Zen-Inspired Backyard Deck - Southern Living

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Texas Zen

Architect David Webber designed the home for Michael and Patti Rogers, drawing inspiration from a trip the couple had taken to Bali. “We fell in love with the architecture there and wanted to find a way to re-create it here while still being true to this region,” Patti says. The couple calls the resulting East-West fusion “Texas Zen.”

Sofas and ottoman: Jerri Kunz Design; jerrikunz.com or 512/474-8005.
White stool: Prince Aha Stool (0132) in White by Philippe Starck and side chairs: Bertoia Side Chair (7396) in Black, both available from Design Within Reach; dwr.com.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Open-Air Dining

Behind this home’s stunning facade is an equally impressive rear view. A series of decks jutting out into ancient oak trees cascade down to a concrete pool and nestle beneath a second-floor section of the main house.

Dining chairs: Bellini Chair in White by Heller (helleronline.com), available from Hive; hivemodern.com.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Integrated Spaces

Paths of randomly laid concrete pavers connect outdoor spaces.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Seamless Blending

Deliberate moves by David resulted in the seamless blending of the home’s interior and exterior. Dark ipê wood flooring inside the house carries out to the deck’s floor, the horizontal slatted railings, and a quartet of columns.

Lights (hanging in trees): Havana Outdoor Pendant Lamp in White by Foscarini (foscarini.com), available from YLighting; ylighting.com.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Tips for Integrating Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

Architect David Webber shares his best strategies for integrating your indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

Webber + Studio, Architects of Austin, TX; webberstudio.com or 512/236-1032.

1. Repeat materials. If possible, choose materials that are applicable both inside and out, such as the ipê wood used here. If a material is meant mainly for inside, you can still consider using it outside in a protected area, such as on a ceiling.
2. Transition with glass. Use floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors for continuous views and walkways.
3. Go with the flow. Position the exterior doors to continue the house’s natural traffic flow into outdoor spaces.