Eight Columns


porch table, dinners there might not happen very oſten. Adding a door from the existing kitchen or family room, or shiſting the porch to utilize an existing door will make using the porch as a dining area more convenient.


Don’t Overthink it Take care not to overcomplicate the design. It can be tempting to push the screened porch limits by making removable screens that can be replaced with glass to make the porch double as a “sunroom.” But these atempts at adding versatility of use can result in inconvenient seasonal tasks that may interfere with the porch’s use, and create the need for more storage space for the off-season components. Enclosing the porch with glass also may entail an additional level of detail and expense including heating/ cooling systems and shade control.


Finally, budget permiting, consider incorporating materials that will enhance the design. A synthetic tongue-and-groove porch decking, that sheds water well, deters insects, and looks great is a functional and aesthetic upgrade to the standard decking with screen stapled below. If you have a wonderful view from your porch, are a bird watcher, or otherwise want to minimize the visibility of the screening itself, consider using recently developed stainless steel screen that has considerably smaller wire, and resists corrosion buildup.


Careful planning, atention to detail, and some research will help you to create an atractive, comfortable and cost-effective addition to your living space. Combining a bit of technology with a hint of nostalgia may make your new screened porch the best spot in the house!


John Heltzel is president of Heltzelhaus, Inc and can be reached at john@heltzelaia.com. Heltzelhaus, Inc is an active member of NARI Metro DC, www.narimetrodc.org.


Are Enough BY BRUCE WENTWORTH


S


everal years ago I designed and built a new rear porch for the 1923 house in Washington, D.C. that I own with my wife, Eryl. Te new porch


has become a favorite space and serves as our outdoor living room in good weather. But it took a great deal of effort to build a porch that we could genuinely enjoy.


Our Old House Our house was designed by architect Arthur B. Heaton and was among a group of five houses speculatively built in Northwest D.C. It is a modest house, what could be called “Builder-Tudor-Style.” Previously owned by a couple with the U.S. State Department, the house had been rented for 15 of the 20 years they owned it and got litle atention aside from a new slate roof, which I greatly appreciate. But aside from installing the new roof and painting the exterior brick white, the original owners performed minimal maintenance on the house. A slap-dash 1967 kitchen and bath remodel was unappealing.


An architect discusses


design solutions he conceived for his own porch addition


create | CONSUMER.NARIMETRODC.ORG


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