The Epic Backyard
Overview
Designed and Installed by Majestic Patio Deck
What began as a straightforward pool installation evolved into a “straightforward pool plus” project—and then into something far greater. Dubbed an “Epic Build” by Jay Beswick, owner of Raleigh-based Majestic Patio Deck, this sprawling $1 million transformation redefines the concept of outdoor living. By integrating precision-engineered StruXure pergolas with high-end decking and custom features, the team created a cohesive 4,000-square-foot haven. This project exemplifies how collaborative design and advanced materials can turn a challenging landscape into a multi-functional, year-round sanctuary.
Quick Stats:
- Model: Pergola X
- Configuration: Pivot 6™ (Attached Culinary Pavilion & Freestanding Dining Island)
- Color Palette: Matte Black Frame / Black Louvers
- Integration: 8-ft Sheer Rainfall Wall, Integrated LED Channel Lighting, Infratech Heaters
- Decking: TimberTech Platinum Pro with Aluminum Framing
- Railing: IG Glass Railing with Integrated Lighting
Location
Raleigh, NC
Dealer
Majestic Patio Deck
Products
Pergola X with Pivot 6™ louvers
"The homeowners envisioned a cohesive outdoor living space that would serve as a haven for relaxation and entertainment."
- Jay Beswick, owner of Raleigh-based Majestic Patio Deck
The Challenge:
Urban Exposure Meets Elevated Expectations
The primary hurdle was the sheer scale and complexity of the estate’s topography. The site featured a significant 7-foot drop in elevation behind the pool area, requiring extensive foundational work and coordination between masons, pool contractors, and the Majestic team.
Beyond the terrain, the homeowners faced environmental and aesthetic challenges:
Exposure
The west-facing orientation subjected the area to intense afternoon sun, rendering the outdoor kitchen and poolside spaces unusable during peak hours.
Access & Weather
Limited backyard access forced the team to coordinate through neighboring properties, while unrelenting spring rains turned the site into a “mud pit,” complicating the timeline and requiring rapid execution during dry spells.
Aesthetic Disconnect
The homeowners despised their previous “jail cell” spindled railing and wanted an open, unobstructed view that connected the upper deck to the pool below.
The Solution:
A Coordinated "Epic Build"
The Culinary Pavilion (Attached)
An oversized 16′ x 20′ Pergola X was integrated directly into the home’s façade, covering the outdoor kitchen and bar area. This structure serves as the primary entertainment hub, featuring a custom 8-foot sheer rainfall wall that cascades into the pool—a dramatic visual feature that guests can walk beneath to enter the water.
The Dining Island (Detached)
To address the elevation drop, Beswick utilized TimberTech’s new aluminum framing to construct a robust 12′ x 14′ platform deck. Atop this stands a second, freestanding StruXure pergola. This “floating” destination creates a dedicated poolside lounge, utilizing the Pivot 6™ louvers to offer cooling ventilation and shade on demand.
The Upper Deck Observation Point
The 600-square-foot upper deck was reimagined with durability and views in mind. Replacing the old spindles with roughly 70 feet of IG Glass Railing, the design now offers unobstructed sightlines to the pool below. Integrated color-changing lights in the railing add a layer of evening ambiance, satisfying the homeowners’ desire for a space that feels alive at night.
Technical Features
& Precision Engineering
- 170° Louver Range of Motion: The Pivot 6™ louvers provide granular control over sunlight and airflow, allowing the homeowners to curate their environment instantly.
- Aluminum Sub-Framing: As the first builder in Raleigh to utilize TimberTech’s aluminum framing, Majestic ensured a rot-free, lifelong foundation for the lower platform deck—crucial for areas with complex drainage requirements.
- Integrated Climate Control: High-output Infratech heaters and recessed can lighting extend the usability of the space well into the cooler months and late evenings.
- Smart Sensing Technology: Integrated sensors automatically close the louvers at the first sign of rain, protecting the luxury kitchen appliances and designer furniture.
Results:
The Design Verdict
Architectural Synergy
The project proves that contrasting elements can create harmony. The Matte Black pergola frames provide a bold, modern counterpoint to the traditional white brick, grounding the expansive patio visually.
Environmental Intelligence
The ability to transition from a fully open sky to a weather-tight ceiling transforms the backyard into a “Smart Sanctuary.” The space adapts to the homeowners’ needs in real-time, whether they are seeking sun, shade, or shelter from a sudden summer storm.
Year-Round Usability
By integrating heating, lighting, and advanced rain protection, the functionality of the home’s outdoor spaces is dramatically increased. The outdoor kitchen is no longer a fair-weather amenity but a core component of the home’s daily life, usable from early spring through late autumn.
The Lifestyle Shift:
From Backyard to Resort
The result is a lifestyle transformation where the backyard has evolved into a primary living suite. It is a space that transitions effortlessly from a bright, airy morning coffee spot on the upper deck to a moody, sophisticated evening lounge by the rainfall wall.
“The homeowners envisioned a cohesive outdoor living space that would serve as a haven for relaxation and entertainment,” Beswick notes. By overcoming site challenges and leveraging the best in modern outdoor technology, Majestic Patio Deck delivered an “Epic Build” that turns the outdoors into a destination.
Discover StruXure
Experience the ultimate in outdoor living with StruXure—the industry leader in smart pergola systems. Our adjustable louvered roofs are designed to adapt to the weather, giving you control over sunlight, shade, and rain protection at the touch of a button. Crafted for both luxury and durability, StruXure transforms any outdoor space into a year-round retreat for relaxation and entertaining.
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