Sunlit Sanctuary: From Screened Porch to Year-Round Retreat
Some projects start with a simple idea and evolve into something more over time.
For these homeowners, the initial goal was straightforward: design a screened porch to enjoy the outdoors. As we talked through ideas together, the vision naturally grew into something more focused on comfort, natural light, and a space they could use year-round.
The result is what they now lovingly call their “Happy Place.”
Designed for Everyday Living
The homeowners weren’t just looking to add space; they wanted a place that felt good to spend time in. A space that would:
Feel open and filled with natural light
Be comfortable in every season
Offer a place to relax, read, and gather
Connect more fully to the landscape around their home
Working in close partnership with Dave Osmond Builders, the original idea of a screened porch evolved into a fully conditioned sunroom and deck addition designed for daily use.
A Natural Extension of the Home
From the beginning, it was important that the new space feel like it belonged—like it had always been part of the home.
Expansive windows bring in natural light and frame views of the outdoors, while layered lighting creates a warm, inviting feel throughout the day and into the evening. The existing brick chimney was intentionally left exposed and painted, adding texture and character while helping the new space feel connected to the original home.
Every detail was considered, not just for how it looks, but for how it supports everyday use.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
What Happened Behind the Scenes
Every project comes with a level of the unexpected, and this one was no exception.
Even with careful planning, once construction begins, things can surface that no one could have predicted. What matters most is having the right team in place to respond quickly and thoughtfully.
Working closely with Dave Osmond Builders, the RDS team navigated several challenges along the way, including limited site access, underground utilities, and existing drainage conditions that required coordination from the start.
As construction progressed, a few surprises came up:
A mis-marked gas line discovered during trenching
An unexpected subsurface condition—a vein of glacial bog material that required a new structural approach
Water infiltration issues at the existing masonry chimney
Each of these moments required quick problem-solving and clear communication. Solutions ranged from reworking utility paths and engineering a reinforced footing system to repairing and waterproofing the chimney.
Even the heating and cooling system was carefully integrated into the design, so the space remains comfortable year-round without drawing attention away from the overall aesthetic.
For homeowners, this is an important part of the process to understand: challenges can happen. But with the right design team and builder working together, they’re handled in a way that keeps the project moving forward and aligned with the original vision.
Details That Make the Space Feel Complete
While the structure creates the foundation, it’s the details that shape how the space feels day to day:
Large windows and hidden screens that preserve uninterrupted views
Smart lighting and motorized blinds for comfort and flexibility
A maintenance-free deck design that’s easy to enjoy without the constant upkeep
A split-face retaining wall that adds natural texture to the landscape
Custom railings and subtle lighting that enhance both safety and atmosphere
These elements work together to create a space that feels easy, comfortable, and well thought out.
The Result: A Space That Truly Works
What started as a screened porch is now a natural extension of the home—one that supports how the homeowners actually live.
It’s a place for morning coffee, quiet afternoons, and evenings spent watching the light change outside. A space that feels just as inviting in the colder months as it does in the middle of summer.
Most importantly, it’s a space shaped around them.
An Award-Winning Collaboration
This project was honored with a 2025 Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Award for Residential Addition Under $250,000—the result of a team that takes the time to understand what matters to the homeowners AND plans accordingly.
A Thoughtful Approach to Home Design
At Residential Designed Solutions, every residential design project starts the same way: by listening. Understanding how you want to live, and designing a space around that, is what turns an idea into something that lasts. Ready to talk about your home addition dreams? Contact us.