EcoHealth Homes

Outdoor Rooms
Eight design strategies that connect with nature.

by Amy Ellison Ostberg & Michelle Roberts

Two of the most urgent needs for builders in the new housing economy are reducing costs while offering that “wow” factor. You too can accomplish both goals by adding a well-designed outdoor room to your home. One of the basic tenets of green building is to “right size” the design of a home (meaning to reduce square footage) while providing a strong connection to nature. Thus, outdoor living spaces become extensions of the home, while reducing square footage costs. “Our lives are becoming more environmentally focused,” says Shayna Prunier, LEED AP and director of design for Low Impact Living. “Having a well-designed outdoor area will provide the connection to nature that should be a goal for everyone to escape from the normal hustle and bustle of life.”

Gett ing Started

1. Early in the process, learn about options in creating an outdoor room. In most latitudes, you can use this space for two to three seasons out of the year.

2. Design at least one key structural piece such as a pergola, porch or deck to link the outside materials to the inside.

3. Use similar colors, trim details, fabrics, patterns and textures to tie together the spaces, which will also help to make the house seem larger. Outdoor “flooring” can be wood, stone, rustic tile, grass or flagstones. Many runoff reducing options are available in the marketplace.

4. Trees or plantings can become ceilings or walls and you can play with different heights and thicknesses for privacy.

5. Combine fire and water. A fireplace or fire pit extends the use of the space for a greater part of the year. Water elements such as fountains and ponds cool areas down in the summer months while masking street noise.

6. Provide space for grilling, including countertops and cabinetry. If there’s room in the budget, include a sink and bar along with a roof to provide cover for these elements.

7. Lighting is a key factor for successfully designed outdoor spaces. With the right lighting plan, you can create drama and increase functionality.

8. A hot tub is popular in many climates, and increases use of the space. Remember to include lighting and electrical in your plans and specifications.

Homeowner Advantages

The advantages of adding an outdoor room increase over time. Landscaping can add at least 7% to 15% to a home’s value and bring a recovery factor of 100% to 200% when it’s time to sell the home. The bottom line is that you can create a wonderful retreat regardless of space or budget.

Michelle Roberts is founder of Ecohealth Homes, a division of Chatham Hill Residential Design Build email: michelle@ecohealthdesigns.com
Amy Ellison Ostberg is president and lead architect of The New Hampshire Design Collaborative.email amy@nhdesigncollaborative.com