The terrace

With the arrival of the summer season, everyone dreams of an outdoor corner of their home where they can spend their free time in company or for a bit of relaxation. This is how balconies, terraces, attics become the real protagonists of the summer, spaces that require adequate care and maintenance.

For this reason, for those who already have a terrace or for those who want to buy a property that has one, below will be listed some useful tips to live it to the fullest.

1. Intervention on the external space: guidelines

Knowing the structure of your terrace is a prerequisite for making intelligent choices

In the case of new construction but also of renovation or modification work on your terrace, it is of fundamental importance to know its structure in order to operate in the best possible way, avoiding future mismanagement.

Too often, in fact, the homeowner does not know the design process and the technological choices that accompanied the actual construction of the spaces he lives in. The description of some simple steps will create greater awareness in the users who will be the same ones living every day in the places of the intervention.

Proceeding in stages, as regards the floor of our terrace, it is important as it transmits the load of the weight above to the load-bearing structures in elevation.
Everything we decide to place in the open space in question will have a specific weight and entity and for this reason we need to be careful and know the structure that will support our environment.

That said, the floor of a usable terrace or balcony is generally made up of the following "layers":

• roof slab;
• thermal insulator;
• waterproofing sheath;
• screed;
• finishing (flooring).

The application of the insulating layer is aimed at protecting the underlying environments from water infiltration. To avoid excessive heat exchange between confined environments, it is necessary to know how to choose the right materials capable of maintaining an “ideal” balance in order to preserve the health of our spaces.
So the first to be applied are the thermal insulators (which can be synthetic or of vegetal origin) followed by the waterproofing layer (bituminous or liquid sheaths). Then the screed is inserted which consists of an electro-welded mesh that is drowned in a layer of cement.

The flooring is laid on the screed and is available in a wide range of colors and materials. Being the most superficial layer, visible, it is naturally the one that, in addition to being functional and resistant, must satisfy the user's taste and for this reason it must be chosen with care and awareness. Usually, neutral colors are chosen, preferably light to avoid overheating during the day and materials resistant to atmospheric agents. All walkable surfaces must also be non-slip to guarantee the safety of the users.

In this regard, safety in open spaces at height is a fundamental prerogative for correct use and the first element to consider is the parapet. This, which can be characterized by a low wall or a simple railing, must follow the mandatory provisions reported in Ministerial Decree no. 236 of 14 June 1989. The parapet must have a minimum height of 1 meter and in the case of railings it cannot be crossed by a sphere with a diameter of 10 cm. The space of the terrace must also be such as to guarantee the simple movement of things and people without causing danger and damage.

Another aspect to take into consideration is privacy because as exciting as it can be to fully live the terrace of your home, it is also true that maintaining a good level of privacy is a necessity for everyone. To this end, there are various solutions that can be adopted, from walls at different heights, to curtains, to bamboo fences; very pleasing to the eye are the green solutions (bushes, climbing plants) that in addition to constituting a natural curtain, cool the environment.

If you want to use your outdoor space even in the evening and night hours, you need to install light sources for comfortable use. The most commonly used devices are wall spotlights, pendant lamps and lanterns and their intensity can be adjusted depending on the size of the terrace. However, it is advisable to prefer a diffused and not too aggressive light, remembering that the outdoor space should never be brightly lit, as it could disturb the eye of those who live there and also that of the neighbors. The ideal is to place the light sources high up and on the wall, in correspondence with entrances and very used points, where tables, sofas or chairs are placed.

A very suggestive choice is that of floor lighting made up of spotlights embedded in the floor: it creates a very romantic and relaxing atmosphere but has the disadvantage of more careful and difficult maintenance. The economic savings should not be overlooked and for this reason energy-saving lamps or solar-powered lights are perfect. The latter store solar energy during the day which will be released in the evening when needed. The advantages are the absence of costs in terms of electricity and system installation, the constant presence of light even in the event of a blackout and respect for the surrounding environment. 

How to find your way through the regulatory maze of building permits

If you want to maximize the use of the outdoor space you have available, before deciding how to intervene on your outdoor environment it is important to clarify a rule. For example, if the owner wants to introduce an additional structure on his terrace, depending on the nature of the structure, it is necessary to obtain special permits that depend on the specific municipal regulations.

In this regard, a simple classification can help to proceed according to the rules and safety.

