Southwest Fence & Deck
Award-Winning Floating Pavilion with Custom Outdoor Kitchen
This complex pavilion project was an 18-month collaboration involving several key partners, including landscape architect Lance Dickerson, Pure Design, and pool designers. The result is a stunning floating pavilion blends luxury design with structural innovation. The pavilion was built to accommodate the natural contours of the yard, which featured a significant drop in elevation at the back, requiring deep foundational piers, contour retaining walls, and precision engineering to create the illusion of a floating structure.
The pavilion design earned an AFA (American Fence Association) award for its excellence, highlighting its visual appeal and craftsmanship in the intricate construction process.
Design Challenges
and Solutions
One of the primary challenges was addressing the significant drop at the back of the yard. Our team built reinforced concrete retaining walls to level the yard and create a seamless flow from the front to the pavilion. These walls also support the floating pavilion, which has an open design underneath, further enhancing the illusion that it is hovering above the landscape.
The project also involved installing deep foundational piers to ensure the pavilion’s stability while maintaining its modern design. The outdoor kitchen within the pavilion presented additional challenges with installing man-made waterfall countertops, requiring careful planning and precise execution.
Collaboration and
Client Involvement
This pavilion project required close collaboration with multiple parties and weekly meetings with the homeowner to ensure every detail was executed perfectly. Despite the challenge of coordinating with the homeowner remotely while on travel, the team worked seamlessly to manage the intricacies of the project, from structural engineering to selecting materials and features.
Final Outcome
The floating pavilion is a stunning addition to the landscape, blending seamlessly with the surrounding design elements, such as the pool and retaining walls. The labor-intensive waterfall countertops, high-end Lynx appliances, and precise lighting design contribute to the pavilion’s luxury feel. The project won an AFA award for its design, showcasing the team’s expertise and dedication to creating a visually striking and structurally sound outdoor space. The result is a beautiful, functional pavilion perfect for entertaining and relaxation.
Key Features and Materials
- Floating Pavilion: The pavilion’s open design underneath and contour retaining walls create a visually striking floating effect that sets this structure apart from traditional pavilions.
- Custom Outdoor Kitchen: Equipped with high-end Lynx appliances, the outdoor kitchen also features man-made waterfall countertops, creating a luxurious focal point. The same material is used on the stucco fireplace wall, creating cohesion.
- Waterfall Countertops: The pavilion’s countertops are finished with a waterfall edge, adding a sleek, modern touch to the outdoor kitchen and grilling station.
- Tongue and Groove Ceilings: The pavilion’s ceiling features a beautiful tongue and groove design, adding warmth and elegance to the open-air space.
- Lighting: About 50 lights, including can and torpedo styles, were installed throughout the pavilion to enhance its ambiance and functionality during evening events.
- Stucco Walls: The exterior of the pavilion and the fireplace wall were finished in stucco, creating a clean, modern aesthetic that complements the pavilion’s sleek design.
- Minka Aire Ceiling Fans: These fans provide functionality and style, ensuring comfort during the warmer months.