South Charlotte · Mid-century modern

Mid-Century Modern Magnificence

Designed & built by Designers Choice
43 photographs · One complete story

The completed front exteriorThe brick split-level, period-inspired carport and curved concrete driveway come together as one composition.

The completed project

A classic home.
A new way to live outside.

This mid-century modern split-level brings porch living, an outdoor spa and a stone paver patio together in one thoughtfully connected design. A period-inspired carport completes the front of the house while preserving its low, horizontal character.

At the back, a new sliding patio door opens beneath a standing-seam metal overhang. A curved, lighted retaining wall shapes the patio, and broad steps link the spa deck to the yard. Hanging barn doors keep the carport storage neatly tucked away.

01–08 · Finished views

See how it all comes together

Step from the finished front exterior into the porch, spa deck, patio and carport. Select any photograph to open the full gallery.

Screen porch and spa deckA gabled screen porch opens to an adjoining spa deck, broad steps and a privacy screen.
An outdoor room for everyday livingA vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, comfortable seating and a dining area make the screened porch a welcoming place to gather.
Stone paver patio and lighted retaining wallA curved retaining wall with integrated lighting defines the stone paver patio, with steps connecting to the lawn.
A new connection to the patioThe sliding patio door sits beneath a bracket-supported standing-seam metal roof overhang.
The whole backyard, connectedPorch, patio, sliding door and carport connect across the rear of the split-level home.
A carport that belongs to the houseThe low roofline, finished ceiling, recessed lights and slatted screen echo the home’s mid-century character.
Storage behind hanging barn doorsSliding barn doors on exposed hardware conceal storage along the side of the carport.

09–43 · The building sequence

From the first framing to the final details

Follow the work in date order, beginning with porch framing in November 2022 and continuing through the finishing touches in May 2023.

Porch framing

The new porch begins to take shape against the original brick home.

Early porch framing establishes the new outdoor room against the existing brick house.
The porch’s gabled roof structure takes shape above the deck.

The connection to the yard

The sliding door, excavation and curved retaining wall establish the next layer of outdoor living.

The new sliding patio door is in place before the patio stonework begins.
Excavation prepares the grade beside the house for the patio and retaining wall.
Block courses form the curved retaining wall along the future patio.
The crew works on the porch framing, railings and gable details.

Rooms, rooflines and stonework

Porch stairs meet the new patio while the carport rises beside the house.

The retaining wall and prepared base define the patio’s footprint.
Porch roof, trim and rail framing begin to tie the new space together.
Stone pavers fill the patio inside the curved retaining wall.
New porch stairs meet the stone paver patio.
Carport posts and beams establish the new covered parking area.
The crew frames the carport roof alongside the original house.
Porch roof framing remains visible before the finished ceiling is installed.
Open roof framing shows the structure behind the carport’s low profile.
Roof sheathing covers the carport while temporary bracing supports the frame.
The front view shows the framed carport and preparations for the new driveway.
Forms and ground preparation continue around the carport posts.
The porch and adjoining spa deck take shape with the privacy wall in place.
Porch stairs and railings connect the elevated room to the patio.
The carport base is prepared ahead of the concrete pour.

Concrete, ceilings and the spa

The driveway is poured, finish work progresses and the hot tub arrives.

Fresh concrete is finished beneath the carport roof.
The concrete crew places and levels the new driveway in front of the carport.
The new concrete floor is in place beneath the open carport framing.
Exterior trim and horizontal skirting give the porch its finished lines.
Ceiling and fan work progress inside the porch.
The white porch ceiling and dark balusters are in place as finishing continues.
The spa deck and broad steps are ready for the hot tub installation.
Carport siding and trim are finished around the new storage area.
The delivery crew maneuvers the hot tub onto the spa deck.

Bringing the details together

Ceilings, storage and the connections between the outdoor spaces come into focus.

Storage openings are framed beneath the carport roof.
The hot tub is installed beside the screened porch and privacy wall.
The crew installs the carport’s finished ceiling and storage-wall details.
Patio, retaining wall and steps connect the new outdoor spaces.

The final details

The standing-seam overhang and hanging barn doors complete the story.

The standing-seam metal overhang is installed above the sliding patio door.
The crew hangs the sliding barn doors to complete the carport storage.

Designed around your home

What could your outdoor spaces become?

Let’s talk about the connections, details and places to gather that would make your home work better for you.

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Mid-Century Modern Magnificence