Outdoor Living Spaces in the PNW
It goes without saying that the pandemic taught us many things – one of them being the value of a good outdoor living space. Unfortunately, creating outdoor living spaces in the Pacific Northwest poses one major challenge – the weather. We all shivered through drinks at bar patios and tried to convince ourselves this was normal (and we weren’t cold). Though we may not be able to shake those 30-degree days, there are ways to create an outdoor space that can be used rain or shine! The first step is to see what you’re working with; This will be determined by your budget and available space. If you’re building a new home or addition, it’s important to call out your desire for an outdoor living space during the schematic design phase – especially if you want it to be covered. There are many possibilities when starting from scratch, but there are also ways to retrofit your existing outdoor space to add style and comfort. Covered Spaces Protection from the rain is crucial if you wish to use an outdoor space year-round. The best way to accomplish this is building a roof over a deck or patio. This will ensure the best waterproofing, and allow you to install more built-in accessories like lighting or ceiling heaters. If your budget or the design of your home doesn’t allow for a new roofed space, detached pergolas are a great option. For example, Struxure pergolas are metal pergolas designed with louvers that can open and close with the push of a button (or through an app), and offer options to add lighting, heaters, and fans as well. Heat The next way to create a comfortable space outdoors is by adding a heating element (or two). Fireplaces, firepits, and heaters (ceiling or freestanding) are your best options. Consider how much space you have, if it’s covered or not, and how you envision using the space to help determine which option is best for you. Hot tubs are also a great way to relax and warm up outside! Cooking Barbequing and dining al-fresco are wonderful ways to get the most out of the Summer. Your setup can range from a freestanding BBQ on the deck to a full-scale, covered outdoor kitchen. A few things to consider: how much do you barbeque? Do you want your dining space to be covered? Do you require a sink, mini-fridge, or other kitchen components? Space and budget will determine how far you can go here, but imagine how fun it would be to have a brick pizza oven in your backyard! Finishing Touches Time to complete your new outdoor space with furniture and accessories. Though sourcing these items is not within an architect’s scope, we recommend selecting outdoor-rated furniture that is both comfortable and, most importantly, sure to last many seasons. You might also want built-in speakers or a television – those components will need to be called out very early on so that they can be hardwired. Twinkle lights, rugs, and firepit tables are other great additions to make your outdoor space feel cozy even on those chilly nights. Bringing Outdoors In If none of those options are for you, it may be time to think outside of the box and bring the outdoors inside instead of the other way around. This approach is ideal if it’s not feasible to add a covered outdoor space but you want the feel of the open-air during those warmer months. Large accordion doors like NanaWall allow you to open a whole wall up to your deck or patio. As a result, your indoor spaces will flow seamlessly into your outdoor space, creating an expansive feel. The downside here is the steep cost and the potentially low usage in a climate like ours.