Multi-Use Outdoor Entertaining Space
Backyard Covered Kitchen
Creating an industrial-class outdoor kitchen and entertainment space for year-round use.
With the rain the Pacific Northwest is known for, many homeowners find having a covered outdoor space is the best option to fully utilize their outdoor amenities throughout the seasons. These homeowners wanted to add an outdoor kitchen, entertaining space, and hot tub to their Kirkland property, all sheltered from the rain. With maximized functionality in mind, we worked to synthesize an outdoor space that would fulfill all their needs.
The new wood deck sets the stage for the new outdoor entertaining space. To keep the area as open as possible, we worked with a structural engineer to minimize the number of posts needed to support the canopy. A ramp between the deck and the level of the yard allows for universal accessibility to this new outdoor space. For days with nice weather, a wood-burning fire pit beckons on the lawn in front of the deck.
Hot Tub & Outdoor Shower
By locating the hot tub under the canopy, it can be easily used during all seasons and weather conditions. After relaxing in the hot tub, people can rinse off in the adjacent shower before heading inside. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Hot Tub & Outdoor Shower
By locating the hot tub under the canopy, it can be easily used during all seasons and weather conditions. After relaxing in the hot tub, people can rinse off in the adjacent shower before heading inside. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
The commercial-class kitchen accommodates cooking for the homeowners’ frequent large gatherings, like barbeques and fundraisers. With plenty of countertop space and storage drawers, prepping, cooking, serving, and cleanup all happen effortlessly. The stainless-steel counters and cabinetry can even be hosed off, making cleanup a breeze.
Roof material is a key consideration for an outdoor gathering space. In our maritime climate, letting in light while sheltering from the rain is a more common need than providing shade from the hot sun. The custom-designed wood and steel canopy with polycarbonate panels does just that — the translucent material lets sunlight through, keeping the space feeling open, airy, and dry. Removable sun shades can provide sanctuary from unanticipated high heat during the summer months.
The homeowners wanted screening from their neighbors as well as seasonal visual interest, so plants were a great option to fulfill both of these purposes. Bamboo in metal troughs provides a soft screen obscuring views of the neighboring property. Layered plantings by the deck and in raised planters add texture and color to the space. One existing dwarf maple tree was particularly dear to the homeowners, so we made sure it was protected during construction and could keep showing off its beautiful foliage for years to come.
With this new covered outdoor space, the homeowners can fulfill their entertaining and culinary needs in a bright and flexible setting. With inclement weather no longer a deterrent, they can simply enjoy on cooking, entertaining, and relaxing outdoors on their own terms.
Bamboo Screen
The bamboo-lined gravel path connects the new outdoor space to the front of the property. Since the bamboo is contained in metal troughs, there’s no worry of it spreading to areas where it’s not wanted. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Bamboo Screen
The bamboo-lined gravel path connects the new outdoor space to the front of the property. Since the bamboo is contained in metal troughs, there’s no worry of it spreading to areas where it’s not wanted. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Wood Details
The use of cedar on the deck, overhead canopy, and other build-outs ties together the ground and vertical planes. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Wood Details
The use of cedar on the deck, overhead canopy, and other build-outs ties together the ground and vertical planes. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Moving from Day to Night
Lighting fixtures are incorporated directly into the structure to provide a seamless outdoor experience as day turns to night. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Moving from Day to Night
Lighting fixtures are incorporated directly into the structure to provide a seamless outdoor experience as day turns to night. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Cooking in This Kitchen Is Serious Business
Numerous drawers and a large countertop provide ample space to prepare food and store equipment. Everything is sized to fit the homeowners’ many large dishes and pans. A built-in barbecue and smoker allow for the preparation of a variety of tasty meals great for sharing. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Cooking in This Kitchen Is Serious Business
Numerous drawers and a large countertop provide ample space to prepare food and store equipment. Everything is sized to fit the homeowners’ many large dishes and pans. A built-in barbecue and smoker allow for the preparation of a variety of tasty meals great for sharing. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Easy Entertaining, Rain or Shine
Translucent roofing lets the light shine through to help even rainy days feel open and airy. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Easy Entertaining, Rain or Shine
Translucent roofing lets the light shine through to help even rainy days feel open and airy. Backyard Covered Kitchen | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Notes & Credits
This project was built by Davis Construction.
Photography by Tina Witherspoon.
Want to learn more?
You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.
Services
Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.
Considering a project? Or, just curious about something?
Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.