8 outdoor rooms to inspire

Outdoor living spaces are popular as an easy way of growing your social options – louvres or an outdoor fire make it snug year-round

1. Centre of attention

This home's two main pavilions are connected in an elongated, asymmetrical H-shape – this arrangement allowed the bulk of the home to provide shelter from the wind, creating a series of terraces and courtyards, including a central outdoor room.

Designed by Garry Mayne, Chilton + Mayne Architecture

Photography by Dennis Radermacher, Lightforge Photography

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2. Low slung luxury

The conversation pit and fire are low set

This conversation pit and fire are low set to avoid blocking views from the games room, hall or even the dining room – at the same time, al fresco revellers can still enjoy views of the pool, river and ocean.

Designed by Daniel Lomma Design

Photography by: Michael Conroy / Silvertone Photography

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3. Well connected

The use of wide, flush level thresholds provides

The outdoor living areas on both levels of this home overlook the swimming pool while the manicured lawn beyond provides a buffer to the native bush. The schist wall – complete with cosy Warmington Open Wood Fire outdoor fireplace – is echoed on the interior.

Designed by Mark McLeay and Leighton Watane, Creative Arch

Photography by Blade Scenes

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4. Twice as nice

Indoor-outdoor flow – the central kitchen is a

For this home, an outdoor dining area feels almost part of the indoor vibe – thanks to only having walls of glass separating inside from out. On the same side of the house, a second al fresco space overlooks the pool.

Interior designed by Elaine Cecconi, Cecconi Simone

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5. Where the pool comes to you

A sunken seating area outside receives shelter from real estate, gray

This immersive outdoor space is surrounded by water, appropriate for a home that itself is designed as an oasis escape – blessed with the advantages of a tropical location, the home's accrued living spaces are more outside than in.

Designed by ADND

Photography by Sebastian Zachariah

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6. Come rain, sleet or shine

An operable Insol louvre roof makes this outdoor living space usable whatever the weather – due to the high winds, the homeowners requested a sheltered, private courtyard with covered seating area for respite from the hot Central Otago summers. And for cooler days, just turn on the Warmington Outdoor Open Gas Fire.

Designed by Southern Landmarx

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7. Central, snug and a stepping stone

Operable louvres and a heater provide in-ceiling environment moderators for this feature indoor-outdoor garden lounge at the rear of the home – the al fresco space also provides a stepping stone into the landscape, opening up as it does to the lawn and pool beyond.

Designed by Jessop Architects

Photography by John Williams

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