Before and After

Reclaiming outdoor space for three-season entertaining.

long island architects This turn-key design by architect and builder George Suddell started with the goal of taking an unusable section of the backyard—a sloping hill—and turning it into an area that not only allowed the family to interact with each other, but created a functional transition space between house and pool.

Suddell recalls that when he first saw the site, he instantly knew that a better connection between these spaces would bring the chi of the home into balance. That positive energy flow was achieved in part by the construction of a curved second-story deck that follows a radius similar to the rays of sunlight. While the deck mimics the harmony of nature, the homeowners have a panoramic view of the water and adjacent golf course.

architects on long island

The lower section of the deck is sheltered from dripping water that allows the family and guests to open the doors of the adjoining arcade room, creating an indoor/outdoor entertainment space. Suddell also incorporated a veranda and exterior wood-burning fireplace into his design, which extends the use of the space into the cooler months.