Bowling Green - Outdoor Living Pavilion

A warm, timber-framed outdoor structure designed to anchor poolside gatherings and extend livable space through every season. The Downeys wanted a single covered zone that could host family, friends, and quiet nights by the fire — without competing with the existing home’s scale or materials.

The Design

Positioned just off the existing stone pool deck, the 17' × 20' freestanding pavilion ties into the property’s landscape with natural wood, stone, and shingle finishes. The vaulted truss system, open ridge, and stone fireplace wall give the space both height and intimacy — a natural extension of the home’s architecture while standing confidently on its own.

Key Features

  • Full-height stone fireplace with integrated TV mount, firewood cubbies, and stone chimney flue

  • Timber frame built with exposed trusses, arched braces, and concealed steel connectors for a clean, structural look

  • Bar seating zone with granite countertop and integrated lighting for dining or entertaining

  • Masonry piers and base walls tying into the pool deck with continuous limestone coping

  • Wired A/V infrastructure for speakers, heaters, and post lighting concealed within the framing

  • Custom outdoor kitchen layout planned for grill, side burner, and storage below

Function Meets Craft

Every detail was scaled to feel permanent and proportionate to the Downeys’ existing pool and house. The structure’s 14-6" ridge height and heavy timber spans maintain openness without over-shadowing the yard. The stone palette matches the existing pool deck blend — Ashlar limestone with contrasting gray joints — keeping texture and tone consistent across the siteSSKTCH_DOWNEY_Patio-Structure_P….

In the Details

  • Stone type: Ashlar limestone veneer with limestone coping and hearth caps

  • Roofing: Asphalt shingles to match the home

  • Structure: Freestanding, unconditioned, heavy timber with natural finish

  • Dimensions: ~340 ft² covered area, 17′ × 20′ footprint

  • Built for: Year-round entertaining — from cookouts and game days to quiet fireside evenings

The Result

This project delivers exactly what the clients imagined: a timeless, low-maintenance retreat where every gathering feels intentional. The covered pavilion connects seamlessly with the pool and patio, offering shade, shelter, and a strong architectural presence that completes the backyard.

Mark Pawlaczyk

I’m Mark Pawlaczyk. I’m a residential designer and outdoor living specialist working and living in NW Ohio.

Previous
Previous

Waterville - Riverfront Poolscape

Next
Next

Ottawa Hills - Primary Suite Remodel