– For structures considered removable and therefore temporary, a permit requested by the owner of the space in question from the other condominium owners is sufficient. Once the permit has been obtained, a simple CIL will follow, i.e. the communication of the start of works. The interventions in question are part of ordinary maintenance.

– For fixed structures with a larger footprint, the procedure is slightly more complicated since the PdC, the building permit, and the advice of a qualified technician are required.

Since there is not yet a national regulation that regulates this type of intervention, it is necessary to remember to carefully consult the Building Regulations that vary from Municipality to Municipality. To give an example, if you want to install awnings on your terrace, you will need to communicate the start of work, sometimes preceded by the condominium permit as some housing situations require the choice of certain colors and types of awnings. If the owner intends to introduce a removable structure, since this would cause a change in the volume and morphology of the artifact, before proceeding he will have to consult a professional in the sector for the technical-structural verification and to obtain the necessary documents.

2. Comfort and functionality

At the base of a good use of spaces it is important to optimize those that are available, in fact even small outdoor spaces are potential living rooms that can be easily exploited. This is possible thanks to the countless choices of flexible and space-saving furnishing accessories that have been designed specifically to overcome the problem of the size of the room. In fact, on the market you can find stackable chairs, expandable tables, multifunctional accessories and foldable objects that can be stored in a corner if not used. Aesthetics thus merges with functionality, satisfying taste and at the same time providing solutions even for the most complicated situations.

The second trick is to choose the furniture and its arrangement in the space; it should be remembered that the terrace is seen as a small corner of paradise, a place where one should relax and refresh. For this reason, if space allows, comfortable seats such as armchairs and sofas are preferable, alternatively simple folding chairs made more comfortable with soft cushions.

If you love more exotic solutions and have the possibility of anchoring the structure to the ceiling or walls, the hammock is the complement that everyone dreams of, it will give you moments of priceless rest.
If the terrace overlooks a pleasant landscape, it is a good idea to make the most of the context, creating a real internal-external continuum on the belvedere. In this case, choosing a large table and chairs will allow you to have lunch or dinner outside even more pleasantly.

Small spaces – smart solutions

You are not always lucky enough to have large outdoor spaces, but this does not mean that it is impossible to recreate a small relaxation corner even on balconies and small terraces.

Depending on the shape of our terrace, it is important to study those strategic corners in order to exploit them as tactical areas; if we have a rectangular, short and narrow space, on the two smaller sides we could place two sofas and in the center a low table, useful as a support for books and drinks. In the case of French balconies of semicircular shape, the ideal is to retrace the perimeter of the semicircle with cushions and poufs placed on a rug placed on the floor. In this way you will create a real welcoming and original living room.

If your balcony has a long and narrow shape, the ideal is to create real functional areas distributed along the length; create a small refreshment area thanks to a folding table anchored to the railing, a relaxation area with a sofa that overlooks the context and even a green space with pots hanging along the balustrade and climbing plants clinging to the wall. The result will be surprising: you will have many spaces to live in every day in just a few square meters!

The Green Element: Between Ornament and Functionality

Many people aspire to recreate a small natural space inside their home or on their terraces and this is why often dealing with the furnishing and setting up of open areas also includes the green aspect. Plants, in addition to improving the space and making it certainly more livable, have the function of maintaining a constant temperature and shading small portions of space.

There are some precautions that are important to take into consideration, first of all trying to vary with different plant species to ensure that the terrace does not transform into a cultivated greenhouse but maintains a good variety and diversification.

It is then important to choose the types of plants in relation to the exposure of your terrace; if it faces south and is therefore almost always exposed to the sun's rays, your species will have to tolerate the heat: geraniums (useful for fighting mosquitoes in the summer), lavender and petunia will be perfect.

If space allows, opt for vases and flowerpots, while if the dimensions are small you will find many small-sized solutions on the market that, when anchored to the railing, will allow you to save a lot of floor space.

Always remember that the absence or scarcity of space does not preclude the organization of your green corner, indeed it can be a stimulus to find a creative solution that conforms to personal taste. 

3. Outdoor materials: between physical performance and aesthetics

The design of the outdoor space also includes the choice of materials to be used in the furnishing accessories which, since they are exposed to atmospheric agents, in addition to satisfying the aesthetic taste, must be resistant and long-lasting. Currently, there are many solutions on the market that can satisfy the needs of the most hostile climates and that, thanks to their versatility of use, can be used for all types of furnishings.

