Summer BBQ dreams motivated homeowner Jimmy Rathmanner to hire Minneapolis-based contractor Pat Noonan, founder of the Deck and Basement Company, to redesign the deck of his lakeside residence. “Jimmy imagined gathering his family around a fireplace and wanted separate spaces for lounging and dining and as a side office for outdoor work,” recalls Noonan.

Sustainable, capped polymer sheets from the TimberTech AZEK Vintage collection are at the center of this outdoor retreat built for entertainment.

With the task of creating clear but flowing zones and allowing full creative freedom, the designer conceived a circular shape for the deck and divided it into three areas: a casual seating lounge in the middle, flanked by a grill area on one side and one formal dining area on top of the other. He says, “I thought a big, big circle would be soft and inviting when you come up from the lake, and has plenty of space for people to sit on the round staircase.”

“I was able to define the rooms visually instead of using different levels,” says designer and builder Pat Noonan of the inlay of the AZEK Vintage collection (shown in Dark Hickory), which marks the center of the deck.

Noonan’s design, a geometric study in contrasting warm and even deeper grays, includes staggered arrangements and an elegant herringbone pattern that cuts through the center of the deck. “We focus on creating clean, modern lines and symmetry,” says Noonan of his approach.

The lively pattern of the deck creates the illusion of more shades of gray than were actually used. In the middle there is a herringbone insert that catches the light at sunset.

For materials, Noonan turned to natural-looking, clipped polymer sheets from TimberTech and opted for the beautiful, wire-brushed finish of their AZEK Vintage collection. “We live in one of the most extreme climates in the country,” emphasizes Noonan. The longevity of the product makes it even more attractive.

“The inclusion of a curve spanning the deck helped soften the straight lines that surround it,” says Noonan of his design.

Another highlight of Noonan’s design is the gentle curve of the thermoformed insert that defines the perimeter of the circle and leads down steps to the lake. Noonan admits that while the concept came easy, the concept proved difficult. “There was a lot of math and headaches about the sheer size,” he recalls.

Made from mostly recycled material and available in five colors and three widths, the AZEK Vintage collection is gentle on trees, is more durable than natural wood and stays cooler in hot weather.

The result of Noonan’s careful calculations and his refined design sensitivity is an inviting oasis that the Rathmanners can enjoy for many years – a testament to the builder’s craftsmanship and know-how.

Just a stroll from the lakefront, the deck is perfect for outdoor celebrations. Noonan notes that slip resistance was a key factor in choosing TimberTech AZEK boards for the project to safely accommodate “people in wet flip-flops walking up and down stairs”.

The post An Artful Lakefront Deck Invites Family Gatherings in Minneapolis first appeared on DECKS AND FENCES DAILY.