In the Great Outdoors
Exterior spaces are put to maximum use in this creative home. "Many houses along the Gulf Coast are built up off the ground because of the possibility of a storm surge," says architect Craig McMahon, "and storage areas are often constructed under the house. We wanted to take advantage of all the ground floor space, so we created a variety of outdoor rooms, including a kitchen and shower." There's also room to park both a boat and a car.

Durability and easy upkeep factored into the selection of construction materials for this vacation home. "The metal roof will last a long time," say builder Paul Thrasher. "And with the fiber-cement siding, the paint job will last longer than if it was on wood."

Install an Open-air Kitchen

At ground level, the base of the chimney houses the outdoor kitchen, which contains a sink, grill, and built-in cabinets. There is also a bar for serving. The entire kitchen can be made weathertight by closing wooden doors on two sides. A long table nearby can accommodate a variety of outdoor projects. Decking surrounds the kitchen; teak chairs, benches, and tables invite relaxation.

A Combination Firepit/Fountain
Near the deck is a unique, dual-purpose garden feature, in which a large, thick copper disc sits on a cylindrical stone base. To use it as a fountain in warm weather, the pump is turned on, and water from the base of the unit flows from the top of the stone and down its sides. The water is caught in a basin and pumped again to the top of the stone cylinder. In cooler weather, the fountain can be turned off and a fire built in the copper disc on top. Circular stone coping surrounds the entire installation.

Build an Outdoor Shower An outside shower is a practical and fun feature. Trelliswork made from copper rods and wire and planted with rapidly growing Asian jasmine vines encloses the shower and connects it to a nearby dressing room. Above the shower, a cistern collects rainwater from the roof for use in the garden."

Upstairs Hallway Create a Play Space With Built-ins Equipped with shelves for storage of games and toys, the upstairs hallway outside the children's room functions as a mini playroom. Kids can spread out board games or coloring books and enjoy a sunny spot to play or color. Painted baskets attractively organize and store small items, making cleanup a breeze. Framed prints and family photos bring visual interest to the neutral space."