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If previously a terrace was considered a luxury, now it is difficult to imagine a country house without this extension. In the last century, greater preference was given to the veranda. Essentially, the functionality of both extensions is the same. Only the features of their designs differ. Many people believe that a closed terrace is a veranda, and, conversely, an open veranda is a terrace. Now we will try to understand the design features of both types of extensions, and also touch on their design.
How is a veranda different from a terrace?
Let's immediately figure out how these two buildings differ from each other. Let's start the review from the veranda. The extension is usually built on the same foundation as the house on the side of the entrance doors. Both rooms are equipped with a common roof. The construction of the veranda is planned simultaneously with the preparation of the residential building project. If this was not done initially, the extension is built later, completing the foundation of the house. Verandas are characterized by large windows. They are installed on all walls, but the number can be reduced if the extension is insulated for winter use.
The terrace can be planned after the construction of the house. It is installed on its own separately constructed foundation.Most often, terraces are planned as summer open areas, and support posts buried in the ground serve as the foundation. An integral part of an open building is the parapet. The fence usually has a height of about 1 m. A terrace, unlike a veranda, can be built not only near the entrance doors, but also around the house.
The veranda and terrace still have common features. Both extensions are of open and closed type. This is why they are so often confused in definition. Although their functionality is almost the same. Outdoor areas are used for summer recreation, and indoor areas are used for recreation all year round.
Types of terraces
According to their design, terraces are not only open and closed, but also universal. Let's look at each type separately for a better idea of the extension:
- In the presented photo of the open terrace you can see the raised platform located around the house. It is partially covered with a canopy. The roofing material for the two buildings is of the same type, but the roof of the extension itself is made as a separate structure adjacent to the house. The resting place is surrounded by a parapet. Fence bars are most often made of wood or use forged elements.
- A closed terrace is installed on a stronger foundation. A columnar base is often preferred. The extension is equipped with walls, windows and doors. That is, it turns out to be a full-fledged room. Nowadays it is fashionable to use double-glazed windows in construction. Transparent walls and even the roof provide an overview of the surrounding area. Heating and ventilation are installed inside the room, which allows you to relax when the cold weather sets in.
- The most convenient to use are universal terraces.These transformers are assembled from dismountable double-glazed windows. The roof elements are equipped with a sliding mechanism. The extension is assembled according to the principle of a designer. In a short time you can organize an open area or assemble a full-fledged room.
The owner arranges any type of terrace according to his taste, but the extension should not stand out, but be a smooth continuation of the residential building.
Which is the best extension design to choose?
The choice of design depends on the imagination and financial capabilities of the owner. The terrace can be made in the form of a small area near the entrance doors or a large porch. Even two-story extensions are built near two-story houses. This results in two recreation areas on each floor of the building. A closed terrace is sometimes combined with a living room or kitchen.
The design of the terrace must be determined taking into account the climate of the region. For the middle zone, it is optimal to give preference to a closed extension. As a last resort, the site should be equipped with a canopy. Even a small roof covers a place to rest from precipitation. You still won’t be able to relax in the open area when the cold weather sets in, but in winter, thanks to the canopy, you won’t have to clear the snow every day.
For the southern regions, it is preferable to choose open extensions as much as possible. In the heat, you can relax comfortably on such a platform, enjoying the fresh air and morning sun. A canopy is most often installed to protect from rain or partially shade the terrace.The perimeter of the resting place is surrounded by vines and other green vegetation.
Pool on the terrace
An original solution is a terrace with a swimming pool, fully or partially covered by a canopy. You need at least a small awning to hide from the sun after swimming. At the same time, an open area is provided that allows for tanning. The dimensions of the pool depend on the size of the site. The platform is made from materials that are pleasant to the feet. Usually this is a wooden decking board or a lawn.
Wicker or plastic furniture must be installed on the pool area: sun loungers, chairs and a table. If there are children in the house, it would not be superfluous to arrange a playground with a plastic sandbox.
A comfortable staircase with railings is installed on the platform for descending into the pool. The sides of the font are finished with a material that is beautiful and pleasant to the touch. It can be budget plastic or expensive natural stone, wood, etc.
Video of the summer terrace:
Open extension design
An open veranda or terrace invites you to relax, so the design of such a platform should correspond to its purpose. When choosing furniture, it is better to give preference to folding items. The chairs and table can be easily folded to hide from the rain. Wicker or plastic furniture looks beautiful. Items look like they are made from natural materials, but they are not afraid of exposure to precipitation. Stationary furniture is often practiced in open areas. The benches are made of brick, and the seats are wooden. The table can also be made of stone, and the tabletop can be tiled.
Open terraces and verandas are characterized by landscaping. Lianas and shrubs are popular as ornamental plants.On a small area you can simply put flowerpots with flowers.
Closed extension design
An enclosed terrace or veranda should provide comfort and harmoniously combine with the design of a residential building. At the same time, it is important to ensure a smooth transition of merging the room with nature. Upholstered furniture is installed inside. You can even put a sofa for relaxing. Eco-friendly furniture made from natural materials looks good. Curtains are a mandatory attribute of the room. For landscaping, small flower beds made of stone with planted flowers are used or plastic flowerpots are placed.
There are a lot of options for arranging a place to relax. The main thing is that the veranda or terrace does not stand out as a separate spot among the architectural ensemble, but complements it.
