LaVance Shade Screen Protects an Outdoor Kitchen From the Intense Sun in Arizona

If you aren't already dreaming about barbecuing and spending time outdoors this summer, this outdoor kitchen and shade screen might get you going. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.297046663651360.68610.297030440319649&amp;type=3" target="_blank">LaVance Shade Screen</a>, co-designed and built by <a href="http://benjaminhalldesign.com/lavance_shade-T.html" target="_blank">Benjamin Hall Design</a> and owner, Michael LaVance, was created in direct response to the intense sun in Scottsdale, Arizona. The otherwise ordinary backyard has been transformed with this lovely outdoor kitchen and shade screen made from steel and reclaimed wood.

Home owner Michael LaVance desperately needed shade for his backyard outdoor barbecue pit and kitchen in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In collaboration with Benjamin Hall of <a href="http://benjaminhalldesign.com/" target="_blank">Benjamin Hall Design</a>, LeVance drafted a parabolic-shaped sun shade over the kitchen.

They lucked out when they stumbled upon a pile of scrap wood in a neighboring alley.

Oriented to the east and west, the shade screen is perfectly aligned to block the sun and yet still provide views.

The frame is made from a set of steel parabolas, which were waterjet cut and welded together on site and placed in the ground.

The reclaimed wood was ripped down into thinner slats of different lengths and thicknesses and placed into the frame.

The slats are placed further apart and angled on the sides to allow for views and a connection with the yard and home.

On the top, the slats are placed closer together to block out the sun.

Decorative pendant lights put the finishing touches and provide light for nighttime cooking.

Original drawing that began the whole project.