Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor Living Spaces, Designed Around You

One coordinated plan for cooking, gathering, and relaxing outdoors.

Outdoor Spaces

One backyard. So many ways to enjoy it.

Terra Nova Design Build designs and builds outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Potomac, Olney, Brookeville and Mount Airy, with service across Montgomery and Howard Counties and the Frederick area. From a complete backyard transformation to a pool or pavilion at the center of your plans, we bring the design and construction together.

Selected Projects

Spaces made for living outside

View Portfolio

The covered patio features a stacked stone wall with an outdoor fireplace and cushioned seating arranged for conversation.
This covered patio connects indoor comfort with outdoor living through its open sides and cozy seating arranged around a stone fireplace.
The patio features a herringbone paver pattern and integrated planters that soften the hardscape
The stone hot tub is built into a retaining wall with steps leading up to it, and bar stools are placed along the edge for seating.
The stone fireplace is positioned against the back wall of the covered patio, creating a focal point for the seating area arranged around it.
The white railings and coffered ceiling define this outdoor living space that flows into the backyard.
The stone retaining wall creates distinct levels for the patio and garden plantings.
The covered patio connects to the yard through a walkway bordered by flowering plants and young trees.
The patio features a covered seating area with red cushions, stone accents, and steps leading to a pool surrounded by plants and grass.
The natural stone fireplace features three arched niches and is surrounded by a paver patio with cushioned lounge chairs.
The covered porch connects directly to the deck, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The patio includes a stone floor and comfortable seating with accent pillows
The dining set is positioned on the main patio level, connecting the seating area to the covered pergola with built-in grill and bar seating.
The circular fire pit features a stacked stone base and sits within a curved bench that includes built-in seating and throw pillows.
The pool area connects to a covered patio with white columns, creating a seamless outdoor living space.
The covered patio features a stone fireplace and outdoor kitchen with bar seating
The covered patio features a dining set with a glass table and wicker chairs arranged on a wooden deck floor.
The covered patio features a stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and seating area nestled among mature trees.
The stone patio extends beneath a wood-plank ceiling supported by white columns, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
The retaining wall holds back the earth for the plantings above the deck level
This space connects the cooking area directly to the lounge zone, creating a functional flow for entertaining.
This covered patio features wicker seating and a wooden ceiling, creating a comfortable outdoor living area.
The stone patio connects directly to the house via steps and includes seating areas near the pool and spa.
The paved patio area connects the house exterior to the water feature, while ambient lighting fixtures highlight the surrounding trees and shrubs.
The patio features a dining set and lounge chairs positioned near the water feature, illuminated by ground lights along the walkway.
The space connects the pool area to the patio through a stone retaining wall that doubles as a waterfall feature, enhancing the flow between zones.
The covered patio includes a built-in fireplace and bar seating area with red cushions, surrounded by landscaped yard and clear sky.
The pool area features stone paving around the deck and a covered pavilion with a metal roof, creating a functional outdoor living space.
The covered patio connects to the house and provides shaded seating area
The deck features white column supports and a dark shingle roof, connecting to a stone pathway and landscaped bedding below.
The stone patio extends from the deck area, creating a seamless flow between the covered porch and the open yard space.
This covered patio features an outdoor kitchen and fireplace area with stone detailing
The covered patio features white columns supporting the roof structure over wicker seating and a metal dining table.
The stone veneer walls and granite countertops create a durable surface for food preparation, while the stainless steel grill and pizza oven provide versatile
This covered patio features a built-in grill and pizza oven within a stone structure, providing a functional area for outdoor cooking and gathering.
The space connects the indoor living area to the rear yard through a covered patio with natural stone finishes and integrated lighting.
The stone countertop extends across the back wall beneath the wooden ceiling, providing a durable surface for food preparation.
The pool deck connects to the covered patio where seating is arranged around the perimeter
The concrete pavers create a smooth transition around the water feature, while the lantern provides ambient lighting for the outdoor living space.
This hardscape and landscaping project connects the house to the yard through a series of terraced levels and steps.
The fence encloses the lawn area where a basketball hoop is installed near the gate
The paved flooring connects to the outdoor living space where a multi-opening fireplace serves as the focal point for the cushioned seating area.
A covered patio featuring four lounge chairs with blue cushions sits on a stone patio next to a stone chimney structure.
The curved stacked stone wall features integrated lighting and connects to a flagstone path that winds through mulched garden beds toward the fence line.
A covered patio featuring a stone fireplace, built-in seating, and recessed lighting creates an inviting outdoor living area.
The patio includes a multi-level design with steps leading to a covered area that houses an outdoor kitchen and seating.
The stone fireplace and built-in seating create a cozy area for gathering, while the recessed lighting illuminates the space evenly.
The covered patio includes a stone fireplace, built-in bench seating, and a ceiling fan with recessed lights.
The pavilion is attached to the house
This hardscape design connects the pool and patio areas, featuring a curved edge and stone accents that define the outdoor living space in West Chester.
