The Brocious Courtyard

We were introduced to Al and Patty Brocious through the recommendation of a pool company we have worked alongside for years. Through the professional relationships we have built with trusted pool builders in the area, we are often referred to clients whose projects call for thoughtful design and a level of craftsmanship that goes beyond the pool itself. This was one of those introductions. 

From the beginning, Al and Patty’s intention was simple and genuine — they wanted to expand their existing outdoor area and transform it into a real courtyard, a place where family could gather naturally, where conversation happened easily, and where time outside felt as comfortable and meaningful as time spent inside. 

At the center of the courtyard we built a grand wood-burning fireplace, framed by a pergola supported by custom stone columns. For Al and Patty, the sound and aroma of a real wood fire were not optional. They were essential — the kind of sensory experience that defines an evening outdoors and draws people together without any need for invitation. 

The layout surrounding the fireplace was designed to allow for generous, flexible seating arrangements. Rather than fixing everyone in a single spot, the courtyard encourages movement — several inviting places to sit and settle, each one connected to the whole. 

Because cooking and sharing meals are central to how this family lives and spends time together, the design includes a spacious outdoor culinary area. A long preparation bar creates a natural place for guests to gather while food is being prepared, while a large grill and integrated sink make it possible to cook for a crowd with ease and intention. 

Nearby, a circular masonry sitting wall wraps around a wood-burning fire pit — a more intimate space where family and friends can pull in close, prepare s’mores, and let the evening wind down slowly. 

The project also required removing the original aging surface and rebuilding the entire outdoor environment from the ground up. Every element was positioned to ensure the courtyard felt balanced, connected to the home, and designed to be lived in — not just looked at. 

Today, the Brocious Courtyard is exactly what it was always meant to be — a welcoming extension of the house where family gathers, meals are shared, and long evenings outdoors are something everyone looks forward to.