Fortress metal railings.
The finished entrance has metal railing to open the view from this lovely entrance by Archadeck of Austin.
This finished structure is truly a beauty to behold, and one these Austin, TX homeowners can never forget. Archadeck of Austin was able to convey that romance and emotion they felt from many years ago into a structure they can enjoy everyday. An entrance transformation such as this is proof positive that Archadeck of Austin is more than just a backyard company.
If you want to add style and drama to your front entrance or front porch, contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more. We can design and build a stunning and welcoming front entrance for your home, because after all, first impressions are everything. Call us at (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
You can view photos of other front porch transformations by visiting our photo galleries at http://www.archadeck-austin.com/gallery.asp?selpics=Porch&subcat=Open
A worry free deck with a view at River Place in Austin
This deck and spa deck combination takes advantage of spectacular views and plenty of room for entertaining
I have been in the business of outdoor structures for many years and there’s a reason why I keep doing it. I love building outdoor structures and seeing the positive effect they have on my customers lives. I LOVE designing decks. I have also learned a lot over the years by not only working with my customers but by keeping in contact with them as well.
There are two things I really push for when my clients are making their decision. The first one is size. By this I don’t mean convincing someone who wants a 500 square foot deck to go to a 1,000 square feet. What I mean is measuring their furniture and seeing how much depth they really need so that the furniture can still be comfortable in the “pulled out” position, much like it will be after dinner and when your guests linger over coffee. People will pull out their chairs from the table and extend and cross their legs to enjoy the leg room that’s often needed after a wonderful and very filling dinner. You would be absolutely amazed at the difference that can be achieved by adding one or two feet of depth to a deck of patio.
Views such as this endless pool should never go un-noticed when designing a deck for a client
The second thing I am passionate about is the view. Here in Austin we have beautiful hilly terrains, mature trees in many places and other beautiful structures and details within our yards. You may just want a good view of the backyard to watch the kids play. So often, people think that the only railing choice is one with thick and closely spaced pickets. This simply is not the case. Metal railings are very popular these days because they have very narrow pickets that not only dramatically improve the view, but they also require less maintenance.
Deck in River Place, Austin TX
One such job where Archadeck of Austin was able to frame the view and offer plenty of linger and leg room was a deck we recently completed for homeowners in River Place, which is inside Austin. These homeowner’s residence overlooks a beautiful view of a canyon, unfortunately, a good portion of this stunning view was obscured. This was in part by the old deck having too many benches and the railing. Literally, when you were inside the home looking out, all you could see were benches. We aimed to change that for the better in our design and re-decking plan. We aimed to open up that view so the homeowners could relish the view. Since their home is so elevated on one side they also yearned for a little privacy on the deck as well. We were able to incorporate both with this new re-decking. Since the existing frame of the old deck was in such good condition we were able to immediately move forward with the re-decking.
This tree at this home in River Place, TX gave the deck a personality all its own
An older contractor had built a seat that incorporated the beautiful tree that was in the middle of the large part of the deck. We wanted to keep this in the design of the re-decking, because it gave the deck a personality and uniqueness all its own.
The deck is a massive 1,000 square feet and 5′ off the ground and in some places 11′ off the ground as well. The homeowners decided to replace the old deck with composite decking . They chose the very desirable Fiberon Horizon decking in Ipe. Today’s composites have evolved to being spectacular and are virtually maintenance free. They have no open pores so there is nowhere for mold to grow, and plastic capped composites such as this can be cleaned with simple soap and water they pay for themselves in no time because of the lack of maintenance required on a deck like this. These materials have a 25 year manufacturers warranty as well. The difference in composites today as opposed to ten years ago is the difference between night and day. People still love the tranquility and natural look of a wood deck and this can now be captured with today’s composites.
Notice how the new rail opens up the view
We finished out the new deck with a Radiant rail post with stunning Fortress iron railing. We still wanted to achieve a decorative effect so we used composite post sleeves, this allows the homeowners to “picture frame” the deck but doesn’t obscure any of the breathtaking view. We removed the backs from the existing benches and used the iron rails to open up the deck so the homeowners can see the canyon as well as their lovely pool.
These Homeowners in River Place, TX now have the deck and view of their dreams, built out of hassle free, worry free composites. They have plenty of room for entertaining and quaint evenings overlooking the canyon for many years to come.
Please visit our Austin composite deck photo gallery to see more beautiful decks built with this wonderful and innovative material
This community pool in Steiner Ranch in Austin, TX gets a new pool deck worth bragging about
This shows the beauty of TimberTech Reliaboard in Steiner Ranch, by Archadeck of Austin
Here in Austin, the Steiner Ranch community is known as “The land between the lakes”. Situated beautifully between Lake Travis and Lake Austin this neighborhood boasts upscale living with an enormous amount of amenities. This community has many pools for its residents to cool off from the Texas sun. Archadeck of Austin recently re-decked a 4,320 sq. ft. pool deck for the Steiner Ranch community that met with rave reviews from its users. We had previously written an article about this re-decking when it was in the planning stages which you may read about at http://austindeckandpatiobuilder.com/2011/01/11/re-decking-or-adding-a-new-deck-to-your-hoa-or-commercial-pool-in-austin/
Steiner Ranch residents love their new pool deck
We rebuilt the majority of the structure using TimberTech Reliaboard in Cedar. This particular color of Reliaboard is clean and at the same time has a rustic essence. Since one of the areas of the pool surround was not level, we added the level decking surface. Some of the existing material was reusable but we had to add some masonry work to the pool surround and build a limestone partition to avoid tripping hazards.
