Creekside Aerie

A Multi-Generational Outdoor Retreat Balancing Safety with Natural Beauty

Project Quick Facts

  • Project Type: Deck and screen porch addition
  • Setting: Rural hilltop overlooking dense forest and large creek
  • Client: Middle-aged couple designing for multi-generational family use
  • Safety Features: Specialized screen for fall protection, vertical cable rail guardrail, integrated step lighting
  • Design Process: 3D modeling and rendering for enhanced client visualization

A Vision for Family Gatherings in Nature

When a middle-aged couple approached us about creating outdoor living spaces for their rural hilltop home, we knew this project would be special. The husband, an environmental engineer with a deep appreciation for nature, wanted to showcase the breathtaking forest and creek views. His wife, a design enthusiast, brought meticulous attention to every detail of the project.

Their 1990s home featured complex massing that made it difficult to envision how new additions would look. After working with another architect who provided only 2D drawings, they remained uncertain about how the final design would appear in reality. That’s when they sought our expertise in 3D modeling and rendering.

Balancing Safety with Stunning Views

The primary challenge wasn’t budget or zoning restrictions—the rural property offered ample space and the clients had allocated sufficient funds. Instead, we faced the delicate balance of creating spaces safe for both young grandchildren and older adults while preserving unobstructed views of the natural surroundings.

This required innovative solutions. We sourced a specialized screen product that met code requirements for fall protection while maintaining visibility. The vertical cable rail guardrail was designed to prevent climbing by little ones yet remain visually transparent. Step lights were thoughtfully integrated to eliminate tripping hazards without detracting from the design.

Bringing Designs to Life Before Construction

Our approach centered on detailed 3D modeling of both the existing house and proposed additions. This allowed the clients to visualize exactly how the new structures would complement their home’s unique architecture. The wife, particularly involved in the process, could request changes to elements like the stairway configuration and see the results immediately.

This visualization process proved invaluable. When discussing lighting options, the clients initially preferred familiar, decades-old fixtures they’d seen elsewhere. By showing them updated alternatives in the 3D model, they discovered new preferences they might never have considered with traditional drawings alone.

A Perfect Space for Family Gatherings

The final design features a spacious deck and screen porch that accommodate large family gatherings while showcasing the forest and creek views. Uplit LED ceiling fixtures highlight the intricate beam structure, while the unique structural design eliminates the need for view-obstructing posts or rafter ties. The open deck area allows for easy movement between key elements.

In the client’s own words: “Doug listened to what we wanted and designed us a deck, half open and half screened, that is absolutely perfect and physically stunning. I cannot sing his praises enough. He came back multiple times while the deck was being built and tweaked the design when we asked, made his own suggestions and listened to ours. We couldn’t be happier.”

Creating Spaces That Bring Joy

Perhaps the most gratifying outcome is knowing this family now enjoys a beautiful outdoor space designed specifically for their needs. The project reinforced our belief in the power of visualization tools to build client confidence and the importance of truly listening to create spaces that resonate with the people who use them.

Watching children play safely while adults relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them—that’s the true measure of this project’s success.