Life in South Africa has its challenges but it also has many perks – like our weather for example. Most locations boast hot summers and mild winters, and we can almost always count on the glorious sun to shine – if not today, then most certainly tomorrow. Now, during spring and over the summer months to come, there’s even more reason to live a life more connected with the outdoors.
Here’s how:
1. Add a covered patio
A covered patio is the perfect way to spend more time outside. It is the ideal place to entertain and host a braai with added protection against the sun, rain or wind. Patios can be built next to the home or elsewhere on the property. Patios create a space for the family to unwind while admiring the landscaped garden.
2. Create a California room
A California room, also referred to as a transition room is a room that connects the indoors with the outdoors. It’s not a patio, nor is it a porch. It is a casual, “bare-foot” kind of space in the house that seamlessly intertwines with the outdoors. This is achieved by removing visual interruptions (like pillars, windows and walls) and using collapsable doors instead. Continue the same ‘inside’ design theme here (tiles, furniture, rugs etc.) but also add an abundance of greenery, like potted plants, trees etc.
3. Include a courtyard
If you thought courtyards were something our parents (or grandparents) did in the late 80s – think again. Courtyards are incredibly purposeful. They help to draw in natural light and fresh air into the middle of a home, while simultaneously creating a private place to connect with nature.
4. Consider an outdoor bathroom
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of the home has been turned on its head. People realised that a home could and should be more than just a place to eat, clean and sleep. A home can be a haven; a place to recharge and re-energise ourselves, and within this concept, the bathroom plays a huge role. Why just have a simple bathroom if you could have a spa-like bathroom where you can truly relax? Why not take the bathroom outside and use this time to reconnect with nature as well? Outdoor bathrooms are a growing trend internationally, but here in SA, they are very practical as well.
At Veld Architects, designing #healthyhomes is an integral part of our design ethos. We don’t want occupants to merely enjoy living in a Veld home, we want them to experience a positive boost of body, mind and soul. And the bottom line is: nature heals!
By including the above four spaces in a home, we encourage occupants to connect with nature more often and more seamlessly.
Additionally, we orientate and organically shape a home so as to overlook more natural vistas and utilise the site’s natural cooling and heating elements. We include green roofs and walls to reduce glare, cool down homes and aid in removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere. And we prioritise fresh air ventilation and natural light throughout.
Want to join the VELD Lifestyle?
Make your next home, a VELD home!
Love,
XXX
Gill
