-
The advantage of opting for a spa bath rather than a pool is that they are much more economical and easier to maintain – plus, of course, they use far less water. -
The advantage of an inner courtyard is that it is a visual extension of the adjacent rooms. Partially covered, it also means more time can be spent outdoors thanks to the protection it provides from the elements.
WORDS Biddi Rorke IMAGES Dan Duchars/Getty Images/Gallo Images
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. Here are two ways to bring the outside in – and cosy up at the same time.
A SPA BATH
When space allows, a water feature is a wonderful addition to any outside area, and a steamy open-air bath in winter offers a very particular pleasure. As Peter Goetsch of Porta Spa in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, explains, a four-to-six seater 1 000 litre spa is becoming an increasingly attractive feature as it is more economical to install and maintain than a conventional swimming pool, plus it has the added advantage of offering a warm water solution for cooler evenings outdoors. When it comes to spas, you can choose between an in-ground feature or a free-standing unit.
Nemone Bieldt of Indigo Architects in Cape Town says it’s worth noting that water weighs one ton per cubic metre, so installing a large in-ground spa as an afterthought can create structural problems, especially on suspended terraces. It’s best if dug-in water elements are integrated into outdoor design from inception.
“If you opt for an in-built spa, it’s imperative that it is suitably installed in a concrete box so that the acrylic shell is easy to remove when repairs are required,” Peter explains. “Alternatively, if it is fitted into a timber deck, the base of the spa needs to be adequately supported by a timber tower.”
Free-standing spas that are raised higher than seat level need not become visual obstructions to an outdoor area if they are cleverly considered. “Anything from planters and stepped seating to bar counters can add to the aesthetic of your free-standing spa,” Peter says. “The added bonus of a stand-alone unit is that no heat is lost through groundwork, plus the pipes and pumps are concealed in the base, allowing for a seamless, uncomplicated structure.”
Nemone adds that when the edges of a spa are raised to seat level and widened slightly, they can provide additional seating space, which is especially useful in small spaces.
Choice cladding for free-standing spas includes timber such as meranti that expands and contracts with changing temperatures, or a synthetic fibre cement wood-grained frame that requires less maintenance, Peter explains. This can be coated and sealed for a timber effect or whitewashed for a more contemporary, streamlined look.
Another key consideration is the cover. “Select a floating solar blanket for easy use and insulation, or a pullover PVC unit that keeps dust and leaves at bay,” Peter advises. “Another option is a light-weight fold-in-half PVC-covered polystyrene cover with lockable clips, which is ideal for holiday homes.”
ENCLOSED SPACES
Internal courtyards bring light and ventilation to buildings that are constrained by party walls – ideal for high-density areas – says Nemone, plus they offer welcome outdoor space in urban areas.
The ideal courtyard should be a visual extension of adjacent rooms in one’s house, so it should flow seamlessly without abrupt changes. “This connection is best achieved by using paving or timber flooring that matches the colour and texture of your indoor rooms,” Nemone explains. “The same applies to wall and ceiling finishes and even your choice of outdoor furniture. Continuity of the structural elements from indoor to outdoor is a fun way to blur the boundaries and lure guests outside. Folding doors which open fully, or sliding doors that disappear into hidden pockets in walls, also help make the outdoor space a seamless extension of the building.”
Whether one opts for a screed floor, timber decking or tiles, bear in mind that the materials need to be as slip-proof as possible. If you’ve decided on the latter, choose natural stone tiles or roughened ceramics to ensure minimal mishaps. “Timber is an excellent solution for outdoor flooring as it offers warmth and texture and that priceless holiday feeling while being low-maintenance,” Nemone says. “Jarrah, a sustainably harvested Australian gum, is ideal for these purposes, although South African producers are also rising to the challenge of supplying sustainable timber and are currently accelerating the supply of properly cured local eucalyptus species.”
And to top it all, a great option for overhead is a movable or mechanical overhead enclosure, such as louvered aluminium or sliding glass panels, which will protect one’s courtyard from the elements when necessary, gifting extra hours outdoors even in fierce sun or sudden downpours. “Alternatively, if extreme weather conditions aren’t a huge consideration, consider a more organic roofing solution, such as a proprietary tensile structure, a tarpaulin on cables and rope, retractable awnings which extend out over the space – or a simple rietdakkie,” Nemone adds. “Remember that solid overhead structures such as light steel or corrugated iron roofing will affect the quality of light to any adjoining rooms, so consider using panels of translucent sheeting panels against the building to keep adjoining rooms well lit and to bring brightness to the outdoor space itself.”
Finally, proper rainwater sumps and catch pits will ensure adequate drainage of an indoor courtyard and prevent it from turning into a muddy swamp.
This article was originally featured in IMAGINE.
