Summer’s coming our way and it’s tempting to spend more time outdoors! Create an extension to your home by connecting it with its surroundings - connect your home to the garden and potentially create a separate living space. There is a wide range of projects that encompasses more than just porches and decks. Architectural additions to your landscape will “blur” the boundaries between indoors and out. A tranquil and relaxing area will be a beneficial refuge to your family.

 

The process is a collaboration between homeowner and designer/architect. The designer/architect provides the knowledge base of materials and building methods, and pairs this with your project and its budget. Once the direction and goals have been established, design is of primary importance. The more effort and time spent upfront in planning and design will result in a well-executed structure that will serve to connect you to nature.

A close working relationship between homeowner and designer/architect, will result in changes (based upon input) but ultimately in a peaceful outdoors environment in which to relax.

Build a safe and attractive deck by selecting a good-looking but durable lumber for flooring, railings and steps. Use the pressure treated wood for the frame and supports. Top picks are:

Western Red Cedar (reddish brown and ages to silver grey, holds up great in rain, sun, heat and cold);

Redwood (like cedar, it is a soft lumber that ages to grey and prolonged moisture causes the wood to blacken);

Philippine Mahogany (tight-grained hardwood that resists pest and rot. It looks like teak if you treat it with marine oil, or let it age to a silvery grey color; 

Mock Lumbers such as plastic polymer and wood polymer are virtually bug and rot proof but are synthetic materials.

Patio, Walls, Walkways

These can be constructed in brick or stone following do-it-yourself books. Details on masonry materials, techniques and design are provided, as well as patio furniture, arbors and other amenities and too

Room Design

Floor Plans can create spaces for space and privacy, or for freedom and relaxation. Maximize the space you have available with clever architectural design.

Room Arrangement Key topics to keep in mind are furniture placement, arrangement, storage of items and function of the room and the furniture.

Consider the following Tools
• Design for comfort and convenience
• Extend a room into a garden
• Decorate with living plans i.e. flowers blooming on window sills
• Decorative details representative of nature
• Build with natural materials such as indigenous wood or stone
• Use natural materials where possible, non-synthetic
• Use non-toxic, biodegradable paints, sealants and varnishes
• Choose compact, energy efficient appliances and building materials i.e. Windows

SOURCES:
- Designing Peaceful Homes by Jackie Craven
- The Stress Free Home by Quayside Pub Group