A screened-in porch addition for a historic Madison WI home

Navigating Historic Landmarks and Zoning Approvals for a Madison Remodel

Because this home sits right up to the lot line and close to the neighboring property, the new porch and deck didn't meet today's setback requirements — rules that were written decades after the house was built. That meant the homeowners needed both a zoning variance and historic landmarks approval before construction could begin.

Our design team handled the entire process: gathering historic records, sourcing precedent photos of similar homes in the neighborhood, preparing variance applications, and coordinating directly with city officials. We demonstrated that the porch couldn't logically be placed anywhere else on the home, that it fit the intent of Madison's zoning codes, and that it respected the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood. After thorough preparation and collaboration, we secured both approvals and broke ground.

Designing Three Outdoor Living Spaces for a 1930s Madison Home

Once approvals were in hand, we got to work designing more than just a screened-in porch. To make the most of the rooftop footprint, we added a sunny side deck and a spiral staircase connecting the upper level to the backyard — giving the homeowners three distinct outdoor spaces where there had been none. The screened porch offers shade and shelter for relaxing and entertaining. The open deck catches afternoon sun. And a covered ground-level patio below is perfect for grilling. The spiral stair ties it all together, making each level easy to move between and turning a forgotten garage roof into one of the most-used parts of the home.

Structure and Construction: Building a Safe, Lasting Addition

Getting the aesthetics right was only part of the job. The existing garage roof wasn't engineered to carry the weight of a new porch and deck, so our team reinforced and restructured the framing before anything else could happen. We ensured the new deck could be securely attached to the existing structure without overloading the roof gable, and we created a flush, level entry from the second-floor hallway — eliminating the awkward step-up the old rooftop had.

In a historic district, design details carry just as much weight as structural ones. The landmarks commission required railings that complemented the neighborhood's classic style, so we designed traditional wooden railings with clean, simple lines. Inside the porch, a light pine ceiling keeps the space bright and airy, while darker wood framing adds contrast and depth. Durable Trex decking in a deep tone grounds the room visually, and wide screen spans with minimal posts maximize the view of the backyard below.