Puzzle Solved
![Contemporary stainless cable railings washington DC outdoor renovation](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18RailSafe-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x765.jpg)
Contemporary stainless cable railings keep the natural scenery visible from inside while providing a durable, safe solution for the deck and stairs.
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1HomeAlone-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x657.jpg)
With their children grown and out of the house, this couple was ready to re-imagine their 1960s ranch-style home in suburban DC as a place to enjoy their golden years. The original layout was choppy, with lots of small rooms and a staircase that monopolized the entry. The clients wanted more open space for entertaining, with a sightline straight to the backyard. Extending the living room and adjacent bedroom over the existing patio helped do just that.
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2PerfectFit-EmptyNest-Sierra-819x1024.jpg)
To avoid modifying the entire floor plan, the addition was carefully designed, almost fitting the existing house like a missing puzzle piece. The adjoined exterior creates an interesting architectural detail with large-panel, fiber cement siding that echoes the original siding but with a more modern look.
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/17SlideShow-Closed-EmptyNest-Sierra-715x1024.jpg)
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/17SlideShow-Open-EmptyNest-Sierra-715x1024.jpg)
Sliding doors from the living area to the deck make inside-out entertaining a breeze.
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/15HiddenTreasure-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x678.jpg)
Expanding the living room above created an outdoor alcove on the ground level. A simple, sculptural ceiling fan and slatted wood screen keeps the space cool and uncluttered.
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/16HandsonDeck-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x753.jpg)
The new deck provides the perfect place for the couple to enjoy a morning coffee or host a backyard barbecue under the property’s natural green canopy.
Puzzle Solved
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1HomeAlone-Before-EmptyNest-Sierra_alt-1024x657.jpg)
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1HomeAlone-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x657.jpg)
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2PerfectFit-Before-EmptyNest-Sierra_alt-819x1024.jpg)
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2PerfectFit-EmptyNest-Sierra-819x1024.jpg)
![](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18RailSafe-EmptyNest-Sierra_alt-1024x765.jpg)
![Contemporary stainless cable railings washington DC outdoor renovation](https://carnemark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18RailSafe-EmptyNest-Sierra-1024x765.jpg)