Outdoor living and entertaining are ingrained in the Australian way of life. It’s a cultural tradition to gather with family and friends in the great outdoors. When designing your new house, it’s all about bringing the outside world in and extending your living spaces beyond the back door. Here are our top alfresco builder tips for creating the ultimate alfresco living area:
1. Seamlessly Integrate Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
The key is to ensure that your alfresco area feels as though it’s an integral part of your indoor living spaces. Your choice of doors can significantly impact the flow between these areas. Opt for expansive sliding, folding, or concertina glass doors that can be pushed back or fully retracted, effectively erasing the boundaries between inside and outside, and opening your home to the great outdoors. Additionally, maintaining the same floor heights inside and outside will further enhance the sense of a seamless extension of your indoor living space.
2. Consider Dimensions
Contemplate the intended use of the space to determine the optimal size.
- If you’re planning to host gatherings, ensure the area is spacious enough to accommodate a dining table and chairs, requiring a minimum size of 3 x 4 meters.
- Should you have an outdoor kitchen or BBQ, a little extra space between the cooking and seating areas is advisable.
- For a laid-back outdoor lounge setup, featuring 1-2 outdoor lounges, a comfy reading chair, and a low table for drinks, aim for a minimum dimension of 3 x 4 meters.
- If you’re envisioning a versatile space that combines both casual lounging and entertaining, consider a minimum size of 3 x 5 meters to allow for various activities.
3. Sun Protection
Your alfresco haven should offer comfort and enjoyment throughout the day, especially under the Australian sun. Ensuring ample shade is paramount. While alfresco areas that seamlessly connect with the main house typically come with a complete plasterboard ceiling, consider these alternatives if that’s not the case:
- Encourage the growth of a deciduous vine or creeper on a pergola or screen to create natural shade.
- Utilise timber battens to extend an awning, providing a shady retreat.
- Ponder the possibility of planting trees that will offer respite during scorching summer days, enhancing both the aesthetics and comfort of your alfresco space.
4. Weather Considerations
The versatility of your alfresco area is key – the goal is to make it usable throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
- Shield your space from rain and wind with retractable clear awnings or shutters.
- If you’re in one of Australia’s cooler regions, think about adding warming elements like fireplaces to keep the chill at bay during colder months.
- For sunnier and hotter climates, ceiling fans are a wise addition to ensure a cool and comfortable environment.
5. Outdoor kitchens/BBQ
If you are thinking about including an outdoor kitchen, you need to think about how you will use this space. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Will you still use your main kitchen for prep and then cook outside?
- Do you want to be able to do everything outside?
The answers to these questions will affect everything from your choice of appliances to how much bench space you need. Your alfresco builders can help you determine the best design for your requirements, making sure your outdoor kitchen or BBQ is suitable for exposure to the elements with surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain.
Image from Limetree Alfresco
6. Lighting
Lighting is a really important element that can help set the tone of your alfresco area. Unlike some of your indoor spaces where you need bright task lighting, this is an area where you want to create a relaxed atmosphere. Have multiple lighting options:
- Dimmable LED downlights could be used while you are preparing food
- Up/down wall lighting is perfect for creating a relaxed ambience.
- Spotlights can be directed onto the garden to highlight the surrounding environment.
Start building your dream outdoor space with Innovative Verandahs
Are you ready to transform your home with a custom alfresco area? As leading alfresco builders in Melbourne, Innovative Verandahs offers comprehensive solutions that seamlessly integrate with your lifestyle and enhance your outdoor living experience.
Rest assured that our dedicated experts use only high-quality materials and innovative designs. Discover our range of alfresco solutions at Innovative Verandahs today and discover more about what our team can do for you.
Get started on your project and contact us — let’s create a space where you can make lasting memories with family and friends!