This covered seating area extends the indoor living space outdoors and provides a cozy gathering spot around the stone feature
The covered patio features a stone chimney and brick paving, creating a cozy outdoor living space that connects to the house via steps.
The covered patio extends over the seating area, providing shelter for the built-in stone fireplace and surrounding furniture.
This covered patio includes comfortable seating areas and is surrounded by well-maintained landscaping with a pool nearby.
The outdoor kitchen features built-in grills, a refrigerator, and a dishwasher integrated into a stone wall under a covered patio.
This covered patio features a red wooden ceiling and multiple ceiling fans for airflow.
The patio features a stamped concrete design with integrated seating and a covered grill station.
The covered porch features comfortable seating arrangements under the roof supported by classical columns
The circular fire pit is built with layered stone and sits in the center of the paved patio area.
The pergola features a built-in stone fireplace and comfortable seating with yellow cushions under a wooden ceiling.
The covered patio features a stone fireplace with built-in seating areas on either side
The covered patio includes built-in seating and a stone fireplace, creating a functional outdoor living space.
The stone pavers create a durable floor for the outdoor dining setup under the column-supported roof.
The stone pavers form a durable surface for the patio area surrounding the fire feature.
The stone patio connects directly to the pool deck, creating a seamless outdoor living space with built-in seating along the edge
The stepped design connects multiple levels using natural stone retaining walls and flagstone surfaces, creating distinct zones for seating or walking.
The paver stone patio and walkway connect to the covered porch, creating a continuous outdoor living space.
The pool area connects to the home through a covered walkway supported by columns, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The portico provides a covered walkway from the house to the pool deck.
The covered patio connects to the house through the doorway and features built-in seating with cushions arranged around the stone fireplace.
The space connects the pool deck to the lawn through a thoughtfully designed landscape buffer that softens the transition between hardscape and greenery
The outdoor kitchen features a stone countertop with built-in grill and sink, supported by wooden stools underneath
The outdoor kitchen features a stone countertop and stainless steel appliances, seamlessly integrating functionality with natural materials.
The backyard features a pergola covering an outdoor kitchen and dining area, with lounge chairs and plants adding to the relaxation zone.
The covered seating area connects to the pool deck through the open patio space.
The patio features a built-in grill station and connects via stairs to an upper deck with white railings.
The patio connects to the outdoor kitchen under a covered structure with white columns and a shingled roof
The outdoor kitchen features a granite countertop and stainless steel appliances, while the playhouse provides a dedicated area for children nearby.
A covered patio area features a red car visible through the open sides of the pergola structure.
The yard includes a large grass area that leads into a paved patio space where outdoor furniture is arranged under the gazebo.
This covered patio features a stone fireplace and comfortable seating areas arranged around a central fire feature
The photo shows a well-designed outdoor space with a covered seating area, stone accents, and a pool surrounded by lush plants.
The covered patio features a built-in stone fireplace with arched openings and comfortable seating arranged in front of it.
The gazebo features sturdy columns supporting a gabled roof with decorative trim, creating a covered area that connects to the surrounding landscape
This outdoor kitchen features granite countertops and built-in appliances, creating a functional cooking and dining area that connects to the backyard
The covered patio includes an outdoor kitchen with stone veneer walls and stainless steel appliances.
The multi-level stone patio connects to the pool deck and leads up to the covered pavilion with an integrated fireplace
The covered patio features a stone chimney and white columns, creating a shaded area with seating that connects directly to the pool deck.
The deck features black railings and gray columns supporting a red wood ceiling, with a stone veneer foundation that connects to the landscaped yard below
Radial plank pattern covers the ceiling area
The stone steps connect the lower garden level to the raised patio, providing accessible outdoor living space.
The deck connects directly to the house siding and features both an upper covered porch and a lower open storage area accessible via stairs.
The fan features five blades carved to resemble large leaves, centered around a white light fixture.
The patio features flagstones arranged in a circular pattern, complemented by contrasting stone colors and dark mulch background.
The deck includes an upper covered area with a wooden ceiling and a lower section with steps leading to the lawn.
The stone pathway connects the lawn area directly to the multi-level deck and covered porch entrance
The two-story deck extends from the house with a covered seating area on the lower level supported by stone bases
The wooden beams create a grid pattern that adds structural interest to the covered patio space
These statues create a focal point in the landscape, surrounded by plantings and a wooden fence.
The stone steps connect directly to the covered porch, creating a clear pathway from the patio to the front door. Integrated lights in each step and along the
The circular fire pit sits on the paved surface, providing light and warmth to the outdoor area.
The ceiling consists of horizontal wood planks supported by beams, featuring a central fan with petal blades and white globe lights.
The multi-tiered retaining wall supports the landscaped bed above, while the paved walkway provides access along the side of the house.
The black metal gate is framed by stacked stone columns, and workers are visible nearby on the left side of the structure.
The gate connects the driveway to the backyard lawn
Water cascades from the stone retaining wall into the pool below
Steps made of light-colored stone blocks lead up to a black metal gate opening onto a grassy yard
A block retaining wall supports the pool area, which includes mulch beds and a paver patio.

