Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Design, etc, House Tours
This small urban space with deck access gains extra outdoor exposure with this folding door construction. Photo: Architect Your Home
In these homes, access to the outdoors isn't optional -- it's a necessity.
When the weather is nice, you want to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, right? But what about when you're stuck inside doing those pesky chores? Not a problem if you lived in one of these homes, where enjoying the outdoors is possible even when you're inside.
Architect Your Home, a company based in London, is familiar with crafting spaces that not only maximize natural light but also establish a seamless transition between the interior and the exterior of their clients' homes. The family of this South London residence (shown above) often used their outdoor space as a play area for their children. So when mom wanted to better keep an eye on them -- with doors closed to keep the cool air out -- these oak bi-fold doors were the perfect solution.
"There's really a value when it comes to adding a glass wall," says Hugo Tugman, founder of Architect Your Home. "Whether it be a portrait window, bi-fold doors or patio doors, it merges the outdoor space with the indoor space giving the impression of a much larger living area."
Of course, there's also the obvious benefit of adding easy access to the garden and creating an extended space perfect for summer entertaining. But Tugman says that "even in the winter there are benefits -- a wall of glass will allow light to truly flood in even on the grayest of days."
Tugman notes, however, that if you're thinking about tackling this sort of architectural project yourself, you might want to think twice. Every state varies, but building regulations may have strict rules regarding the amount of glass that can be used on one residence. So it's best to seek professional help before getting started.
In the meantime, enjoy these other Architect Your Home projects to get you inspired.
Even on a dreary day this dining room is flooded with light. Photo: Architect Your Home
Photo: Architect Your Home
In Camden (north London), a modern residence got a makeover with a set of 23-foot-long steel bi-fold doors (seen below). When opened, there's no barrier between inside and out, creating an open, airy space. The steel doors are a great option for modern interiors -- especially in a kitchen or dining area where oak or other warm-wood tones wouldn't be the right aesthetic.
A cozy afternoon spent on the sofa . Photo: Architect Your Home
The previously lifeless basement now serves as a light-filled family room with extra space for entertaining (note the dining table at right and bar kitchen counter center). With immediate access to their back patio, their entertaining space was doubled simply by opening up the wall.
No access to the outdoors? No worries -- just create your own with a Juliette balcony. Photo: Architect Your Home