An ipe deck slopes sharply skyward behind Amy Persin’s house in Menlo Park, California, creating a secluded backyard getaway that feels like an outdoor extension of her living room. A single step on either side leads to patches of gravel, which her children have claimed as areas for unstructured play.
Durable and dense—so dense it doesn't float—ipe is an excellent material for outdoor settings. But how to use it? Patio decking is the most common application but just one of many.
Bringing new forms to their function, these unconventional structures go beyond the prototypical white picket in favor of more adventurous building materials—including Cor-ten steel and the landscape…
From studios, to guest rooms, lounge areas, and practice spaces, these space-efficient backyard structures provide a small sojourn from the everyday, just steps away from home.