Decks

When Pittsburgh Magazine selected Madia Homes' newest custom residence as the Ultimate House 7, the goal was to showcase the very best in luxury home design, craftsmanship, and innovation. Located in the Four Seasons community in Hampton Township, the approximately 8,000-square-foot home was designed to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, with thoughtfully curated spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the surrounding landscape.

Evergreen General Contracting was proud to partner on one of the home's defining features: a custom, multi-level outdoor living space that extends the home's functionality well beyond its interior walls.

Creating Outdoor Living on Three Levels

Rather than designing a single deck off the back of the home, this project was envisioned as a series of connected outdoor spaces, each with its own purpose while remaining visually connected as one cohesive design.

The primary level, located directly off the home's main living area and kitchen, serves as a large gathering space. It includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a spacious dining area, and multiple seating areas for entertaining family and guests. Part of this level is covered, creating a comfortable outdoor room that can be enjoyed even during hot summer afternoons or light rain, while the uncovered portion provides an open-air space to enjoy the surrounding views.

Beneath the main deck, the final level consists of a beautifully finished patio that further expands the home's entertaining capabilities and seamlessly connects the outdoor spaces with the surrounding landscape. Together, the three levels provide distinct experiences while functioning as one unified outdoor environment.

Solving One of the Biggest Challenges

One of the most important aspects of this project wasn't immediately visible—it was making sure every outdoor space remained comfortable and usable, regardless of the weather.

With multiple covered levels stacked above one another, managing rainwater became a critical component of the design. Without proper planning, water passing through the upper deck would make the spaces below unusable whenever it rained.

To solve this challenge, the project incorporated an integrated rainwater management system beneath the decking that captures and redirects water away from the structure. This allows each covered area to remain dry while protecting the finishes below and preserving the functionality of every outdoor living space.

It's a detail many homeowners never notice, but one that dramatically improves how the space performs throughout the year.

Thoughtful Design in Every Detai

While the scale of the project immediately captures attention, it's the smaller design decisions that bring the entire outdoor living space together.

The warm wood-look ceiling material continues throughout the covered areas, creating visual continuity while adding warmth and texture overhead. Stone-clad columns anchor the structure and complement the home's exterior masonry, while clean black railings provide an elegant contrast without obstructing the surrounding views.

Every material was selected to create a timeless aesthetic while standing up to the demands of outdoor living. The result is a space that feels every bit as refined as the home's interior.

Just as importantly, each level was designed with how the homeowners—and visitors touring Ultimate House 7—would actually experience the space. Whether preparing dinner in the outdoor kitchen, gathering around the dining table, relaxing beneath the covered deck, or enjoying an evening around the fire feature below, every area has a clear purpose while remaining connected to the larger design.

A Showcase of Outdoor Living

Projects like Ultimate House 7 demonstrate that today's outdoor spaces can be far more than a traditional deck. By combining thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and careful attention to details like drainage, materials, and functionality, an outdoor living area becomes a true extension of the home.

We were honored to contribute to a project that showcases the highest level of residential construction in the Pittsburgh region. Collaborating with Madia Homes and the many talented partners involved in Ultimate House 7 was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate what's possible when exceptional design and skilled craftsmanship come together.

Whether it's a custom covered deck, an outdoor kitchen, or a complete multi-level outdoor living space, our goal is always the same: creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful—spaces where homeowners can gather, entertain, and make memories for years to come.

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