The terrace becomes a living space in its own right

The boundaries between indoors and outdoors tend to blur in residential projects. Following the development of teleworking and the search for a better work-life balance, terraces and gardens are accommodating more numerous and regular uses.

These spaces are no longer just designed for sunny days. They are now conceived as additional rooms, with attention paid to their functionality, comfort, architectural integration and the durability of the materials.

The garden is accommodating new workspaces

This trend is reflected in particular by the development of garden studios and independent modules. In Croydon, Greater London, a homeowner commissioned Okopod to build an outdoor office , in order to better separate his professional activities from his residence.

Installed in the garden, this compact module remains close to the house while providing a self-contained workspace. Its Kebony Clear wood cladding helps it blend into the surrounding environment. The project illustrates how modular construction can add a new function to a plot of land without altering the volume of the main building.

Outdoor spaces designed for well-being and conviviality

Outdoor spaces also cater to uses related to relaxation, meals, and socializing. In Sweden, designer and television personality Malin Persson chose Kebony Clear wood to create a custom-made terrace and furniture.

Using the same material for both the flooring and the equipment creates visual continuity between the different elements of the garden. According to the manufacturer, the wood gradually develops a silvery-grey patina under the effects of sun and weather, without this change in appearance affecting its performance.

The terrace as a direct extension of the accommodation

In contemporary architectural projects, large glazed openings reinforce the continuity between interior rooms and exterior spaces. At Villa Porto-Vecchio in Corsica, a vast Kebony Clear terrace directly extends the living spaces into the Mediterranean landscape.

Designed by the architecture firm AW², the residence combines the wood of the terrace with stone and local vegetation. The terrace thus becomes a transitional space between the house, the swimming pool and the sea view, rather than simply a surface adjoining the building.

This connection to the landscape is also found at Kilsti Compact Lodge in Eidsdal, Norway. The four cabins, built by Omgi, feature large windows and terraces opening onto the Storfjord and the mountains. According to Kebony, these terraces were constructed using its Character range to ensure a seamless integration between the accommodations and their natural surroundings.

The choice of material is central to the design

The increasing number of uses requires that several criteria be taken into account when designing a terrace: resistance to weathering, dimensional stability, maintenance, ease of use and aesthetic evolution.

Developed in Norway, Kebony technology involves impregnating softwood with a bio-based liquid, followed by a heating phase. This process permanently alters the wood's cellular structure to improve its stability and strength. However, precise characteristics vary depending on the product range and should be verified in the technical documentation for the specific product.

Beyond the materials used, transforming a terrace into a living space requires a comprehensive design that considers its orientation, access, water management, intended uses, and its relationship to the building. The exterior design thus plays a vital role in the functionality and quality of life of the dwelling.