Furthermore, new generation materials guarantee stylistic continuity between internal and external environments, since they are now applicable to furnishings and accessories designed for both. The prerogative of these materials is that of good resistance, but also that of maintenance that is simple and allows the user a limited commitment of time and energy. It is necessary to choose the materials keeping in mind some factors such as the space available, the exposure of your terrace, the climatic conditions and the time available to manage the environment.      

The open-air furnishing

There are different paths to follow depending on personal taste and needs. There are natural and synthetic materials; both are able to guarantee high performance thanks to new technologies, they differ in the final effect they will give to your habitat.

• NATURAL FIBERS

WOOD

Always an excellent material used in the construction field, it makes the environment warm and welcoming. Among the advantages of wood are its extended durability and reduced maintenance, in fact if treated with natural oils, it resists breakage, temperature changes and humidity. In the past it was used mainly in internal environments but today thanks to the numerous varieties and treatments to which it is subjected, it can also be used in external ones.

Among the most used types of wood, teak certainly reigns supreme; of tropical origin, it is famous for its use in the nautical field and among its properties it includes excellent resistance to atmospheric agents. It is particularly appreciated for its warm and elegant appearance that blends with high technical performance and for this reason it is used for outdoor furniture with a strong aesthetic impact. Finally, the different types of treatment and finishing allow the same material to take on different appearances, making it suitable for completely different contexts.

WICKER

Famous natural fiber obtained from the intertwining of willow branches, it is widely used for exteriors and has the advantage of being light and resistant at the same time. Today available on the market in various colors in addition to the neutral one, it is a flexible material for use, it can adapt to all environments making them welcoming and giving them a colonial look.

BAMBOO'

Obtained from an evergreen plantation, bamboo is distinguished by its very rigid and resistant hollow trunk. Also used in the East for the construction of stilts and homes, it is found on the market in the form of exotic-looking furnishings and accessories. Due to its widespread presence in nature, the cost of this material is relatively low and allows for its widespread use. 

RATTAN

In the case of rattan, the material is not obtained from a single plant but from a large family of plant species from Asia. The processing of the fibers is completely natural: they are cleaned, processed and left to dry in the sun for a long time until they reach the desired appearance. High resistance and long life are the two strong points of rattan, which after specific treatments is used for outdoor furniture.

As for the maintenance of the above-mentioned natural materials, it is sufficient to clean them periodically with brushes and cloths soaked in water and neutral soap. In the case of traces of mold, ammonia can be used in a very small quantity because it is important to remember that natural fibers are as beautiful as they are delicate.

• SYNTHETIC FIBERS

WPC (WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE)

If you love the look of natural wood but you don't have the possibility to dedicate careful maintenance to your furniture, there is a valid compromise on the market: composite materials. In fact, obtained from a mix of natural fibers and thermoplastic polymers, they are similar to wood and do not alter over time if exposed to atmospheric agents.

PLASTIC MATERIALS

They are increasingly widespread and chosen for their lightness and very low maintenance; the treatments of plastic materials make them resistant to direct light thanks to special pigments that guarantee high durability over time. Washable, light, stackable, plastic is used in the production of modern and easy-to-use furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.

Today, very sophisticated processes are able to give different and original aspects to this material that is transformed and thus takes on the appearance of natural fibers and also of processed and woven fabrics. The impermeability, low cost, aesthetic yield and high technical performance make this material one of the most used.
Some of the most common types are polyethylene, which is resistant to chemical agents, synthetic resin, which is very versatile, and propylene, which is resistant and lightweight.
Cleaning plastic furniture is quick and easy and can be done with water and common detergent.  

• METAL ALLOYS

ALUMINUM, STEEL, IRON

For those who love modern and minimal style, metals are an excellent choice. Today, in fact, thanks to the numerous treatments to which they are subjected, they guarantee resistance to the elements (waterproofing, galvanization, coloring).

Furthermore, maintenance does not require much effort and cleaning is simple: just treat the surfaces with Marseille soap and dry them with a soft cloth. All cleaning substances containing grains are banned.
One of the chosen materials is aluminum, because it is very light and allows the furniture to be easily moved from one room to another according to the needs of the moment. It has a contemporary look, does not tend to corrode and offers even higher performance through waxes and oils. It is also possible to treat aluminum with powder coatings that further protect it from heat and humidity; however, it tends to discolor over time and to overcome this problem it is possible to make it shiny again through simple polishing.

