Before we jump into backyard pavilion design tips and plans, let me start off by saying Happy 4th of July weekend, from my family to your’s! No matter the location of the celebration, whether it be in the backyard, in the mountains, at the beach, or lakeside, nothing quite beats being with the ones you love!
Moving on to design tips and plans for the design of an outdoor pavilion that includes an eating bar and lounge. We’ll start by going over general design tips, followed by the review of the design plans to see how I incorporated each of the points within the design.
Bring on all the backyard barbecues, the pool parties and the lazy days of summer!
When planning and designing a backyard pavilion, let the following four design tips guide your design.
.01
Purpose, Function and Features
At the onset of the design, start by defining the purpose and function of the pavilion as well as any features that you want to include, like a fireplace or water feature. From there, plan the plumbing and electrical to accommodate. Your list might include the following:
Shade
Lounging
TV watching
Kitchen
Bar
Fireplace
Water feature
.02
Orientation
Location, location, location. No matter how beautifully designed or appointed, if the pavilion isn’t located in the right spot, then it will end up being some thing you look at rather than some thing that you actually use and enjoy.
Orient the pavilion so it provides the most optimal shade. South, south west and western exposures are going to have the most direct sun and radiant heat.
.03
Adjacencies
Equally as important as the directional orientation are the adjacencies between the main house and the pavilion. In planning the placement, be sure to position it where it has optimal visual connections, as well as convenient accessibility to the main house. This will especially be helpful with accessibility from the main house and the transfer of food.
.04
Finish Materials and Features
To create a seamless result, it’s typically best to use the same roofing material on the pavilion as is on the main house. For the siding, however, don’t duplicate it but instead choose siding materials that pair well with the main house. This will add continuity, while creating depth and interest.
Now let’s take a look at some design plans I designed for a Northern California project. The client’s goal for their custom pavilion design was to create a relaxing, open-air retreat that provides additional shade for gathering with family and friends.
Design Objectives
Provide shade
Protection from south west and western exposure
Include an eating counter
Include an area for lounging
Spa-like design
Design Criteria
Due to easem*nt and height requirements, the footprint of the structure couldn’t exceed 18’-6” x 24’-0”, with the overall height not to exceed 12’-6”
Match hip roof design and bar tile roofing material to the main house and the unattached garage