Outdoor kitchen under a wood ceiling with recessed lighting — Consider every detail.Make the space your own.

The Possibilities

One Plan for the Whole Backyard

The best outdoor spaces are designed as a whole, not one piece at a time. We plan how each area works together, from where you cook and gather to how you move between the house, the pool and the garden, so every feature feels like it belongs.

Pavilions, porches and covered living rooms
Outdoor kitchens and bars
Fireplaces and fire pits
Swimming pools, spas and water features
Patios, walkways and stone steps
Retaining walls, seat walls and gates
Landscape and architectural lighting
Plantings that frame and soften the space

Design / Build / Enjoy

Your vision. One coordinated plan.

Our Full Process

Design, build & beyond

We design, build and maintain residential outdoor spaces. You work with one company from the first design conversation through construction, with the whole backyard in mind.

A vision brought together

Your priorities guide the plan, whether you want a place to cook, gather with friends or spend more time by the pool. We coordinate the design and construction around how you want to use the backyard.

Experience since 1998

Since 1998, we have built relationships with trusted professionals who help us source materials and coordinate the work. We stand behind our products and services, with attention to the details of each outdoor space we build.

Made for Your Life

Only the Best

Thoughtful use of materials

We constantly try to reduce our job site waste and the impact of our jobs on the surrounding environments. During our design process we offer customers eco-friendly build options. Ask today about the eco-friendly options we offer.

Everyday ease

Materials and controls are chosen around the way you want to use the space. We can discuss automation for features such as the pool and outdoor systems, so the controls are considered with the rest of the design.

Clear project coordination

We use project-management software to organize the work, track progress and plan the resources needed at each stage. We keep you informed as the schedule develops and discuss changes as they arise.

Specialists, brought together

We coordinate the masonry, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and other trades under one prime contractor. Some of our trade partners have been in business for more than 50 years. Grant stays involved through the build, reviewing progress and details with the team. We serve Montgomery and Howard Counties, Mount Airy and the Frederick area.

What is the advantage of a coordinated master plan versus building features in phases?

A master plan considers grading, drainage, utilities, circulation and the relationship between the pool, patio and covered spaces before individual pieces are built. Construction can then be phased around your priorities. Planning future connections early helps reduce avoidable disruption to completed work.

Are permits required to build an outdoor pavilion or covered roof structure in Maryland?

Permit and zoning requirements depend on the structure, its size, location and the property's jurisdiction. Covered pavilions and porches need particular attention to structural design, footing depth, the frost line and inspections. These details should be reviewed for your project before construction is scheduled.

How do you protect outdoor pavilions and living rooms against Maryland weather?

Materials, roof design, drainage and exposure all affect how a covered outdoor space performs through the seasons. We discuss the level of shelter you want and how it relates to your home. Lighting, fans, heating or screens can be considered where appropriate to the design, budget and product requirements.

How does Terra Nova integrate outdoor kitchens and fireplaces into pavilion designs?

Plan cooking and fire features together with the structure rather than adding them after the layout is fixed. Appliance clearances, ventilation, utilities and the weight of masonry need to be considered in the design. The final installation must follow the selected equipment's instructions and the applicable project approvals.