Design for open - air living

RETAINING A RETRO FEATURE
When renovating their Federation home in Sydneys inner west the directors of Lahznimmo Architects, Andrew Nimmo and partner Annabel Lahz, designed a multifunctional outdoor space for lots of natural light.
Accessed via sliding doors it features timber slat wall screens to match the ironbark deck thats partly covered by a polycarbonate roof with timber battens to diffuse the light.
Andrew says they kept the original 1950s breeze block wall to add privacy and allow air to circulate, while the built - in daybed and barbecue are for entertaining and relaxing.

OPENING UP TO THE VIEW
Taking advantage of ocean breezes and views JAM Architects designed two decks for a new two - storey house at Point Lonsdale, Victoria.
Overlooking Swan Bay, a four metre wide, eight metre long north - facing deck on the first floor opens out from the bamboo - floored kitchen and living areas. Its accessed through large sliding glass and timber doors.
When the doors are open inside and outside become one big living space bordered by stainless steel rails and balustrades with yachting wire that open up the views and maintain the modern style.
Architect Chris Manton suggests choosing the best timber profile for weatherproofing. Considering the roof doesnt extend fully, These spotted gum boards have slightly rounded edges to ensure water runoff.
The main bedroom opens out to 360° views from a second large area on part of the roof with vertical battens added for privacy, a feature used through the house.

USING MATERIALS FOR TEXTURE
A seven metre long outdoor area was designed for a house on the Victorian Mornington Peninsula by Andrew Piva of b.e. Architecture.
Opening out from the kitchen and living areas, the partly covered top deck utilises durable building materials as part of the design features including concrete pavers and chunky, rough - sawn pillars.
The outdoor kitchen has a built - in barbecue surrounded by steel benches. To ensure the area can be used all year, its covered with a clear polycarbonate roof lined with split cane. The cane creates a wonderful dappled light.
The top deck leads to a gap in the stone - stack wall that opens up the view and leads down to the pool area where weathered grey timber decking surrounds the water.

BRIDGING TO THE POOL
Linking the swimming pool to the house and extending the living spaces outside led to the design of several decks for a new three - storey home in Ivanhoe, Victoria.
Large sliding doors open from the first floor living areas onto the main L - shaped deck. Finished in bluestone pavers, it has a toughened glass balustrade to preserve views of the Melbourne city skyline.
Theres something magical about dining outside, particularly if theres walei neaiby, says aichiletl Robeil licarra of Interlandi Mantesso.

EXTENDING WITH DECKS
To extend a 1930s house in Glen Iris, Melbourne, architect John Henry added a large outdoor decking area in a no - fuss design.
The original house is art deco so I wanted a minimal response, says John, who concealed the extension behind a pitched tiled roof.
Framed by an 80 - year - old elm tree and a lap pool, the area leads out from the dining area inside.
Its a place for entertaining, says John of the leafy retreat. Theres a sense of intimacy that you dont tend to get from sitting inside.