Things are heating up ... so it’s time to enjoy the outdoors!

PROPERTY Residential

The warmer weather has been a major boost to the developing trend in Australian housing to open up the house to the garden creating indoor outdoor living areas.

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said the longer hours of sunshine in spring and summer extends the use of the home for entertainment and relaxation Creating versatile indoor outdoor dining areas with the use of folding doors have become a popular extension of the home. Ian Agnew, Queensland state manager of Archicentre, said the warmer weather of spring and summer encouraged the trend of creating versatile indoor-outdoor dining areas under the roof line with the use of folding doors.
This trend is increasingly popular with home owners undertaking Archicentre renovation design reports. Mr Agnew said the thought of spending more than $50,000 to move house, with costs mainly in government taxes and charges, has seen thousands of home owners go on a renovation strategy to improve their existing homes.
“One of the most cost effective ways of increasing the livable areas of the home is to extend out into the back garden through a deck with an indoor outdoor link by opening up the back wall of the home.”
“The trend is seeing the Australian backyard receiving a major make over and a return to importance as people move to spend more time in the open and in their gardens.”
Mr Agnew said this is also placing more emphasis on housing design fitting into the environment with the blending of landscaping and building becoming an important part of the original design brief.
“It’s all about making sitting inside feel like sitting outside," Mr Agnew says. "This is done using rolling doors, retractable roofing or light wells and an energy-efficient design. A complimentary style of flooring creates the illusion of seamlessness.
“A lot of people still love the hardwood deck and it's often the most practical solution," says Mr Agnew. “However, our architects have been having great success with natural stone products and polished concrete.
“Where a deck is not feasible, a courtyard fills the void. Courtyards also create northern aspects and privacy. They seem to be most common on renovations of old properties like semi-detached or terrace houses.”
Leafy pergolas provide sun protection and garden character, but a lot of outdoor extensions have been defined by even more elaborate conservatory constructions with integrated lighting, fans, speakers and kitchenettes. Pools and water features are also popular including lap pools, splash pools, plunge pools and the occasional Olympian pool.