Though the Sun City is known for, well, the sun, when the temperatures get high it can get uncomfortable to be outside for long periods of time. And, what’s the purpose of a beautiful outdoor space if you can’t enjoy it? This is why Mark takes everything into consideration. His goal is to create a space that’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but one that’s conducive to regular use and quality time spent in the area.

A project on a Westside home is the perfect example of Mark’s ability to creatively blend beauty with livability. One thing the homeowners wanted in their “outdoor room” was a fireplace. This is achieved in mass proportion using moss rock imported from Colorado. The moss loans an unusual texture to the rock surface which draws the eye and makes the finished product uniquely striking. Moss rock is also used to make up the base of the counter area of the outdoor kitchen, which is topped with the same rough-cut flagstone that makes up the walking and seating area floor. A built-in grill, glass-front mini-fridge and storage drawers make entertaining fun and easy. The exquisite hand-painted Mexican sink serves its obvious function as well as making a charming conversation piece. Niki Riley of Charlotte’s Furniture loaned her talents to the project by sourcing the outdoor furniture from Cast Classics. The cast aluminum swivel barstools are finished in a burled copper which complements the blushing mandarin cushions.

The furnishings in the spacious seating area just off the kitchen continue the “sunset” color theme with hues of sage and earth tones. From here, family and guests can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace while cheering on their favorite team via the 32-inch SunBrite TV with surround sound. Even the desert sun is no match for a television designed to withstand rain, dirt, insects and a host of other elements courtesy of Mother Nature.

The naturally rugged appearance of the rough-cut cedar, sourced from C&D Southwest Lumber in Las Cruces, makes up the pergola. The wood, along with its design, helps to harmonize the space, loaning its own specific sense of Feng Shui to the environment. The top of the pergola is covered with a sunscreen that blocks 70 percent of the sun’s rays, keeping the area 20 degrees cooler than its surroundings. Add to this the fogging system that uses compressed air so the air is made cool, not wet, and you have an area that can stand up to even the hottest desert temperatures.

A waterfall and Koi pond just off of the main seating area makes for a tranquil escape. Not only is a sense of calm brought on by the sound of the falling water, but its beauty is intensified at night when the lighting system is turned on, making it truly spectacular.

All in all, the environment created helps the family (and their friends) enjoy the outdoors far more than they would without these amenities. While it’s been said that one can’t fight Mother Nature, who says she can’t benefit from a facelift?