Taking its cue from Hawaiian pavilions and gardens, this kitchen uses exposed stone, beams, and a breezeway to stay connected to the surrounding gardens. Ample counter space doubles as a buffet area or bar. Project: Assembly House, Kona, Hawaii; Architect: Zak Architecture, San Francisco; Builder: Metzler Contracting, Hawi Hawaii
Materials used inside can extend to the exteior, forging inside-out connections. Here, the pool patio is shaded by a generous overhang.The grill is built into an alcove, near a fridge and prep space. Project: Chimney Corners, Austin, Texas; Builder: Melde Specialty Construction, Horseshoe Bay, Texas; Architect: Webber Studio, Austin
Telescoping doors lead to this multi-level outdoor living area, expanding the 2,000 sqaure foot home with lots of places to hang out. On the patio, an island features a 36" grill, refrigerator, icemaker, warming drawers, and trash and utility drawers - a full suite of appliances designed to limit trips back inside. Project: Gen Y House, Builder Concept Home 2012, Orlando, Fla.; Architect: Michael Woodley, Woodley Architectural Group, Denver; Builder: Centerline Homes, Coral Springs, Fla.
This shaded patio extends out from the main kitchen to offer additional seating, a grill, refrigerator drawers, and a wine cooler. Radiant-heated floors and a fireplace keep things cozy when the temperature drops. A light fixture--crafted from a recycled buoy cut in half - emphasizes the homeowners' commitment to recycling, sustainability, and reuse. Project: Hillside House, Mill Valley, Calif.; Architects: Scott and Tracey Lee, Mill Valley
This alley-loaded lot squeezes in an outdoor space on the side of the home complete with the outdoor kitchen essentials. There's a built-in grill on the side façade and a roof and porch that echo the home's unusual angles. The porch was built with wood from trees killed in Colorado's pine beetle plague. Project: Lime Model at Stapleton, Denver; Architect: Woodley Architectural Group, Littleton, Colo.; Builder: Infinity Home Collection, Denver
Casual dining, a grill, and shelter from the elements open this Colorado home to its Wild West surroundings. The flagstone patio encourages drainage. It's made from concrete walks from the original property that were broken up and reused. Project: Private Residence, Basalt, Colo.; Architect: John Cottle, CCY Architects, Basalt
Inspired by the pavilions of India, this partly-covered outdoor space allows light to filter through its pergola and offers an elevated vantage point to view the swimming pool. Project: O’Brien Pool Pavilion, Greenwich, Conn.; Architect: Saniee Architects, Greenwich; Builder: H&Y Construction, Brookfield, Conn.
Topped by a thin copper roof supported by white brick piers, this open pool house has durable surfaces that ensure low-maintenance. The full kitchen includes a grill, sink, and lots of counter space for parties. Project: Rappahannock Bend Summer House, King George, Va.; Architect: McInturff Architects, Bethesda, Md.; Builder: Bonitt Builders, Alexandria, Va.
In this detached-garage-turned-entertainment-pavilion, one retractable cedar garage door provides a street entrance, while a second opens onto a pool patio with outdoor seating. Inside, the kitchen floor is the same herringbone brick as the driveway. Project: Rosedale Garage Suite, Bethesda, Md.; Architect: Studio Z Design, Bethesda, Md.; Builder: Georgetown Development Corp., Monrovia, Md.
This outdoor living room in Texas Hill Country hides a full kitchen behind folding slatted Western red cedar doors. Built-ins, made from locally harvested limestone and Spanish Cedar include tip-top appliances, a screened bath area, and storage. A lean-to provides shelter from the elements. Project: Story Pool House, Centerpoint, Texas; Architect: Lake|Flato Architects, San Antonio; Builder: Duecker Construction, Stone Wall, Texas
This open-air kitchen in the 2012 New American Home offers a full range of appliances, headlined by a barbeque with nearly 800 square inches of grilling space. Project: The New American Home 2012, Winter Park, Fla.; Builder/Architect: Phil Kean Design Build, Winter Park
