There are so many ways you can create a beautiful outdoor space. We hope these fresh designs inspire you to build your ultimate alfresco.
If you would like to discuss how to design and create a beautiful space for your alfresco area, contact Letitia today.
There are many ways of adding value to your home and creating a beautiful outdoor space certainly adds value in a number of ways.
We hope these designs inspire you to build your ultimate alfresco.
If you would like to discuss how to design and create a beautiful space for your alfresco area, contact Letitia today.
Australia is made for outdoor living, so it is little wonder that alfresco areas have become sought-after additions in any property.
Homeowners see great value in adding beautiful outdoor spaces such as decking, patios and pergolas – and not just financial value.
This month, Letitia shares three ways an alfresco adds more than dollar value to your home.
You can enjoy the outside of your home and make the most of your home life, whether it is :
Patios can be designed to create a beautiful space that offers shade and shelter in the hot Australian summers. The range of roofing options allows you to control the amount of sun and shade throughout Summer.
And in Winter, your alfresco are can provide comfort and warmth so you can still enjoy time outside. And there are plenty of design options to keep you warm.
Choosing high-quality, durable products, that require minimum maintenance means your alfresco will look its best for years and you get to enjoy it for longer.
And, if you’re not a green thumb, adding an outdoor living area means less gardening and less garden maintenance.
If you are looking for a larger home, but really want to stay where you are because you:
adding an alfresco area can be a more affordable option than moving home. And you get to stay in a home you love.
If you’re looking to add value to your home contact Ultimate Alfresco to discuss your options.
Are you trying to design a winter-friendly alfresco?
Here are four things to consider.
Placing your alfresco on the northern side of your home means you can capture the winter sun.
Why?
Well, the sun passes across the sky from east to west on a low trajectory from the north. This means a north facing alfresco will have sun the whole day, which also has positive implications on heating and lighting – you shouldn’t need to use as much of either, which helps reduce costs.
And the best reason – you tend to use your alfresco more when you get the sun on and in it.
Having a roof on your alfresco area immediately creates the feeling of an indoor room outdoors.
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding what type of roofing to have for your alfresco area.
Historically your alfresco roof would be an extension of your home’s roof, there are modern alternatives with technology to help you manage weather (think staying warm in winter), light, ventilation and other factors. These options offer flexibility of your alfresco use, plus they can be designed to feel like part of your home – even if the roof style is different.
Your alfresco roof could be:
At the end of the day, choose the roof that will work for how you use your alfresco area.
While many people prefer their alfresco area to be as open so they can embrace the beautiful weather of our region, having an open alfresco can limit your use.
Enclosing your alfresco is a practical option that gives you the flexibility to have protection from the winter cold, enjoy the beautiful autumn days we have here in Albury Wodonga, or keep cool in the hot summer.
These days there is a wide range of choices when it comes to enclosing your alfresco, so you can create a space that you love, that you use all the time, and that blends with your existing home. Your options can include:
And if none of the above work for you, you can always custom design your space for the ultimate in your alfresco living.
Because we have such long (and usually hot) summers, a lot of focus goes on how to cool your alfresco, and sometimes heating is overlooked.
Including your heating options, when designing and building your alfresco means your heating will look and feel like part of your home – and not tacked on as an afterthought.
When designing heating to be included in your alfresco area, it is important to understand the Council regulations that apply before you start building, as some restrictions may apply. Shameless self-plug – this is something we do for you at Ultimate Alfresco.
Think about what type of heating you want, for example:
Your heating can be a gorgeous design element that reflects your home, or simply creates a vivid statement in its shape and size.
If you are considering adding an alfresco to your home so you can enjoy being outdoors all year round, feel free to contact us for further advice.
A popular option in alfresco design to help create an indoor-outdoor feeling, and help manage temperatures are insulated ceilings.
So what does an insulated ceiling give you?
The heat from our Australian sun can be overbearing, even when you’re sitting in the shade.
Having an insulated ceiling is an instant way to reduce radiant heat transfer – in some instances by over 90%*.
If you would like to know more detail on how, check out the technical details over the page, or give Phil a call to discuss, T 0260 406555.
If you want your alfresco to feel like it is part of your home and create a natural flow from your indoor space to outdoors, having an insulated ceiling can help achieve that.
Alfresco areas often use a vaulted ceiling, which creates a distinctive difference to your indoor rooms (unless they too have vaulted ceilings).
By adding an insulated ceiling that matches the same level as the room (or rooms) leading to your outdoor area, you immediately create a connection between the two.
At Ultimate Alfresco, we have been using Ceilink insulated ceiling panel system for a number of years. Below are some of the reasons.
∞ Their insulated panel system is quick and easy for us to install, which reduces your costs.
∞ The EPS insulated core of the system reduces radiant heat transfer by over 90%.
∞ The rigid insulated panels are Australian made with a pre-finished white steel ceiling face, insulated core and reflective foil backing.
∞ They have a Group 1 fire rating and great long-term thermal properties.
∞ The panels are 900mm wide and are available in a range of made-to-order lengths.
∞ The specially designed interlocking panels can be mounted under your existing roof, or included as part of your design process.
∞ They are low maintenance and don’t need painting. This means you get to spend more time in your alfresco area relaxing.
If you want to know more about the benefits of an insulated ceiling for your alfresco area, contact Ultimate Alfresco.