Take it outsideRenovation workbook: Part 5

Open up yOur hOme TO The sunshine and enjOy alfrescO living, wiTh sharOn newey’s guide TO renOvaTing fOr indOOr-OuTdOOr flOw

RENOVATION | WellingtonWORKBOOK | Outdoor living

We’re fixated by it; only the Aussies beat us in worshipping it. Everyone wants it, whether they live in an apartment or a mansion: outdoor living. And because we love it, we want to use our outdoor living spaces for longer. We heat them, and put up screens and louvred pergolas in a bid to enjoy them all year. Here, we reveal how to create your dream space.

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RENOVATION | WellingtonWORKBOOK | Outdoor living

HeatOutdoor heating options include full fireplaces (solid or gas), electric-powered wall-mounted heaters, gas-fired patio heaters, braziers, chimeneas (Mexican ovens), fire pits and eco-friendly options that burn bio-ethanol fuel.

Fireplaces can be built of lightweight, fibre-reinforced concrete, which makes them easy to install and allows for more design freedom. Imagine enjoying a pizza oven or an outdoor kitchen with your friends!

ScreensOnce, if you wanted to block the wind or a neighbour’s sightlines, you had to build a solid screen. Now you can use semi-permanent screening such as roll-down PVC sheets, custom made or bought in standard sizes from large hardware stores. Less formal materials, such as thatching or slatted panels, look good for screening.

LightingNo use trying to BBQ those gourmet sausages if you can’t see them! You’ll need task lighting to see what you’re doing, and mood lighting for ambiance.Solar-powered bollards in the garden are an easy eco-lighting source, and lights attached to walls or the house exterior can cover both task and atmosphere needs. If you’re using spotlights, position them so the glare doesn’t disrupt your vision while you’re sitting at the table.

UnderfootWhat you lay down beneath your feet will have a large visual impact, and may be driven by practical considerations. If the area is elevated, a deck will be best. If it’s at ground level, paving tiles will make more sense.

Today, deck materials are diverse. Pine and kwila have been joined by many types of hardwoods, as well as eco-friendly options made from reconstituted timber.

Outdoor tiling options are also diverse. There are tiles made from concrete (plain or with aggregate or shells), natural stones such as sandstone, or ceramic. Make sure you choose tiles with good non-slip properties.

Loose materials such as gravels, wood chips or pebbles can be cost-effective and look great, but they’re tricky for balancing your furniture on or walking over. You can add a special substrate grid that will hold them in place.

Don’t underestimate the value of lawn as an outdoor living surface. It’s cool, soft and pleasing on the eye.

Designed by Bruce Scott Architects, this horseshoe-shaped home features expansive decks and a central patio. The sheltered ‘cabana’ that extends from the living areas allows for year-round indoor/outdoor entertaining.

LEFT In the Timms bach designed by Herbst Architects, screens of timber and glass are layered to create a retreat featuring moody light, shady verandahs and a relaxing outdoor room. Timber and stone combine to create a seemingly quintessential bach.

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Ask yourself• Is there a natural flow from the inside to the outdoor spaces in your home?

• Would adding sliding doors, bi-folds or French doors make your home flow better?

• Should you reposition your outdoor living area?

• Do you need a new deck, terrace or courtyard?

• How big does your outdoor table need to be? (Note: round tables take up more space.)

• What kind of barbecue do you need (or lust after)?

• Do you require an outdoor kitchen with a bench and sink?

• Do you need a heating source, such as a fireplace or a nifty ethanol flame heater?

• What kind of shelter do you need, from the sun or rain?

• Have you considered screening from prevailing winds?

• Do you need two distinct areas: one for dining and one for lounging?

ShelterTake your pick: a simple umbrella, a high-tech remote-controlled rain-sensitive louvred pergola, and everything in between. Shelter from sun and rain will enhance your outdoor living area so you don’t fry or get soaked, so it’s important to choose the right type for your environment.

