Terrace design: three ideas for optimal use

In the summer, we selected three terraces from nume­rous submis­sions in which we saw a lot of poten­tial. Terraces in parti­cular are often unde­re­sti­mated, as space is limited and should be utilised prag­ma­ti­cally. With a well thought-out concept, however, even smaller areas can become a high­light. But this requires well thought-out patio plan­ning.

Proce­dure for a new patio design

When plan­ning a patio design, we proceed in the same way as with a garden design. After the initial discus­sion and measu­re­ments, the plan­ning concept is drawn up. After consul­ting with the customer and making any neces­sary adjus­t­ments, visua­li­sa­tions provide a first glimpse of the garden. Once the project plan, which includes all the tech­nical details, has been drawn up, the buil­ding permit is obtained. In the case of a terrace, the load capa­city must also be deter­mined in advance. A suitable partner is sought during the tende­ring process. The plants and furnis­hings, which are selected toge­ther, are of course central to the crea­tion of a beau­tiful patio. We at PARC’S then accom­pany the cons­truc­tion phase and are on site for the final inspec­tion to ensure that ever­y­thing is realised as we discussed with the customer. (see „How we work“)

We also followed these plan­ning steps for the three winning terraces. For the vessels, we worked with our partner Amadeo Ambi­ente suitable pots for the patio, which play a very important role on a patio.

We have created a detailed plan for each of these terraces. The plan­ning concept from a bird’s eye view and a visua­li­sa­tion give the winners a first impres­sion of the terrace. We would of course be delighted if the ideas were realised!

When desig­ning terraces, the visual rela­ti­onships, the choice of mate­rials and the plan­ting plan are just as important as when desig­ning gardens. This can be seen very clearly in the follo­wing three terraces:

Patio design 1: Create a cosy atmosphere with new planting

The terrace is a large lounge and dining area with a variety of furnis­hings. Plan­ting and certain rear­ran­ge­ments will round off the cosy atmo­sphere and give the rooms a clearer struc­ture.

• 

• 

• 

Plan­ning concept

The covered lounge area is mini­mally repo­si­tioned in the concept. 4 contai­ners are placed symme­tri­cally on the long side­board behind the sofa. This creates a cosy open-air living room. The covered area is the focal point of the entire terrace and is ther­e­fore decisive for the visual axes in the design.

Three umbrella-shaped shrubs in large contai­ners are posi­tioned to the west and south at the edge of the terrace. Due to their growth form, it is possible to see through the trunks, but they create suffi­cient privacy for the rather free-standing terrace.

The dining table and chairs are moved further north into the previously rela­tively unused patio area. Two troughs are used here: a higher one facing north is planted with ever­green shrubs to hide this area from view. A low trough in front of the windows is planted with lavender.

• 

Visua­li­sa­tion

The exis­ting fire­place is supple­mented with exis­ting stools, as well as an exis­ting rug and the hanging chair, close to the second group of three umbrella trees. In front of these, the terrace is kept open, as unfur­nished as possible for spacious­ness and freedom of move­ment.

Plants and contai­ners

• Osman­thus burk­woodii or hete­ro­phyllus umbrella form
• Hydrangea pani­cu­lata ‘Bobo’
• Osman­thus burk­woodii shrub
• Lavan­dula angusti­folia
• Penni­s­etum alope­cu­ro­ides ‘Hameln’
• Gaura lind­hei­meri or Allium
• Campa­nula posch­ars­kyana or Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or Thymus serpyllum
• Bulbous plants optional

• 

• 

• 

• 

Terrace design 2: A meeting place between solitary trees with a far-reaching view

The view is at the centre of this terrace and should remain unob­s­tructed. The terrace owner wants an area for aperi­tifs with friends and family, which is to be trans­formed into a second living room thanks to a well thought-out plan­ting concept.

• 

• 

• 

Plan­ning concept

Cosy lounge furni­ture forms the central elements of the design. A réca­mière with fewer back­rests creates an opening towards the lake, while two cosy armchairs oppo­site it and two small tables of diffe­rent heights complete the seating area. A dark outdoor rug adds texture and cosi­ness to the floor. A large swing-arm parasol provides shade.

• 

• 

Visua­li­sa­tion

To hide the neigh­bou­ring roof, a trough is placed along the north-west side and planted with tall grasses. Two umbrella-shaped shrubs in large pots and a hydrangea in a smaller container are used to hide the slope to the north. The plants provide support and backing for the seating area and also create a great eye-catcher in the evening with the lighting. Outdoor lights complete the lighting in the evening.

• 

Plan­ting and contai­ners

• Osman­thus burk­woodii or hete­ro­phyllus umbrella form
• Hydrangea pani­cu­lata ‘Bobo’
• Cala­ma­grostis x acuti­flora ‘Karl Foerster’
• Campa­nula posch­ars­kyana
• Bulbous plants optional

• 

• 

• 

Terrace design 3: Optimum placement of dining area, lounge and whirlpool

The three areas of the terrace — dining area, lounge and whirl­pool — are to be arranged in such a way that the bathing area can be posi­tioned sensibly. A weather­proof pergola is also to be installed.

• 

• 

• 

Plan­ning concept

The concept aims to spati­ally sepa­rate the three areas from one another and make the terrace appear more spacious overall, while at the same time protec­ting it from the outside. In both vari­ants, the exis­ting wooden deck is to be moved in order to make the best possible use of the space.

Variant 1
The dining area and lounge are connected, with the lounge remai­ning one step higher as before. Behind the wooden lounge deck, the whirl­pool has a shel­tered place where tech­nical instal­la­tions and the cushion box can also be well concealed. The fire bowl will be relo­cated. The end of the terrace is formed by a group of umbrella-shaped shrubs in a large pot and a white hydrangea in a smaller pot. A patio cover in a colour that matches the rest of the furnis­hings could be used here.

Variant 2
The whirl­pool is at the centre of the terrace. The lounge is posi­tioned in the corner of the two troughs for more support and secu­rity. More room to move is created in front of the whirl­pool. The pot combi­na­tion at the corner of the pergola support conceals it perfectly and creates a lively, green look.

• 

• 

Visua­li­sa­tion

The lounge and whirl­pool are surrounded by troughs. Ever­green shrubs provide full privacy, while orna­mental grasses add trans­pa­rency and light­ness. In the corner sits an umbrella-shaped shrub in a large pot. It provides shade and shelter and forms an attrac­tive end to the patio.

Plants and contai­ners

• Osman­thus burk­woodii or hete­ro­phyllus umbrella form
• Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’
• Hydrangea pani­cu­lata ‘Bobo’
• Osman­thus burk­woodii shrub
• Penni­s­etum alope­cu­ro­ides ‘Hameln’ optional with Allium
• Campa­nula posch­ars­kyana u/o Penni­s­etum alope­cu­ro­ides ‘Little Bunny’
• Bulbous plants optional

• 

• 

• 

You can find more infor­ma­tion about terraces here.

Do you also have an unused terrace and want to make the most of the space for next summer? Contact us for a non-binding consul­ta­tion.

[contact-form‑7 id=“5″ title=“Enquiry form“]