3. Party Patio With Free-Draining Pavers
Designer: T. Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture
Location: La Jolla, California, just north of San Diego
Size: 200-square-foot paved area under the pergola, plus the extended patio area. The entire rear patio area plus yard and pool is 6,100 square feet (567 square meters).
The renovated outdoor entertaining space and converted detached garage invite the owners of this San Diego-area home to relax outdoors nearly year-round, taking in an ocean view that’s visible through the house.
The clever drainage detail: Free-draining pavers. The patio floor is made up of 12-by-24-inch CalArc precast concrete pavers by Stepstone with poured-in-place accent pavers with a pebble finish. The pavers themselves are not pervious, but architect T. Dustin Hauck spaced them so water drains between the gaps directly back into the landscape, containing all stormwater on site.
Other features of this patio. The freestanding pergola is made of black-painted steel tube with a western red cedar cover. Outdoor lights, patio heaters and a gas fire pit enable the outdoor space to transition seamlessly from day to night. An outdoor kitchen makes it easy for the party to keep going outside, with colorful red furniture creating a bold and inviting opportunity to lounge.