Shawnee Gazebo

The owner’s primary goal was to improve on a kitchen bay window that included an awkwardly positioned door and concrete stair that led to a non-descript concrete slab. The impetus was better access to the rear yard and an attached covered porch for frequent entertainment. 

Due to a strict zoning regulation disallowing an attached covered porch, the design strategy evolved into a detached accessory structure; a gazebo located 1 inch from the existing house. An undulating back yard with severe cross slope and drainage problems prompted the development of an earthen plinth on which the gazebo would float exactly thirty inches above the grade, allowing the gazebo to forgo railings. The thin cantilevered structure lends to a cinematic experience. The cropped views bring the textured foliage into focus and extend the long horizontal scenes through the interior and exterior spaces.

A concrete wall serves as an armature for a wood bench seat at the fire pit. This on-grade development creates a portal entry that anchors the composition while separating it from the driveway apron beyond.