An unseasonably cold summer may have put a damper on your summer outdoor entertaining, but with an alfresco area, that doesn’t have to be the case.
An alfresco area is a living space that creates a “transition between indoors & outdoors.” It is a continuation of the home, and if designed well, can seamlessly blend into the indoor living spaces.
They are highly customisable, adaptable and can be built in almost any space. As they are a built structure, they must comply with building codes, but as a registered builder, Martin Cuthbert takes care of all of this.
An appeal of alfresco areas is that they provide all weather protection, a key selling point in our climate! Roof structures can be fixed or retractable, and shutters can keep sun out and whilst letting the breeze in.
When it comes to design, Martin Cuthbert believes that “the key is to strike a balance between the practical elements and visual appeal”. With the range of fittings available, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Outdoor kitchens, barbecues, sinks, wine storage, lighting and heating are all popular features that make an appearance in almost every alfresco area designed by MCLA.
More and more these spaces have become elaborate cooking areas, with the backyard barbecue becoming a thing of the past. So what are the growing trends in outdoor cooking?
• Wood-fired & Charcoal Ovens – leave the traditional oven in the kitchen! Going back to caveman roots, cooking with fire is growing in popularity and allows for a different style of cooking.
• Zones and cooking islands – with the alfresco area becoming the preferred cooking space, it is becoming increasingly popular to include specific cooking and food preparation zones.
• Servery windows – being both functional and fashionable, servery windows are becoming a common feature. Allowing for easy food service, they can also double as a bar area, making for great entertaining.
Another growing trend is the inclusion of technology. Outdoor sound systems are frequently installed to ensure a lively atmosphere. Mounted televisions are also making an appearance to create the ultimate entertaining area.
Regardless of the fit-out, Martin Cuthbert Landscape Architecture strives to create the ultimate landscape design which is both comfortable and aesthetically appealing.
If you’re looking to create a space for entertaining all year round, give MCLA a call! We’d love to transform your backyard and build an alfresco space that you never want to leave!
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