
Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree.Īt night, the effects are even more brilliant. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves.
LATTICE PATIO COVER SOFTWARE
It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy.

He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden.

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard.