As for steel, it is a stable, durable material but heavier than aluminum. Iron, on the other hand, has the advantage of being robust but the defect of rusting easily; for this reason it is treated with baths in zinc tanks that strengthen the surface protecting it from rust.
For those who love classic and traditional environments, wrought iron is recommended, available on the market in a wide range of products.    

• OUTDOOR FABRICS

After choosing the furniture, you move on to the accessories, essential to make the environment welcoming and to satisfy personal aesthetic taste. They range from cushions to rugs, from poufs to towels, all textile elements that if exposed to the open air and atmospheric agents must be able to resist and remain unchanged over time.  

For this purpose, waterproof materials are perfect, specifically designed to cover and enrich outdoor sofas and seats. The high technical performance is an added value that makes a simple interior fabric usable anywhere; denim, jacquard, cotton, solid colors, patterns and stripes will make the terrace furnishing accessories unique.  

4. Style: a mirror of your personality

Since the terrace is the external continuation of your home, it is good practice to furnish it in a manner consistent with the interior spaces. Since it is also a corner of paradise for everyone, it will be easy to follow your own taste in choosing materials, furnishings and decorations in order to arouse feelings of pleasant relaxation.
Setting up the space in coherence with the house and blending it well with the context can help achieve an excellent result.

Three simple tips, if followed, will simplify the design of your outdoor space:

• choose furniture and furnishings that are consistent with the style of the interior spaces;
• ensure the right lighting by choosing light sources suitable for the whole; 
• add some greenery: plants give life and colour to the environment.

Below we will illustrate three stylistic examples that are very different from each other but easily applicable to individual needs; you just need to be guided by your instinct and your aesthetic taste.

• THE MINIMAL TERRACE

The perfect style for those who love Scandinavian order and rigor is the minimal one.
Introduced in the 60s as an artistic movement that placed itself in clear opposition to previous trends, it soon gained acclaim throughout the world. 

One of the most important representatives of the movement was Mies Van Der Rohe who with his slogan “Less is more” outlined its cardinal principle: banishment of useless decorations in favor of purity of forms. The characteristics of this style are: purity of forms, concreteness, functionality, refined elegance. The reduction to the purest lines and the elimination of the superfluous and the sumptuous are the basis of a philosophy that has made essentiality a true lifestyle.

As regards the MATERIALS typical of the minimal language, concrete is perhaps the one that most characterizes this style; left exposed it is typical of floors and walls and transmits a sense of solid and austere concreteness. Furthermore, it is a resistant and durable material over time that is now also highly appreciated from an aesthetic point of view. For the furnishings, on the other hand, innovative materials are used such as metals and lacquers for structures and profiles, crystals and glass for the support surfaces and plastic and leather for the seats. This type of choice blends traditional elements with modern solutions and a hi-tech flavor.

The palette of COLOURS,  It includes neutral colors that include white, shades of gray, black and sometimes shades of brown. If you want to surprise, an element of intense color such as red or yellow is allowed in order to create an unexpectedly appreciated contrast. Other colors that can be found in a minimal environment are the pastel ones of sage green and yellow, but these are particular cases in which the taste of the user meets that of the typical colors of the 60s.

The spatial arrangement of theFURNITURE is of fundamental importance, each piece must be placed in an orderly manner without being too cumbersome. Functionality is the basis and everything must be within reach; often the seats follow the perimeter of the terrace, while the coffee table acts as the only central hub.
The preferred shapes for all furnishings are geometric, pure and with a clean and square cut, according to the rigor and minimal elegance. Remembering to eliminate everything that is superfluous and not indispensable, cushions, rugs and vases in solid colors and bright tones will be welcome in contrast with the neutral ensemble.

Attention to detail and care for particulars will make your environment unique: focus on ornamental plants and light points to be able to exploit your terrace even in the evening hours. A few lamps, with simple, geometric shapes and white light, preferably in metal so that they give a modern and sterile touch.

Below is an example of a minimalist style terrace where neutral colors and contemporary furnishings predominate.

• THE MEDITERRANEAN TERRACE

Influenced by the southern European and African cultures that overlook the Mediterranean Sea, this style is characterized by being refined and elegant. Italy, Greece and Morocco are considered the precursors of a culture that embraces the colors of the earth and the traditions of ancient peoples.

