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
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 Takes us on a Tour of Flagstone
Beautiful flagstone outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of austin
Here in the Austin area flagstone is quite popular. We have been using it in a variance of structures, from patios to pathways, flagstone has a rustic elegance about it that can’t be found in any other medium. Here at Archadeck of Austin each of our clients get their own design rendering. These design renderings are never used again, so the structure you get from us, is yours and yours alone. Since flagstone is 100% natural since it is cut from the earth, every piece of flagstone is different as well. No two flagstone projects will be the alike because no two pieces of flagstone are identical.
This outdoor bar has a unique design that looks great in flagstone
Deciding which flagstone to use can be a difficult decision because of all the different types, colors and patterns of flagstone there are to choose from. We want this daunting task of selecting the type and color to be a little easier for you and hopefully after you have reviewed this blog, you will have a little better idea of the basics of flagstone selections. When talking about natural stone such as flagstone there are words that are used to describe certain attributes of the stone itself such as undulation which are natural wavelike bends, curves and elevation differences you can see and feel throughout the stone. Veining refers to a pattern or natural markings that are visible in the stone. Swirling means any curving, twisting line or shape visible naturally within the stone.
The Oklahoma family of Flagstone
Oklahoma Buff Peach flagstone patio in Austin TX
Oklahoma buff peach is a very popular color. Customers choose this color frequently with its subtle pleasing tones. The variation in the tones of Oklahoma buff peach can vary from peach tones, taupe tones and even gray tones.The surface tends to be smoother and not have as much undulation as some of the other Oklahoma’s.
Oklahoma chocolate gold flagstone, notice the undulation in this photo
Other Oklahoma flagstones include the dazzling Chocolate gold, which has quite a bit of undulation and veining. The veining of this flagstone gives it a rich, robust feel. Variances in Oklahoma Chocolate gold can be deep browns, to gray and of course the gold hues as well.
Oklahoma taupe is another favorite of ours. It has a fair amount of undulation but a more neutral feel. It conveys variation of taupe, light gray and earthy browns. This color works well with a lot of different mediums.
Oklahoma silver mist
Then you have Oklahoma Silver mist. The name itself gives it away. It has a silvery-misty sort of look to it. Color varies from darker grays to light silver, and slight blue undertones.
The Arizona family of flagstone
The Arizona flagstones tend to be more of a sandstone type of stone. They have a Smoother surfacing with less undulation. Not as bumpy as your Oklahoma’s. They have a sandier , flatter look to them.
Arizona buckskin flagstone
Arizona buckskin is a good neutral flagstone. Neutral does not mean boring in the case of this flagstone though. When I look at this color I am reminded of a buckskin horse. This color can only be achieved through mother nature. It is rustic, yet elegant, tough yet soft. The natural pigment of the earth is apparent in the hue. It works well with many mediums.
Arizona rose flagstone
Then there is the beautiful Arizona Rose flagstone. Here in Texas and beyond this is a much coveted color. Arizona Rose is best described as a light brick-red, with natural pink variations and gray undertones. It reminds me of ethnic pottery or the color of the sky right before it disappears into the horizon on a hot Texas night. Even with the entwining of rose and pink variations, this is a great neutral color that will work well with gray all the way to dark brown. Any color where you have gray or brown undertones will only enhance the beauty of Arizona Rose flagstone.
The Mexican family of flagstone
Flagstone patio done in Mexican rosewood
Last but certainly not least we have the Mexican flagstones. This flagstone has a lot of variation in color and movement throughout the stone such as veining and swirling. It is a work of art in itself. As with any flagstone each piece is different, but the beautiful degree of variation in Mexican flagstone makes it a joy to look at.
Mexican Rosewood is probably the finest example of the Mexican flagstones. This color has the hints of terra-cotta you would expect from Mexican pottery, but with variations and swirls of peaches, reds and pinks. Truly original and truly lovely.
Whether you are ready to build your flagstone patio or are just in the decision stages, Archadeck of Austin can help plan, design and build the flagstone structure you’ve been yearning for. We have years of experience building with flagstone and our design staff can help you decide on the flagstone that is right for you. Contact us today to find out more. Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 