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The Pratt Deck on the Back Road in Brooklin responds to several issues that seem to exist with the creation of outdoor space. With complete enclosure, outdoor space can appear to be a part of the house massing, as with the screened and covered porch. These spaces can be not only overly shady themselves, but block light from reaching the interior space they adjoin. On the other end of the spectrum, the planar deck provides unlimited exposure to the elements, but can appear to be an unsympathetic attachment: think of the stereotypical pressure-treated deck on columnar concrete piers.
The Pratt Deck offers enclosure and protection from wind and passersby with the creation of a six-foot tall curved wall. Within the curved wall are three levels. A bottom deck area at grade leads to outbuildings and a back yard, a requirement of the clients. They also barbecue here, where the wall acts as a shield from the wind. A middle deck at the dwelling's first floor level leads into the house. A third level at the top of the wall provides gives complete access to the sun and breeze.
The deck foundation was poured in polyethylene-lined forms to let the concrete be a finished material. Eastern white cedar was used for the decks, dimensional lumber wrapping the Torii-style gates, and shingle cladding on the outside. Stainless steel flat bars connect cedar 2x2 pickets to form part of the wall.
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