Embracing Outdoor Elements Indoors:
When discussing homeowners’ preferences for their home improvements, there’s often a desire to explore creative methods of integrating outdoor elements indoors, a design trend expected to last.
Whether you’re considering an extension, renovation, or a complete overhaul of your home, incorporating features that strengthen this bond with nature can significantly enhance both aesthetics, functionality, and your well-being.
At Reigate Architects we use many design elements that integrate outdoor elements into indoor spaces. Whether we are designing an extension for a dimly-lit Victorian terrace, renovating a period home, or designing a new contemporary and light-filled property – there are many ideas that can be incorporated into the design concept, which can include the following;
Expansive Windows: Introducing expansive windows to frame captivating views of your garden is a timeless approach to bringing the outside in. By installing expansive walls of glazing maximises views and enhances natural light flow while minimising the visual barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bifold doors and sliding glass panels offer flexibility and creates an uninterrupted transition between the interior and exterior.
Project – Passivhaus – North Downs House
Enhance natural light from above: Capturing natural light from above is equally important and sometime overlooked. By incorporating skylights, roof lights, lantern or clerestory windows infuses your interiors with an abundance of daylight and can create captivating overhead views. This custom single-story extension in Virginia Water introduces a pitched skylight as the focal point of the new extension, infusing a modern touch and elevating the extension’s spaciousness and brightness with natural illumination.
Project – Single-storey rear and side extensions – Virginia Water
Balconies: Adding a balcony to your master suite or any other suitable area of your home provides an elevated vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s for enjoying a morning coffee, or simply unwinding amidst nature, a well-designed balcony can become a cherished retreat.
Project – extension and extensive renovation West Reigate
Biophilic Design: Embrace the principles of biophilic design to foster a deeper connection with nature within your home. Incorporate elements such as indoor plants, green roofs, living walls, and natural materials to promote a sense of well-being and tranquillity.
Through-views and courtyards: By strategically designing your home’s layout to incorporate through-views that extend from one space to another, can integrate indoor and outdoor environments.
Utilising architectural features such as courtyards, glass walls, and open-plan layouts can enhance visual connectivity and spatial flow.
Reigate Architects integrated an internal courtyard into this home’s layout to introduce natural light and ventilation into otherwise an enclosed space. Courtyards also serve as private outdoor retreats and provide opportunities for greenery and natural elements within your home. This internal central courtyard in our Godalming, Surrey provides sky views, fostering a deeper connection with nature and acts as a communal focal point, around which other living areas are arranged.
Project – Extensive renovation and extension – Summerhouse Close
Loft Spaces: Transforming lofts into light-filled spaces by strategically positioning windows and skylights that capture scenic views and daylight, can create a sense of connection to the outdoors.
Frame Views: A windows can become a canvas and frame outdoor vistas. By strategically placing windows we can highlight picturesque landscapes, architectural or lush greenery, to enhance the visual appeal of your interiors.
Extending aesthetics: Crittal windows and doors have a geometric, thin frame design that adds aesthetic appeal, fitting both classical and modern designs. While making a space feel open and spacious, they also allow natural light to flow, as well as having a practical benefit, increasing security and energy-efficiency due to their steel frames.
Project – Extension and alterations – Oak Way
Colour Schemes: Interior architecture is equally important to enhance the design concept. By incorporating earthy colour palettes inspired by the natural surroundings evoke a sense of warmth and tranquillity within your home.
To read more – visit Country Living Colour Trends 2024
Whether you’re embarking on a new build, renovation, or extension project, by incorporating these innovative ideas into your home design, Reigate Architects can elevate your living experience and foster a deeper connection with the natural world and improved sense of well-being.