New pool deck for Steiner Ranch by Archadeck of Austin
Among the obstacles to overcome with this re-decking was a tree that came up through the deck. Steiner Ranch is known for its beautiful old trees. So encountering a tree poolside was no surprise. This unique feature required us to create a hexagon type ring made from decking boards which surrounds the tree at the deck level but is not attached to the deck surface. This allows room for the tree to grow, but not enough room to leave a gap that a child could possibly lose a toy in under the deck. Safety is always important at Archadeck of Austin and is priority number one on all our constructions.
Pergola alongside pool deck in Steiner Ranch
Since the structure had previously been constructed of plastic it had become brittle and wavy from exposure to the sun. The new composite decking material we used is easy on the feet on those hot summer days and is also extremely durable and low maintenance. This composite has the realistic appearance of beautiful cedar as well. The supports of the existing pergola had been damaged by carpenter ants and required re-enforcement while we were completing the re-decking on the pool area as well.
The residents of Steiner Ranch love the new re-decking. It has all the beauty of real wood without the headaches. Now residents can kick back for an afternoon by the pool surrounded by the same quality and beauty that is visible throughout this entire community.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
If your neighborhood pool is in need of a facelift or upgrade, give Archadeck of Austin a call. We work with HOA’s every day and can create a masterpiece for your community as well. Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Austin Comes to the Rescue with Creativity to Solve a Unique Challenge
Recently Archadeck of Austin put in a patio complete with benches and topped it off with a flower bed with pedestal lights for this homeowner. Much to our dismay there was an electrical issue. The homeowner wanted separate switches inside the residence to control the two sets of lights we installed atop the pedestals and the two recessed lights we installed into the sides of the pedestals.
The recessed lights were low voltage, and the post lights were the large lights on the pedestals that lit up the patio. In the end we ended up with lights which were controlled by a wireless remote. This made the homeowner ecstatic, now she keeps the remote control handy in her home, and the receiving box was able to control two different sets of lights.
The unique challenge we faced with this job was to hide the wiring. The electrician that we worked with was very creative in coming up with the wireless solution. Our project manager on this job really outdid himself this time on making sure every t was crossed and every i dotted, to ensure the safety and happiness of the homeowner.
This is just one instance where Archadeck of Austin’s creativity and knowledge of the trade came in handy. We always try to go the extra mile for all our customers. If you are considering the addition of an outdoor improvement or new construction in your future, give us a call today to get the ball rolling.Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at
Austin@archadeck.net.
The Importance and Impact of the Design Rendering is Immeasurable
The realism of the design rendering at work
I cannot even imagine presenting a job to a prospective client without the immeasurable aid of our custom design renderings. Through a custom designed rendering we can add in your furniture pieces, additional seating areas and even your grill. A properly composed rendering will show details and nuances not seen in a conventional one-dimensional drawing. Details such as elevation changes, and the direction of the swing on the doors.
Patio and fireplace rendering
Presenting a three-dimensional design rendering to our client gives them an opportunity to see their design true to life. This true to life rendering also gives them the opportunity to make changes to areas and details they normally wouldn’t be aware of until after the structure was completed, this way we get a better idea of exactly what the customer themself envisions.Another postive detail is that all our renderings come with landscaping ideas to help the homeowner envision the truly finished project.
An example of all the details shown in a design rendering
Archadeck of Austin prides itself on constructiing spaces large enough to fit your furniture and outdoor living lifestyle. Remember when you were ready to move into your “big” new house, and once all the furniture was in place the structure wasn’t so “big” anymore? We want the structure you get from us to be all that you imagined and everything it seems, meaning that we will make every effort to make certain your space has enough
Another design rendering by Archadeck of Austin
“flow” and “harmony” once the furnishings are moved into the space. Showing the space through the design rendering will give you the opportunity to maybe make that covered porch a little larger to accommodate that large outdoor seating ensemble you have, or the to add more room for that prized gas grill and smoker.
In essence the difference between a written description of what you are getting and a rendering is that more happens when a professional rendering is drawn to include emphasis and demonstration in true to life examples of how the details will be taken care of. If you are considering adding an outdoor or indoor space to your life, give Archadeck of Austina call to get a realistic design rendering of your structure today.Call (512) 259-8282.
Archadeck of Austin Runs an ” All- Inclusive” Construction From Start to Finish
Many homeowners don’t realize all that is entailed when they decide to hire a contractor to build an outdoor or indoor structure for them. It is crucial to realize that you don’t necessarily have to hire multiple contractors to get the job done right. Many people think you have to hire separate contractors to do each job. Such as an electrician to do the electrical work, a separate plumber for plumbing, etc. This simply is not the case when you use us.
Architectural detailing
A good contractor will entail the help needed from within. This is what we do here at Archadeck of Austin. We have our own electricians, plumbers, framers, roofers and the list goes on and on. This means less hassle for the homeowner and less hassle for the contractor and sub-contractors. Your individual jobs will be handled within a timely manner and at the appropriate point of construction. we don’t have different people tripping over one another to do their job, we run a clean and smooth installation.
Tigerwood lower deck in Austin multi-level deck
Not only will scheduling headaches leave you overwhelmed and frustrated if you try to do this yourself, chances are you will pay more in the long run for hiring separate contractors. We have an “all-inclusive” theory, we want you to be able to sit back and relax through the grunt work. We have project managers with knowledge and experience assigned to each job and there every step of the way, keeping your best interests in mind and making sure each job is scheduled appropriately. From taking care of all the necessary permits and inspections, to ordering correct materials, and making sure things are completed right on time so you can start enjoying your structure or addition sooner.
Our project managers stay in constant contact with our customers in case changes or amendments need to be made as well. If you are considering a sunroom, patio,deck, or other addition to your home or landscape give us a call to discuss a design plan, we will make sure your experience is smooth and worry free.Call (512) 259-8282
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 