This outdoor kitchen stands alone as a full-service room where the homeowners can cook and entertain al fresco for most of the year. They are aided by a full suite of epicurean amenities, including a gas grill with side burners and warming drawers, under-counter fridge, ice maker, and an insulated ice cooler built into the countertop. The wet bar island is made from Brazilian mahogany hung on a steel frame and topped with stained black concrete. “It could probably be hit by a truck and survive,” jokes builder Wayne Magee. Hot and cold water along with radiant heat extend the outdoor season and are concealed in the concrete slab floor, which is stamped to look like flagstone. Skylights along the roof ridge have rain sensors so they can be left open all summer for ventilation without worry of a sudden downpour.
Builder/designer: Magee Construction, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Countertops: Concrete Gallery, Cedar Falls; Photographer: Courtesy Magee Construction.
Resources: Appliances: Viking, Circle 1303; Skylights: Velux, Circle 1304.