Electronically controlled louvres are popular, but expensive. Umbrellas are a classic, and large cantilevered ones are popular for greater coverage.

Solid pergolas, or those with translucent roofing materials, can be designed in many forms. Beware of using solid materials if the pergola is attached to the house, as it will reduce internal light levels. Roof a free-standing pergola with thatching for a tropical-island cabana feel.

Beware of cheaper sun sails and PVC screens that aren’t well tensioned, or you’ll be driven nuts by the sound of them cracking in the wind every time there’s a breeze. There are many different grades and types of fabric, so check all options.

ABOVE The cantilevered roof in the Forman residence in Hamilton was designed by Ambienti Team Architects. The roof provides solid shelter from the elements, allowing alfresco entertaining to take place year round. This home won the 2012 Waikato–Bay of Plenty Architecture Award.

LEFT A cabana with a louvered roof and drop-down sides extends the entertaining area of this home by Lifebuilt Construction.

RIGHT Pizza ovens and open fires create the ultimate outdoor entertaining area. Elegant furniture completes the look in this space.

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homestyle | Dec/Jan 13 | 129

RENOVATION | WellingtonWORKBOOK | Outdoor living

HeatOutdoor heating options include full fireplaces (solid or gas), electric-powered wall-mounted heaters, gas-fired patio heaters, braziers, chimeneas (Mexican ovens), fire pits and eco-friendly options that burn bio-ethanol fuel.

Fireplaces can be built of lightweight, fibre-reinforced concrete, which makes them easy to install and allows for more design freedom. Imagine enjoying a pizza oven or an outdoor kitchen with your friends!

ScreensOnce, if you wanted to block the wind or a neighbour’s sightlines, you had to build a solid screen. Now you can use semi-permanent screening such as roll-down PVC sheets, custom made or bought in standard sizes from large hardware stores. Less formal materials, such as thatching or slatted panels, look good for screening.

LightingNo use trying to BBQ those gourmet sausages if you can’t see them! You’ll need task lighting to see what you’re doing, and mood lighting for ambiance.Solar-powered bollards in the garden are an easy eco-lighting source, and lights attached to walls or the house exterior can cover both task and atmosphere needs. If you’re using spotlights, position them so the glare doesn’t disrupt your vision while you’re sitting at the table.

UnderfootWhat you lay down beneath your feet will have a large visual impact, and may be driven by practical considerations. If the area is elevated, a deck will be best. If it’s at ground level, paving tiles will make more sense.

Today, deck materials are diverse. Pine and kwila have been joined by many types of hardwoods, as well as eco-friendly options made from reconstituted timber.

Outdoor tiling options are also diverse. There are tiles made from concrete (plain or with aggregate or shells), natural stones such as sandstone, or ceramic. Make sure you choose tiles with good non-slip properties.

Loose materials such as gravels, wood chips or pebbles can be cost-effective and look great, but they’re tricky for balancing your furniture on or walking over. You can add a special substrate grid that will hold them in place.

Don’t underestimate the value of lawn as an outdoor living surface. It’s cool, soft and pleasing on the eye.

Designed by Bruce Scott Architects, this horseshoe-shaped home features expansive decks and a central patio. The sheltered ‘cabana’ that extends from the living areas allows for year-round indoor/outdoor entertaining.

LEFT In the Timms bach designed by Herbst Architects, screens of timber and glass are layered to create a retreat featuring moody light, shady verandahs and a relaxing outdoor room. Timber and stone combine to create a seemingly quintessential bach.

PHO

TO A

aron

McL

ean

PHO

TO J

acki

e M

eiri

ng

Ask yourself• Is there a natural flow from the inside to the outdoor spaces in your home?

• Would adding sliding doors, bi-folds or French doors make your home flow better?

• Should you reposition your outdoor living area?

• Do you need a new deck, terrace or courtyard?

• How big does your outdoor table need to be? (Note: round tables take up more space.)

