OUTDOOR LIVING By Steve Chepurny, RLA, ASLA

OUTDOOR LIVING: Plant a Look and Feeling of Space and Make it Functional

            Lifestyles continue to change with trends, generational needs, technological advances and the desire for a better quality of life.  In recent decades, landscape architects and designers have encountered a revolutionary vision and change fueled by the public’s desire to marry interior spaces to freer flowing exteriors. Outdoor living is the fastest growing segment of the industry, and its prime elements include architectural elements, fire and water features, cook stations, furniture, lighting and entertainment systems. 

          But creating a true sense of outdoor space that interacts with the home’s interior, its homeowners and still functions independently within its own perceived boundaries is the key guiding principle. Boundaries at times can be deceiving. Certainly, walls, fences or a house line all can dictate a boundary, but more often than not a tree line, row of hedges or flower bed also fashion as boundaries or sight lines that guide and shape an outdoor space. The best ones reflect only a subtle change from area to area within the entire garden, so that the users experience an intimate gathering area within a larger whole for a cohesive feeling.  
         How do designers delineate an area? It can be as simplistic as changing a paving pattern on a terrace or patio or introducing a carefully sited seat wall.  Overhead structures or pergolas can also offer a boundary mark. The space which is defined by these architectural additions often becomes the central point of activity. Water elements—whether a small pool, fountain or bubbler--introduce a different design consideration. Water can denote a playful environment, place for passive contemplation, reflection and motion within the same area, and is best determined from the onset. The beauty of water is its ability to act in so many different capacities while creating so many different emotions. Kids want to play in it if large enough, adults want to relax by it or just look and listen to it, and at times everyone just wants to take in the beauty of its motion. 

Fire elements add as much interest—and drama, too--to a space as water does. Fire creates a central gathering point or can simply be used to lend an ambience to a space through passive lighting. Fireplaces, fire pits, fire torches, fire bowls are all excellent ways to create a exhilarating but relaxing mood, a feeling of heat and warmth and a place often to do some cooking, even if it’s just s’mores. 

Outdoor cook stations have certainly surpassed the charcoal grill or Hibachi of past generations!  Depending on the needs of the homeowners, an area can be designed simply for a grill station with an adjacent counter or for a much fuller blown, self-contained kitchen and entertainment zone. Clients have their own needs and budgets to bear in mind, often also determined by the space allotted. In addition to a multi-functional grill, other options include refrigeration, freezer, sink, storage, warming drawers, pizza ovens, side burners, trash receptacles, beer or beverage dispenser, ice maker. The design of these elements into a space is certainly important but how the space interacts with the people is the most important consideration.  Similar to the inside kitchen, the outdoor one needs to be in a centralized area and close to the back door to make bringing out food and beverages easier. But the area also needs to relate well to other parts of the garden—where people will eat and sit and how they’ll move about so there’s enough circulation area. Subtle—or not so subtle—design changes with different textures, plantings, hardscapes, furniture and lighting can help direct people.

Because of the desire to spend more time outdoors, designers also need to make the outdoor living area a place that’s fun, comfortable and defines its owners’ interests, as well as their house. This can be done with multiple elements from furnishings such as seating, tables and rugs to lighting and entertainment systems of a flat-screen TV and sound system designed specifically for the outdoors. Lighting can be utilized to direct people, intensify a focal point, create silhouettes or simply add a soft, elegant ambience to a quiet evening dinner.  I highly recommend that the lighting be low voltage and designed with dimmers.  One can control the mood based on the event.   Site furnishings and amenities are important but it is best if  furniture play a secondary role in defining spaces, so homeowners can take advantage most of the views and vistas already there or create a new one through a focal point of perhaps that strategically placed fire or water element. 

The smell/ scent of a space is very intriguing to watch.  A carefully placed Lilac or Sweetbay Magnolia can enliven the senses.  The introduction of a natural wood burning firepit or fireplace always brings back great memories while creating the air of relaxation.  The introduction of scents are enjoyable from the very young to the old.  One watches the discoveries of a young child to the reminiscent thoughts of adults and seniors.  It can capture all audiences. 

In the end, a well conceived design and space that take into account all the possibilities will offer years of enjoyment for everyone and marry better the house to its site. 

By Steve Chepurny, RLA, ASLA

President, Director of Sales

BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

& CONSTRUCTION, LLC

Southampton, NJ 08088

www.beechwoodlandscape.com