Three architectural views of the new redwood extension. Plan, front elevation, and side elevation — drawn to scale, with key dimensions labeled.
How to read these drawings. Plan = looking straight down from above. Front = looking at the open side of the structure from the yard. Side = looking at the structure from the side (parallel to the existing pavilion). All dimensions are in inches unless noted. North arrow on the plan view is the orientation the camera was pointing when the reference photo was taken.
Want a photorealistic mockup of how it'll look in your actual backyard? A turnkey prompt is available at /renderings/PROMPT.md — paste it into Photoshop Generative Fill, Midjourney, DALL·E 3, or Flux with your photo as the reference image. No setup required.
Three prompt versions, depending on what stage you're at:
v1 — PROMPT.md. The original. Use this if you've never tried.
v2 — PROMPT-v2.md. Frames it as "redwood addition attached to existing pavilion" to defeat the freestanding 4-post pattern. v1 result was always 4 corner posts; v2 fixed that in all 3 apps.
Iterate (Gemini) — PROMPT-GEMINI-ITERATE.md. Diff-style prompt for fixing Gemini's v2 errors: wrong rafter direction, added beam in front of 4×12, invented purlins, missing 2' rafter tail, wrong panel color. Upload the original photo + the v2 result as context, then paste this prompt.
1. Plan View (looking down)
Plan view of the new 14' × 12' redwood extension
Scale: 1" = 1'-0". The 3 redwood posts sit on the existing concrete footings that previously held the metal pergola's outer posts. The high side connects to the existing pavilion's 4×12 beam.
Redwood post (4×4) Existing 4×12 beam (perpendicular, along pavilion) Polycarbonate roof outline Existing concrete pad (from metal pergola)
2. Front Elevation (looking from the yard)
Front view of the new structure (open side facing the camera)
Scale: ≈ 1" = 1'-0". This is the most-seen angle from the dining area and the kitchen. No knee braces — the 3-post structure is stiff enough without them, and the open front faces keep the post-to-beam corners clear for the roller-shade brackets.
Note on knee braces. The new structure doesn't include knee braces — the 3-post design, attached to the existing pavilion's 4×12 on one side, is laterally stiff on its own. The H2.5A hurricane ties + LSSJ26 rafter hangers + 4×12 connection handle the wind and seismic loads. Skipping the braces also keeps the post-to-beam corners clear for the roller-shade brackets and gives the rolled-up shade bundles unobstructed vertical space. If you want to match the existing pavilion's craftsman look later, the retrofit is 6 triangular 2×6 gussets (12" legs, 1.5" gap from the corner) — about $48 in materials and 1-2 hours of work. Cut instructions are saved in this site's cut sheet for when you want them.
3. Side Elevation (looking from the side)
Side view — shows the 1:12 slope, the 4×12 connection, and the 2' rafter tail
Scale: ≈ 1" = 1'-0". This view is what you'd see standing next to the existing pavilion, looking down the length of the new structure. The slope is gentle — 1" drop per 12" of run, so over 12' the roof drops only 12".
About the slope. At 1:12 (1" drop per 12" of run), the roofline is almost flat — a 12-foot run drops just 12 inches. From most angles the new roofline will read as "essentially level with the existing pavilion roof." If you want a more visible slope (some people prefer the look), 2:12 (2" drop per 12" run) is the next standard step and still handles water shedding fine. But that would change every measurement on this page. Stick with 1:12 unless you specifically want more of a slope.