Since building the main house around 20 years ago, the client for this project had slowly added elements to make their backyard more of a lounge space -- a large pool, a one-bedroom poolhouse -- and felt that the only thing missing was a covered outdoor room to relax in. The Rathdoon Court Addition, which was completed in 2025, projects southward off the back side of the existing house, and flows down to grade through sets of stairs that connect the covered area to a new grilling porch and existing circulation paths to the south and east. The roof, which is distinct from the existing house, protects those on the porch and in the existing living room from the hot Alabama sun in the summer, while letting in winter light so the clients’ two dogs can still find their favorite sunny spots near the back door. The large wood-burning fireplace blocks western glare and makes the space useful in all seasons and times of day, while oppeness to the east allows light to pour in in the morning hours, when the clients like to be outdoors with a cup of coffee.