Case Study: Transforming a New Construction into a Luxury Multilevel Outdoor Living Retreat

Client Overview

Located in Aurora, Illinois, near the borders of Plainfield and Naperville, the owners of this newly constructed home envisioned a luxury outdoor retreat with distinct spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying nature. A core design feature was creating multiple fire elements, including a grand fireplace positioned in front of the hot tub and fire bowls atop the retaining wall columns, to provide warmth, ambiance, and an inviting atmosphere for evening enjoyment.

Mission Brick Paving designed and built a stunning multilevel outdoor living space that perfectly blended elegance, functionality, and the timeless allure of fire features.

The Design Process

The project began with detailed 3-D renderings to bring the client’s vision to life. These renderings highlighted:

• The strategic placement of the fireplace in front of the hot tub, ensuring it could be enjoyed from multiple levels and angles.
• The positioning of fire bowls atop the retaining wall columns, creating an elevated focal point that enhanced the ambiance, especially at night.
• The integration of the multilevel design, connecting the outdoor kitchen, patio, hot tub, and yard seamlessly.

This design allowed the client to visualize how these elements would come together to create an intimate, luxurious retreat.

The Solution

1. Multilevel Brick Patio with Permeable Pavers

The foundation of the design is a multilevel brick patio constructed with Techo-Bloc permeable pavers and Nitro sand joints, allowing water to drain naturally through the surface.

The patio is divided into distinct levels to create a variety of experiences:

• Main Patio Level: Features the outdoor kitchen and dining areas for entertaining.
• Lower Entertainment Level: Includes the fireplace and seating area, providing a cozy space to relax near the hot tub.
• Water Feature Level: A tranquil flagstone patio with the Aquascape fountain and hammock retreat.

The permeable design ensures sustainability and functionality, preventing pooling and maintaining the patio’s pristine appearance.

2. Sundance Hot Tub with Fireplace View

The Sundance hot tub, seamlessly integrated into the elevated Trex deck, is perfectly positioned to allow users to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the grand fireplace directly in front of it.

The fireplace serves as a striking visual and functional feature, creating a focal point for the lower entertainment level. Under-cap lighting enhances its design, casting a soft glow that makes it even more inviting in the evening.

3. Fire Bowls for Evening Ambiance

Adding to the luxury of the space, two fire bowls are positioned atop the columns of the Raffinato retaining wall. These dramatic features create an elevated glow, adding warmth and elegance that can be enjoyed from multiple levels, including the hot tub, patio, and hammock retreat.

The combination of the fireplace and fire bowls creates a cohesive, multi-dimensional fire experience, transforming the space into a magical retreat after sunset.

4. Outdoor Kitchen Built Alongside the Trex Deck

The outdoor kitchen, located alongside the elevated Trex deck, serves as the hub for entertaining. It features:

• A Heston Grill and Heston built-in refrigerator, providing professional-grade cooking and storage.
• Sleek granite countertops, offering ample prep and serving space.
• Under-counter lighting for nighttime usability and ambiance.

5. Flagstone Patio and Hammock Retreat

A serene flagstone patio, located on its own level, houses the hammock retreat near the Aquascape fountain. This space was designed to be a quiet escape, surrounded by greenery and illuminated by up-lighting and the glow of the nearby fire bowls.

6. Contemporary Retaining Wall with Raffinato Blocks

The Raffinato retaining wall defines the multilevel design, adding structure and sophistication. The under-cap lighting highlights its clean, modern lines, while the fire bowls atop the columns elevate its aesthetic appeal.

7. Integrated Lighting for Ambiance and Functionality

To enhance the atmosphere, a comprehensive lighting plan was implemented:

• Under-Cap Lighting: Accents the retaining walls and fireplace for a warm glow.
• Up-Lighting on Trees: Highlights the natural beauty of the landscaping, including Arborvitae, Serviceberry, and Magnolia trees.
• Path Lighting: Ensures safe movement between levels.
• Fountain and Fire Bowl Lighting: Enhances these focal points, making them even more captivating at night.

The Results:

The completed outdoor retreat seamlessly combines luxury, functionality, and ambiance. The strategic placement of the fireplace and fire bowls allows the homeowners to enjoy their warmth and beauty from multiple areas, creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor experience.

Key Features:

• A grand fireplace positioned to be enjoyed from the Sundance hot tub and lower patio level.
• Two fire bowls atop the Raffinato retaining wall, providing elevated warmth and elegance.
• A multilevel brick patio with Techo-Bloc permeable pavers and Nitro sand joints for effective drainage.
• A Sundance hot tub integrated into the Trex deck with multiple stairways leading to the patio and yard.
• A fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a Heston Grill, built-in refrigerator, and granite countertops.
• A tranquil flagstone patio with a hammock retreat and illuminated Aquascape fountain.
• Strategic tree planting and landscaping, enhanced with up-lighting for dramatic effect.
• Integrated lighting throughout the space for ambiance and nighttime usability.

Before and After Photos

• Before: A flat, underutilized backyard with no defining features or ambiance.
• After: A luxurious, multilevel retreat with multiple fire features, offering warmth and beauty at every turn.

Transform Your Space Today

At Mission Brick Paving, we specialize in creating custom outdoor spaces that combine elegance, functionality, and timeless beauty. From integrated fire features to multilevel designs, our outdoor living design and build service will bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your transformation!

Location: Aurora, IL