What to Consider Before Starting Your Outdoor Living Project?
21 November 2022Outside living space is a common requirement for each new home or residential renovation. This outside area might sometimes be just as crucial as several interior living spaces. An outdoor living space can increase a home’s functional interior living space by offering a necessary alternative and extra room in good weather.
To provide some assistance to homeowners thinking about an outdoor extension located at (or close to) the ground level of the property, we at Prestige Construction and Design Sydney will help you look at different components of designing an outdoor living space in this blog.
Consider The Size and Shape
The size of the space needed for an outdoor living area depends on the events and activities you intend to host there. These areas typically have a table for 6–8 people for outside dining at a minimum. This kind of activity requires a minimum of 4.5 to 6.0 metres long by 3.0 to 3.5 metres wide.
Outdoor living spaces frequently need room for additional sitting areas, an outside kitchen or BBQ, and other furniture in addition to outdoor dining. In addition to the minimal capacity mentioned above, the outdoor living area could also need to accommodate a larger dining table and more guests. An outdoor living space can be any size; the size you choose will depend on the number of guests and the activities you intend to host there.
Consider The Weather Protection and Privacy
As the name suggests, an outdoor living space is an enclosed outdoor environment shielded from the sun and rain. The direction must be considered to keep out the strong summer light and, ideally, let in the low winter sun. When modifying the outdoor living space for sun control, one must consider the effect on the lighting levels within the home. Again, depending on the direction, it could be necessary to provide some protection from the prevailing winds to make the most of the outside space.
An outdoor living area can be screened in various ways to accommodate the shifting weather patterns from summer to winter. Roll-down shades, wooden or aluminium sliding screens, and fixed or adjustable louvres are a few of these measures. You can add louvre or glass screens with bi-folding or stacking capabilities to allow for the enclosure of the outdoor living area during inclement weather. You can use insect screening in conjunction with these steps; as we mentioned, there are many ways to do this.
Consider The Access
It is important to consider where the access to the internal areas is located and where the outside living area is situated. The internal living/dining and kitchen spaces must be close by for alfresco dining and enjoyment. Access will also need to be made possible from the outdoor living area to the other exterior spaces on the property, such as the yard, pool, garage, gardens, and more.
Usually, a lot of thought is given to the door that leads from the house to the outside living area. There are several choices, including French, bi-folding, stacking, and sliding doors. When picking doors, considerations such as the width of the needed access, the views, the accessibility, the need for an insect screen system, and occasionally price are considered.
Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity and are practically required for any modern home as Australians’ attitudes towards the great outdoors have changed. We have learnt to appreciate the mild temperature. Want to discuss the design of your outdoor living space with a skilled builder? Contact Sydney’s Prestige Construction and Design. Please do not hesitate to Contact Us for a free consultation.
