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This stunning covered porch brings comfort, style, and functionality together in one beautifully designed outdoor living space. Our clients wanted a porch that blended seamlessly with their home’s architecture while providing a relaxing space to enjoy the views overlooking the golf course of Glen Oaks, and that’s exactly what we delivered.
About the Home
Built in 2001 • Ranch Style • Approximately 2726 sq. ft.
The Before:
Design Challenges
Challenge #1: Making Most of the Space
Covered porch additions can often look tacked on. That wasn’t an option here. We explored multiple design layouts, studying how each version affected the overall design.
Take a look below to explore each concept that was considered:
Our solution:
The final plan struck a balance between integrating with the roof, maximizing layout and flow, and resolving all challenges. Features included:
- Compact entrance off the garage so we could tuck the staircase behind the porch
- Use of pavers at the bottom landing to connect seamlessly into the landscaping
- Continuation of the gables to tie into the style of the roof and create a visual appeal
Challenge #2: The Fireplace Stone
The fireplace was designed to be a stunning focal point inside the screened porch, but there was a catch. Carrying that same stone through to the exterior side would have made the structure too heavy visually.
Our solution:
We kept the stone on the interior side where it adds warmth and texture and finished the exterior side facing the neighbors with LP siding to perfectly match the rest of the home. This kept the look cohesive and clean without overwhelming the design.
Construction Challenges
Challenge #1: The Height of the Unknown
There wasn’t much room for equipment, and a lot of the work had to happen in high up places where certain lifts couldn’t reach and ladders weren’t always practical. This meant that each stage of construction required creative solutions for accessing those hard-to-reach spots.
Our Solution:
- Scaffolding
- Custom Built platforms
- Lifts
- A crane setting beams from the front of the house
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Challenge #2: Working Through the Winter
Building a deck in Iowa during the winter isn’t for the faint of heart, but there’s something incredibly rewarding about taking on a project as the temperatures drop and winter settles in. Yes, you’ll encounter chilly mornings and the occasional snow flurry, but with a solid plan in place, it’s completely doable.
Our Solution:
- We installed the helical piers and poured the foundation before the frost set in.
- We were finished with framing by the time the first snowfall stuck to the ground.
- We closed off the porch with plastic to work on the inside of the structure through the colder months.
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Structural elements like framing and layers of trim, as well as aesthetic features were all intertwined. Each element needed to complement each other, from the way the structural supports were installed, to how the trims stacked, to how the finishes were installed. Structural supports, decorative moldings, and visible finishes all had to be coordinated meticulously, so even minor decisions early in construction could impact the look of the porch down the line.
Our Solution:
The production team had to carefully review the plans to understand how each piece would affect another piece later in the project. This meant taking time to look at both the big picture and the smallest details, considering how the details of framing, finishes, and trim profiles impact the final design.
Thoughtful Details That Elevate the Experience
The little details bring this porch to life like the LED lighting tucked under the stair treads and in the coves of the interior soffit for a soft evening glow. The modern cable railing makes a statement and keeps the look modern. And, of course, the stone fireplace creates the ultimate cozy vibe.
Automatic Screens: Private and Bug-Free
The porch features motorized screens that raise or lower with the touch of a button, letting you easily adjust airflow, light, and privacy. Slim black cable railings add a modern, open look and enhance safety—especially for kids or pets—while matching the screen frames. From the outside, the dark screens act like tinted windows for privacy, but from within, you can still enjoy clear views of the golf course. It’s a comfortable, private space that keeps bugs out and scenery in.
Outdoor Kitchen: Functional & Stylish
Adding an outdoor kitchen to a covered porch takes careful planning, especially for ventilation. Since a covered porch requires more airflow than an open one, we debated leaving the back wall open but instead installed two outdoor hoods for the grill and Joe. A stainless steel backsplash was added for safety, and the linen-textured finish gives a softened look that highlights the grill, hoods, and Kamado Joe as standout features.
Stone Fireplace: The Center of Attention
Inside the screened porch, a gorgeous stone fireplace instantly draws the eye and makes the space usable even on chilly evenings. The natural tones of the stone complement the neutral color palette of the home, while a mounted TV above the mantel turns the space into the perfect spot for cozy nights in or weekend gatherings.
Wood Plank Ceiling: A Labor of Love
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To complete the inviting feel of the porch, we installed a wood-planked ceiling with a custom gray wash stain. Achieving the right tone took several days of careful work. The ceiling complements the home’s neutral palette while adding rustic charm. The result is a soft, weathered look that ties the space together and adds that “luxury cabin” touch.
Layered Lighting: Setting the Perfect Mood
Lighting can completely change how a space feels, and this porch takes that idea to heart with a layered lighting plan that adds warmth, depth, and versatility.
- Up-lighting tucked into the coves of the vaulted ceiling highlights the gorgeous architecture and the wood tones of the planked ceiling.
- Recessed can lights in the ceiling offer clean overhead and directional lighting.
- Integrated lighting in the hoods make it easy to cook and entertain after sunset.
- Step lighting along the stairs provides both safety and ambiance, softly illuminating the way down to the lower level.
- Directional sconces on the lower level add accent lighting and visual interest, giving the space a finished, designer touch.
All these layers work together to create a porch that feels warm and inviting no matter the time of day. It’s bright during daylight hours, and softly glowing and cozy at night.
Underdecking: Cohesivity from Top to Bottom
Down below, a clean and functional area ensures that no space goes to waste. The underside of the porch is finished with an underdecking ceiling to match the finished look upstairs, creating a cohesive look from top to bottom. Now when the homeowners use their hot tub, they aren’t looking up at the underside of a deck, but rather a finished ceiling
The End Result
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The finished project exceeded expectations—a covered porch that’s both functional and beautiful, seamlessly matching the home. Overcoming design and construction challenges, like tying in rooflines and selecting thoughtful materials, only strengthened the end result.
Construction began in the fall and wrapped up by spring, each detail carefully completed. The space reflects countless thoughtful choices and the team’s unwavering vision. Seeing it all come together, season by season, reminded us why we love this work.
Now, the homeowners have a relaxing retreat—perfect for unwinding, entertaining, and enjoying golf course views in comfort.
