This LEED Gold high-rise, a 2011 Builder’s Choice Grand Award Winner, houses lots of people, but it features outdoor spaces that encourage gathering. Architect: Tony Cutri, Martinez Cutri Corp.; Builder: Carmen Vann, Turner Construction; Landscape Architect: Mohamed Zaki, DeLorenzo Incorporated
A sitting area mimics a welcoming interior fireside, but with plenty of space to embrace being outside. Architect: William T. Baker; Builder: Warren Sirzyk, Renaissance Development Corp.; Landscape Architect: Joe Gayle, Joe Gayle and Associates
Outdoor fireplaces aren’t just for Californians. In Baltimore, a rustic-looking fireplace anchors a courtyard space in a mixed-use community that’s LEED certified—and a mix of young professionals, university professors, and empty-nesters. Architect: Sam Rajamanickam, Design Collective, Inc.; Builder: Mike Schlegel, The Bozzuto Group; Landscape Architect: Catherine Mahan, Mahan Rykiel Associates
Scandinavian design informs this house, with an outdoor fire pit whose design follows the building’s modern lines. Architect: Matthias J. Pearson; Builder: Edward Ernst, Upriver Construction Company; Landscape Architect: Matthias J. Pearson
The theme of Assembly House, a 2011 Builder’s Choice Grand Award winner, is gathering and interaction. Here fire meets water, providing a dramatic punctuation mark to a reflecting pool. Architect: Shay Zak, Zak Architecture; Builder: John Metzler, Metzler Contracting; Landscape Architect: Todd Cole, Suzman Cole Design Associates
There’s plenty of seating area at this fire pit, located in a mixed-income development of townhouses and low-rises. Architect: KTGY Group; Builder: O'Brien Homes/Sunnyvale Associates; Land Planner: KTGY Group
In this backyard, a two-sided fireplace does double duty as fire pit and patio wall. Architect: Jay Corder; Builder: David Wilkes, David Wilkes Builders; Fireplace Design: David Wilkes, David Wilkes Builders
