The architecture of outdoor spaces

Richard Dalman 

Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz

With summer upon us bringing warmer temperatures and longer days, we have the opportunity to spend more time enjoying the outdoors – whether it’s a BBQ with friends and family, relaxing in a shady spot with a good book, or playing with kids in the sunshine. In most cases, both natural and built landscapes will play a part. 

As architects, we have considerable influence over the design of these outdoor spaces and often work with our landscape architect colleagues to create a total outdoor living environment. 

For residential buildings, we think about outdoor areas in terms of public/private, sunny/shaded, windy/sheltered, views to and from, and indoor/outdoor flow. All of these considerations relate to changing climatic conditions diurnally and seasonally. 

We considered all those factors when designing the Water House. Starting from the interior, there was the opportunity for unobstructed views out to the water and stacking sliding doors, allowing a seamless flow to the outdoors. 

By the water, the opportunity to sit at a lower level than an overhanging deck was created. And on the deck itself, above the water, we can feel totally exposed out in the big landscape of the Ihutai Estuary reaching out to the sea beyond. It’s a great place to be on those early Christchurch mornings when the sun shines and there is no wind. 

But when the ‘Easterly’ blows, shelter is needed, so a courtyard was formed, enclosed by the house as it wraps around it, delivering protection but allowing the afternoon sun to penetrate. Large sliding doors enable the interior to connect with this ‘outdoor room’, and a ceiling heater under an overhang ensures it can be used for alfresco dining even on chilly evenings. Coastal-appropriate planting selected in conjunction with a landscape architect contributes to a sense of enclosure in this courtyard haven and creates a softer, more intimate landscape than that by the water. 

As well as creating outdoor spaces conducive to relaxation and recreation, practical aspects must also be provided. Here, these include an entry forecourt for cars and pedestrians and a service courtyard hidden out of the way. 

All of these spaces were considered and 

designed as part of the holistic house design to enrich the residents, allowing them to fully enjoy our temperate climate.