Room of the Week: A Casual Deck Area That Embraces Simplicity
A mantra of 'less is more' is key to this refined and unpretentious outdoor room in a Sydney home
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
This is a north-facing deck, located over the garage at the front of the house. The purpose was to provide a casual sitting space off the kitchen and dining area that takes advantage of the northern aspect and view of the tree-lined street. The kitchen and dining areas flow to the living space, which opens to a deck and the back garden so the whole space is connected, allowing breezes and light to flow through.
The client wanted a functional, open-plan space that allowed them to feel connected to the outdoors and beautiful trees in the street, while being undercover and maintaining privacy.
This is a north-facing deck, located over the garage at the front of the house. The purpose was to provide a casual sitting space off the kitchen and dining area that takes advantage of the northern aspect and view of the tree-lined street. The kitchen and dining areas flow to the living space, which opens to a deck and the back garden so the whole space is connected, allowing breezes and light to flow through.
The client wanted a functional, open-plan space that allowed them to feel connected to the outdoors and beautiful trees in the street, while being undercover and maintaining privacy.
Starting point
The starting point was the flow-through idea mentioned above and the sunny, green aspect. The aim was to create a casual area to sit and chat or relax and read.
Is your home pleading for a makeover? Find an architect near you on Houzz to give it a new lease on life
The starting point was the flow-through idea mentioned above and the sunny, green aspect. The aim was to create a casual area to sit and chat or relax and read.
Is your home pleading for a makeover? Find an architect near you on Houzz to give it a new lease on life
Key design aspects
Colour palette: White, timber and black.
Materials palette: Recycled blackbutt screening (which screens the view of neighbours), blackbutt flooring and decking, and black anodised-aluminium bi-fold doors. The balustrade wall to the terrace is white-painted brickwork, and the end wall has bricks laid vertically for a feature that extends to the front exterior of the house.
Key features: The furniture was all pre-owned. The green upholstered dining chairs and throw cushions on outdoor lounge pick up the greenery outside.
Colour palette: White, timber and black.
Materials palette: Recycled blackbutt screening (which screens the view of neighbours), blackbutt flooring and decking, and black anodised-aluminium bi-fold doors. The balustrade wall to the terrace is white-painted brickwork, and the end wall has bricks laid vertically for a feature that extends to the front exterior of the house.
Key features: The furniture was all pre-owned. The green upholstered dining chairs and throw cushions on outdoor lounge pick up the greenery outside.
What challenges did you work around?
Maximising light from the northern orientation, when the house faced north and we wanted to open up to the south-facing backyard. The solution was clerestory glazing, high ceilings, an open-plan and white paint to reflect maximum light.
Maximising light from the northern orientation, when the house faced north and we wanted to open up to the south-facing backyard. The solution was clerestory glazing, high ceilings, an open-plan and white paint to reflect maximum light.
The first-storey floor plan
Maintaining privacy from the street and neighbours, while wanting to capture the view of the lovely street trees, was a challenge. The solution was a solid balustrade and lower roof to create a horizontal frame of the trees that serves to highlight the view. Timber screens provide visual interest while serving a practical purpose of screening the neighbours. A roof garden to one side further enhances the green outlook and helps connect the space to the outdoors.
Maintaining privacy from the street and neighbours, while wanting to capture the view of the lovely street trees, was a challenge. The solution was a solid balustrade and lower roof to create a horizontal frame of the trees that serves to highlight the view. Timber screens provide visual interest while serving a practical purpose of screening the neighbours. A roof garden to one side further enhances the green outlook and helps connect the space to the outdoors.
Why do you think this space works?
It’s light, bright, visually harmonious and uncluttered. The family who lives here is very neat and organised… this is how it looks all the time! It suits the way they like to live, entertain and relax.
Your turn
What do you love about this outdoor area? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interiors? Take a look at our last Room of the Week: A Curvaceous Mid-Century Kitchen in Timber
It’s light, bright, visually harmonious and uncluttered. The family who lives here is very neat and organised… this is how it looks all the time! It suits the way they like to live, entertain and relax.
Your turn
What do you love about this outdoor area? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interiors? Take a look at our last Room of the Week: A Curvaceous Mid-Century Kitchen in Timber
Answers by Mark Korgul, architect and director at Watershed Design
Who lives here: A family with two children – it’s a builder’s newly built home
Location: Collaroy, NSW
Room purpose: A relaxing deck area
Budget: This was part of a $1,000,000 newly built home
Builder: AVG Constructions