ARCHITECT’S NOTEBOOK
Karen Newman is here to show you why your verandah is the best room in the house
I often talk about ‘transition zones’ and how important these are in creating a sense of flow and harmony between spaces. an outside room (or verandah) is one of these all-important junctures: it blurs the line between indoors and out, making for a natural progression between the two. get it right, and an outdoor room is a wonderfully versatile space. wraparound verandahs typical of Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture would protect windows and doors from adverse weather. these days, an outside room is lifestyle-rather than necessity-driven, but including one in your renovation is always a good idea. one should treat the space as neither separate from the outside nor the inside.
Position is key – avoid a deep band of shade up against the house that blocks out crucial light to inside spaces.
▪ Outdoor rooms work best on the west of the house with views that spill out onto the north garden. [1]
▪ Include extended awnings or drop-down blinds for when the sun is hot. southfacing rooms are usually too cold.
▪ Ideally, have your outdoor room close to spots where garden activities take place (a swimming pool, for example). It makes for points of connectedness between family members across various activities. [2]
▪ To maximise the use of an outdoor room into winter, think of enclosing it with sliding glass panels, and do build in a fireplace. [3]
▪ Provide enough enclosure to take on the feel of a room with two or three closed sides. define the ‘room’ at the corners with columns, and create an enclosure with screens, hedges and built-in seats. [4]
▪ The interior of the verandah should not fight with the style of the house, but make it subtly distinct with ‘earthier’ finishes. rough textures on the floor and raw, sturdy elements evoke a sense of connection to the outside.
Make ceilings intriguing and textured by cladding with rattan, timber, or grasscloth. [5]
▪ Adorn the space in a way that encourages people to behave as they would in an indoor room. use the conventional comforts: create layers by way of furniture, pillows, throws and rugs.
▪ As with all the best living rooms, you need seating that is welcoming and that you’ve positioned it for great conversation. Make it a convivial space for entertaining and family get-togethers: a drinks trolley, perhaps a sound system if you want music in the background. did I mention a fireplace?
▪ Include a table for outdoor eating and remember to allow for enough space to move around your seating and tables.
▪ Outdoor lighting can extend your time outdoors, but keep it muted: low-voltage lighting recessed in retaining walls is an option, but primarily rely on beautiful glass hurricane lanterns and candles.
▪ green up the space with potted plants or a creeper trellis so it feels like a gateway to the garden. newmanarchitects.co.za @newman_architecture_design