More questions from the desk of Randy Sorrell at Surroundings in the Indiana Design Center…
Q: Would you thrill us with details of the featured project?
A: This Fishers home rests on a naturalized habitat with a meandering pond, heavy woods in the background with a golf course streaming through the middle. A remarkable setting, but there was little opportunity to enjoy it without a patio. We constructed the open-air porch (lanais) with a bead board ceiling and two skylights in an effort to keep the interior light and airy. The ceiling fan creates a nice breeze and discourages insects.
The abbreviated grill station houses a quality Weber grill and offers nice counter space, too. A rectangular fire feature, constructed with the same Hessit stone as the grill station, pulls the space together. We especially love the limestone ledge and counters.
The Indiana limestone was repeated as oversize steps from the back door and contrasts nicely with the very rich Rumbled Cocoa clay paver.
It has completely changed how the family lives and entertains and is very inviting. Looks like we will be remodeling the bathrooms this winter too!
Q: Did the lanais require any special permits?
A: Free standing or attached, roof structures with concrete footers require construction drawings, building permits and inspections. Something we accomplish regularly and not a step you want to skip.
Q: How long does a project like this usually take?
A: From start to completion was around eight weeks. Our paver and landscape team launched the project followed by our construction crews.
Q: What fun amenities are being included in porches?
A: Just about everything you can imagine from built in Bluetooth speakers, retractable screens and wall mounted heaters to extend the season by several weeks and of course the usual.