• What kind of barbecue do you need (or lust after)?

• Do you require an outdoor kitchen with a bench and sink?

• Do you need a heating source, such as a fireplace or a nifty ethanol flame heater?

• What kind of shelter do you need, from the sun or rain?

• Have you considered screening from prevailing winds?

• Do you need two distinct areas: one for dining and one for lounging?

ShelterTake your pick: a simple umbrella, a high-tech remote-controlled rain-sensitive louvred pergola, and everything in between. Shelter from sun and rain will enhance your outdoor living area so you don’t fry or get soaked, so it’s important to choose the right type for your environment.

Electronically controlled louvres are popular, but expensive. Umbrellas are a classic, and large cantilevered ones are popular for greater coverage.

Solid pergolas, or those with translucent roofing materials, can be designed in many forms. Beware of using solid materials if the pergola is attached to the house, as it will reduce internal light levels. Roof a free-standing pergola with thatching for a tropical-island cabana feel.

Beware of cheaper sun sails and PVC screens that aren’t well tensioned, or you’ll be driven nuts by the sound of them cracking in the wind every time there’s a breeze. There are many different grades and types of fabric, so check all options.

ABOVE The cantilevered roof in the Forman residence in Hamilton was designed by Ambienti Team Architects. The roof provides solid shelter from the elements, allowing alfresco entertaining to take place year round. This home won the 2012 Waikato–Bay of Plenty Architecture Award.

LEFT A cabana with a louvered roof and drop-down sides extends the entertaining area of this home by Lifebuilt Construction.

RIGHT Pizza ovens and open fires create the ultimate outdoor entertaining area. Elegant furniture completes the look in this space.

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Paint tips from the prosA simple way to freshen up a deck is to clean it with Resene Timber and Deck Wash, then finish it with Resene Woodsman Decking Stain. Or for a natural-looking oiled finish, use Resene Decking and Furniture Oil.

Keep paths and decks from becoming slippery with the textured Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path, which has an effective, comfortable grit finish.

If you’re painting the exterior of your house a dark colour, use Resene CoolColour paint – it uses special technology to reflect the sun’s heat, to keep the paint and substrate cooler and less likely to age prematurely.

Timber fences left to weather naturally always look scruffy. For smarter looks, use Resene Lumbersider tinted to any colour you like, or Resene Waterborne Woodsman exterior wood stain.

See www.resene.co.nz for more information on any of the above products.

ABOVE The alfresco dining area of this home by Space Architecture was designed to be an extension of the living space. It includes an outdoor fireplace, which allows for year-round dining. The timber slats are made from kwila; a Resene Kwila Stain helps to retain the colour.

Tackling a renovation project and need some advice from the experts? Send your questions for our panel to myhome@homestyle.co.nz, or post on our Facebook page.

RIcHARd KOLFF, REGIsTEREd VALuER, QVGiven New Zealand’s moderate climate, take full advantage of the sun.

Choose a flat area to lay out furniture, a barbecue or perhaps a hot tub. Outdoor lighting and a sound system add atmosphere, and in summer a sail, shade tree or covered pergola will protect from the sun’s rays.

This area can open out to where the kids play, or be a more intimate zone with border fencing, hedges, planter boxes or shrubs.

NAdIA sAKEy,INTERIOR dEsIGNER, THE HOusE dOcTORFirst, consider individual site characteristics. Check gradients and levels, and work with the opportunities your unique site offers. Track the sun’s movement around the garden, and consider the levels of exposure to the natural elements and neighboring houses.

List all the activities that will take place in this space to determine what you need to incorporate.

PATRIcK MccARTHy,REAL EsTATE AGENT, cusTOM REsIdENTIALBuyers love sun, privacy, shelter and seamless flow from indoor living areas.

Level lawns, well-planted gardens and a special area where you can gather, sit or have a barbecue will always be well received and add value. I really like outdoor fireplaces, as they add ambience. Swimming pools look great, but it’s a 50/50 call if you are putting one in to add value, as only 50% of buyers want one.

