Alfresco entertainment

Refined Outdoor Living

Alfresco Entertainment

A professionally designed and constructed alfresco should appear as a natural extension of the home, as though it has always been there. A critical design element is the treatment of the roof, either concealing roofing materials with a parapet or seamlessly integrating the roofline with the existing structure.

Ceilings can be plastered for a clean, contemporary finish, incorporating skylights and flush-mounted LED lighting. For homes with a more traditional or period style, timber lining boards and decorative moldings provide a timeless and cohesive aesthetic.

The transition from the interior of the home to the alfresco should be seamless, creating a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere that flows naturally into the garden. Sliding stacker doors with recessed, flush floor tracks are an effective way to achieve this connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Consistency in materials is essential. Supporting columns and upper sections should be finished in the same cladding, brick columns paired with brick headers, for an example - to maintain a refined and minimal appearance. A restrained, cohesive approach is far more effective than combining multiple cladding systems.

Careful consideration should also be given to any current or future fit-outs and appliances. Water, gas, drainage and electrical services can be installed during construction, or at least provisioned, allowing flexibility for future use without disruption.

When combined with a swimming pool, well-planned outdoor lighting and considered landscaping, a quality alfresco space can rival architecturally designed homes at a fraction of the cost.