The underlying principles are the emulation of natural elements such as the earth and the sea in shapes and colors. The ultimate goal is to make the outdoor environment welcoming and familiar by proposing chromatic and formal choices that recall nature and the sea and convey feelings of peace and relaxation.

I MATERIALS The chosen ones of lovers of the Mediterranean style are the natural ones: white lime, stone, terracotta, stoneware, wood. The walls of the terrace are strictly white, with exposed plaster or enriched by the characteristic majolica, small tiles that show sinuous designs and motifs. In fact, ceramics are a real leitmotif, usable on floors and coverings, they cannot be missed.

The flooring of the Mediterranean terrace, in addition to being characterised by mosaic-effect ceramic tiles, can be made of terracotta or porcelain stoneware, a versatile and resistant material. As regards the choice of COLOURS, It will be very simple! Just be inspired by the colors of nature and the seascape. The earthy shades of red and yellow sands blend with the bright colors of blue and turquoise typical of the sea. The white of sea foam, the aqua green and the yellow ochre, symbol of a lush nature, are not missing.

From the point of view of the layout, the terrace will become a warm and welcoming environment where theFURNITURE will be enriched by accessories and decorations inspired entirely by nature. The tables and chairs can be in colored iron with sinuous shapes and inlays but rattan furnishings with wrought iron profiles and rich fabric inserts also fit well into the environment. Depending on your tastes, you can choose lighter and more modern furniture or elaborate and powerful ones, the first will give a fresh touch the second will give a more antique look.

To enrich the furnished space, lanterns, candles, rope ornaments and shells, are just some of the elements evocative of the maritime landscape. However, this type of terrace is not tied to its location, suitable for summer homes by the sea, it can be an excellent corner of paradise in the city house.  

The most popular decorations are handcrafted: amphorae, ceramic vases, poufs and cushions with rich textures and deep blue colors. The fabrics that are placed on seats and sofas are natural and light: linen, organic cotton and raffia. 

To complete the open space project, an element that enriches and refreshes is greenery; the most suitable for this environment are plants of the Mediterranean scrub and citrus fruits, some species of which can be planted in pots.

Below is an example of a Mediterranean-style terrace where intense, bright colors and elements inspired by the marine landscape predominate.

• THE ETHNIC TERRACE

Unlike the other two styles, for the ethnic one there are no specific rules to follow, it is a real mix of cultures and different elements and the greatest difficulty is to obtain a harmonious and not too redundant result. The solution to the problem is to find a common thread, an element that unites all the furnishings and accessories even if they belong to different styles. The color, a material, a shape, will be enough to create a harmonious and pleasing to the eye whole.

The origin of this colorful style is distant and can be found in different cultures: Morocco, India, Africa, the Far East. It is essential to observe the differences that distinguish each territory and understand which cultures to refer to specifically.

Creativity and personal taste are the basis thanks to which a balanced environment can be recreated without having to rely on rigid dictates. COLOURS, are of fundamental importance for the ethnic style, bright and lively must be used sparingly to avoid heavy and too chaotic effects. The warm and lively shades of yellow, orange, red and purple prevail, which mixed with sand colors give the environment a lively and welcoming touch.

On the choice of MATERIALS better to prefer natural ones, wood for floors, teak, bamboo and rattan for furnishings. Wood is available in various formats and qualities: planks, polished pallets, in dark and light shades, with a rougher but also more refined effect. A more sophisticated solution is the one that involves the insertion of cement tiles in multi-colored shapes and colors on the floor, an excellent choice to enhance the environment and give it a retro flavor.

As far as the 'FURNITURE there are no real distribution schemes but the choice of the type of furniture is really important. In fact, if you want to recreate the typical atmosphere of "a tea in the desert" the first rule is the low table, accompanied by cushions and poufs used as seats, it will be perfect for a break in the open air. On the ethnic terrace you cannot miss furnishing accessories and fabrics that will enrich the environment: perforated lanterns, candles with spicy scents, hookahs, incense, fabrics and silks with bold tones and embroidered textures. 

The final touch to make the terrace more vital and ensure a greater degree of well-being, consists in inserting some species of plants and in the specific case of the ethnic style the most suitable are succulents, with little maintenance, they give color and originality to the environment.

Below is an example of an ethnic-style terrace where the mix of elements and color gives originality and evokes images of distant destinations.

Cover photo: “Collov Home Design” on unsplash

Moodboard by Chiara Del Core