JOHN WALsH, NZ INsTITuTE OF ARcHITEcTsFrom an architectural perspective, compatibility in scale and materials with the house; a limited material palette; some privacy from neighbours; some shelter from the sun; proper space for a generous table; at least one good tree for reading underneath; a wicker chair; flowering annuals – plenty of them, and make sure they’re tall; and an adequate supply of citronella candles.

What key elements create a successful outdoor living area?

WORKBOOK | Outdoor living

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130 | Dec/Jan 13 | homestyle

In the Urban Shed by Strachan Group Architects, concrete floor slabs allow for passive heating of the outdoor room, while pivoting doors, glass louvre walls, and sliding shutters offer natural ventilation and cooling.

Paint tips from the prosA simple way to freshen up a deck is to clean it with Resene Timber and Deck Wash, then finish it with Resene Woodsman Decking Stain. Or for a natural-looking oiled finish, use Resene Decking and Furniture Oil.

Keep paths and decks from becoming slippery with the textured Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path, which has an effective, comfortable grit finish.

If you’re painting the exterior of your house a dark colour, use Resene CoolColour paint – it uses special technology to reflect the sun’s heat, to keep the paint and substrate cooler and less likely to age prematurely.

Timber fences left to weather naturally always look scruffy. For smarter looks, use Resene Lumbersider tinted to any colour you like, or Resene Waterborne Woodsman exterior wood stain.

See www.resene.co.nz for more information on any of the above products.

ABOVE The alfresco dining area of this home by Space Architecture was designed to be an extension of the living space. It includes an outdoor fireplace, which allows for year-round dining. The timber slats are made from kwila; a Resene Kwila Stain helps to retain the colour.

Tackling a renovation project and need some advice from the experts? Send your questions for our panel to myhome@homestyle.co.nz, or post on our Facebook page.

RIcHARd KOLFF, REGIsTEREd VALuER, QVGiven New Zealand’s moderate climate, take full advantage of the sun.

Choose a flat area to lay out furniture, a barbecue or perhaps a hot tub. Outdoor lighting and a sound system add atmosphere, and in summer a sail, shade tree or covered pergola will protect from the sun’s rays.

This area can open out to where the kids play, or be a more intimate zone with border fencing, hedges, planter boxes or shrubs.

NAdIA sAKEy,INTERIOR dEsIGNER, THE HOusE dOcTORFirst, consider individual site characteristics. Check gradients and levels, and work with the opportunities your unique site offers. Track the sun’s movement around the garden, and consider the levels of exposure to the natural elements and neighboring houses.

List all the activities that will take place in this space to determine what you need to incorporate.

PATRIcK MccARTHy,REAL EsTATE AGENT, cusTOM REsIdENTIALBuyers love sun, privacy, shelter and seamless flow from indoor living areas.

Level lawns, well-planted gardens and a special area where you can gather, sit or have a barbecue will always be well received and add value. I really like outdoor fireplaces, as they add ambience. Swimming pools look great, but it’s a 50/50 call if you are putting one in to add value, as only 50% of buyers want one.

JOHN WALsH, NZ INsTITuTE OF ARcHITEcTsFrom an architectural perspective, compatibility in scale and materials with the house; a limited material palette; some privacy from neighbours; some shelter from the sun; proper space for a generous table; at least one good tree for reading underneath; a wicker chair; flowering annuals – plenty of them, and make sure they’re tall; and an adequate supply of citronella candles.

What key elements create a successful outdoor living area?

WORKBOOK | Outdoor living

PHO

TO P

atri

ck R

eyno

lds

130 | Dec/Jan 13 | homestyle

In the Urban Shed by Strachan Group Architects, concrete floor slabs allow for passive heating of the outdoor room, while pivoting doors, glass louvre walls, and sliding shutters offer natural ventilation and cooling.