The landscaping of outdoor spaces—such as the garden and veranda—constitutes an important part of the overall design of any residence. Incorporating these areas from the design stage ensures functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetic harmony with the building. Proper preparation and planning of the outdoor environment contribute to the optimal use of the plot and enhance the residents’ quality of life.
1. Design Starts with the Plot
Every plot has its own unique features: orientation, views, microclimate, and elevation differences. When these are taken into account from the early design stage, the outdoor space can become a true extension of the interior rather than a separate or disconnected area.
Proper positioning of the building on the plot can:
Ensure natural shading or solar exposure,
Create privacy in selected zones,
Guide movement towards the garden or veranda.
The design must treat the plot as a unified whole, ensuring the harmonious integration of the building into both the natural and urban surroundings.
2. Connection Between Interior and Exterior Spaces
Recent architectural trends promote the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas through large openings, continuous flooring, and consistent materials. When this approach is adopted early in the design, the outdoor space functions as a natural extension of the living room or kitchen.
Examples include:
Fully retractable sliding doors,
Continuous flooring (e.g., tiles or decking) indoors and outdoors,
Provisions for canopies or pergolas,
Infrastructure for lighting, power, and water.
This allows for a smooth and functional transition between interior and exterior spaces.
3. Usage Zones in the Outdoor Space
Just like each interior room has a specific function, the outdoor area can also be organized into functional zones:
Seating area: ideal for summer evenings or a morning coffee,
Dining & BBQ area: with canopy, lighting, and direct access to the kitchen,
Green zone: featuring lawn, flower beds, or even a vegetable garden,
Play area: for children or pets, with appropriate flooring and safety measures.
These zones should be planned from the beginning to ensure both functionality and aesthetic cohesion, rather than being added later in an improvised manner.
4. Materials and Aesthetic Consistency
When the outdoor space is designed concurrently with the residence, materials can be selected to match or complement those of the building—such as wood, stone, ceramics, or metal. This coherence contributes to the visual unity of the property and prevents the appearance of disjointed or mismatched construction. Additionally, careful material selection, smart lighting design, and appropriate shading not only enhance aesthetics but also improve energy efficiency and comfort year-round. Infrastructure can also include:
Garden or decorative lighting,
Irrigation systems,
Storage or auxiliary spaces.
5. The Outdoor Space as a Daily “Sanctuary”
A thoughtfully designed garden or veranda can become a true sanctuary—a place for relaxation, social interaction, play, or connection with nature. In Mediterranean climates like Greece, outdoor spaces can be used almost all year round. However, this is only possible if the design is integrated from the outset and not added as an afterthought.
Outdoor space is not merely a decorative addition, but an essential and integral part of a residence. Designing it from the study phase ensures functionality, aesthetic consistency, and a higher quality of life for the residents.
A holistic design approach promotes the harmonious integration of the building into its environment and maximizes the effective use of available resources. Early incorporation of the garden and veranda into the architectural concept is a key factor in the successful implementation of any project, meeting both aesthetic and practical requirements.
Developed by Cactus
