Category TERRACE DESIGN

The distant horizon, the expansive panoramas, the absence of close neighbors and the predominance of the blue sea are the main features of these ter­races, which tend to have a marked horizontality in their design, furthermore, they are generally outdoor spaces that need to be protected from weather conditions, such as burning sunshine, the presence of salt in the atmosphere and strong winds. As a result, the materials most often found on these ter­races are those that adapt best to these conditions. Metal must be specially treated against corrosion...

In rural areas, the tendency to inhabit spaces outside the house becomes more apparent. Many activities typical of a country home, such as looking after plants, picking fruit and, in many cases, rearing animals, demand living spaces that are set outdoors. Furthermore, the big available land makes it possible to design very large terraces that blend in with a garden and the surrounding landscape. Country terraces thereby become not mere extensions of interiors but rooms in their own right, such as lounges, play areas, dining rooms and even cooking areas. The furniture becomes more complete and the design, gen­erally marked by the surroundings, take on a pronounced rustic look...

City terraces, of whatever size, are perhaps the most introverted of all due to the density of the urban fabric, the closeness of neighbors and the unappeal­ing views. This kind of designs, more than any other, seeks to hide eyesores, protect residents’privacy and provide a framework for the more interesting vis­tas available. As many such terraces are located on a roof, or simply because of the high price of real estate, they are areas of limited dimensions. However, it is also possible to find terraces in family houses bordered by a large garden. These tend to be slightly larger and resemble country terraces, although there is always the conditioning factor of limitated views...

The relationship between the exterior and interior is a determining factor in the per­sonality of every home. Terraces are key ele­ments when it comes to endowing living spaces with a deeper, more expansive and open quality The earliest houses of all, temporary structures made with branches and animal skins, or even the cave dwell­ings had an outdoor area clearly defined as belonging to the home and in which important domestic activities were under­taken t was the place for preparing food, cleaning, working and relaxing. Although todays homes are equipped to accommo­date all these activities, the private outdoor area has been retained as an ideal spot for socializing and contemplation, as well as for the strong impression of expansiveness it bestows on the interior area...