14 Beautiful In-Between Spaces: Verandas Around the World
See how architects are using transitional spaces for shelter and sun harnessing, in homes from Austria to Wisconsin
We rarely move between the inside and outside of our homes without some form of in-between space or cover — it could be a stoop, porch, balcony, veranda, courtyard or canopy. This might be where we initially greet a visitor, sit and read a book, take shelter from the rain or sun, or watch the world go by. For apartment dwellers, the terrace or balcony might be their only private outdoor space, and might double as a space for drying clothes or storing the bike. For passive-house owners, an unheated sun space is a vital part of the home's function.
Where we live defines how we use these in-between spaces, too. Shelter is often the primary role, as these spaces protect us from the elements. They can also harness the sun's energy in low-energy houses, or cool homes with cross-flow cooling breezes.
New designs have made it possible to use these spaces year-round. Many apartments have "winter garden" balconies with sliding glass screens. Wraparound verandas protect from the searing sun in hot climates. Moveable screens can temper the sun, reduce wind or provide privacy. Mesh screens can discourage insects if needed. Even a vine-covered pergola can provide pleasant shade in the summer and more sunlight in the autumn when the leaves fall.
See how architects have tackled the challenges to control the climate's effect on houses while providing pleasant and useful in-between spaces — shown here in the form of verandas.
Where we live defines how we use these in-between spaces, too. Shelter is often the primary role, as these spaces protect us from the elements. They can also harness the sun's energy in low-energy houses, or cool homes with cross-flow cooling breezes.
New designs have made it possible to use these spaces year-round. Many apartments have "winter garden" balconies with sliding glass screens. Wraparound verandas protect from the searing sun in hot climates. Moveable screens can temper the sun, reduce wind or provide privacy. Mesh screens can discourage insects if needed. Even a vine-covered pergola can provide pleasant shade in the summer and more sunlight in the autumn when the leaves fall.
See how architects have tackled the challenges to control the climate's effect on houses while providing pleasant and useful in-between spaces — shown here in the form of verandas.
Gillsville House, Georgia, Robert M. Cain
In this open veranda, the trees create an interesting backdrop but also act as a filter for the sun. The limbs of the trees also appear to be reflected in the exposed structure of the veranda.
In this open veranda, the trees create an interesting backdrop but also act as a filter for the sun. The limbs of the trees also appear to be reflected in the exposed structure of the veranda.
Carmel Residence, California, Dirk Denison Architects
A glass roof covers the external room. The sky is visible overhead while the open finned walls allow gentle breezes inside. The combination of glass, wood, steel and void enriches the experience of sitting outside.
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A glass roof covers the external room. The sky is visible overhead while the open finned walls allow gentle breezes inside. The combination of glass, wood, steel and void enriches the experience of sitting outside.
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Blair Barn, Wisconsin, Empire Development
Timber slatted screens provide welcome shade from the hot sun in the Blair Barn. The screen is also effective in reducing uncomfortable breezes. The tilt-out screen opens up the space to the views, while the mix of vertical and horizontal slats create interesting light and shade patterns inside.
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Timber slatted screens provide welcome shade from the hot sun in the Blair Barn. The screen is also effective in reducing uncomfortable breezes. The tilt-out screen opens up the space to the views, while the mix of vertical and horizontal slats create interesting light and shade patterns inside.
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Passive House, Austria, Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte
This home's sun balcony opens off the main family areas on the south side of the house. It is designed to collect passive solar energy in the winter and can be used as living space throughout the year. Two exterior layers help modulate the climate — sliding glass windows are used in the winter to retain heat, with drop-down slatted screens to prevent overheating.
This home's sun balcony opens off the main family areas on the south side of the house. It is designed to collect passive solar energy in the winter and can be used as living space throughout the year. Two exterior layers help modulate the climate — sliding glass windows are used in the winter to retain heat, with drop-down slatted screens to prevent overheating.
Hamilton Residence, Montana, Eggleston Farkas Architects
Unlike the previous verandas, this porch has a lattice screen that defines the entry to the house and screens it from the road. The porch is seen as a secondary living space along the south side of the house.
Unlike the previous verandas, this porch has a lattice screen that defines the entry to the house and screens it from the road. The porch is seen as a secondary living space along the south side of the house.
Calistoga Home, California, Earthtone Construction
Sunlight falling on this pergola creates exciting shadow play on the adjacent walls and decking.
Sunlight falling on this pergola creates exciting shadow play on the adjacent walls and decking.
Gropius House, Massachusetts, Walter Gropius
In the Gropius House, the upper-level roof is continued across the terrace as a series of timber beams. With walls on three sides, the beams add a dynamic dimension to the otherwise static space. The one open side frames the picture view of the landscape beyond.
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In the Gropius House, the upper-level roof is continued across the terrace as a series of timber beams. With walls on three sides, the beams add a dynamic dimension to the otherwise static space. The one open side frames the picture view of the landscape beyond.
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Hojo, Toyko, Yoneda
The architect calls this space "a cottage with a small garden in the midst of an urban context." The scenery is its urban surroundings, viewed from the floating deck through the horizontal steel screen.
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The architect calls this space "a cottage with a small garden in the midst of an urban context." The scenery is its urban surroundings, viewed from the floating deck through the horizontal steel screen.
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Stinson Beach House, California, Studio Peek Ancona
The slatted timber vertical screen and open joisted roof on this veranda create an interesting visual effect on the timber deck and walls.
The slatted timber vertical screen and open joisted roof on this veranda create an interesting visual effect on the timber deck and walls.
Three Oaks Retreat, Michigan, Wheeler Kearns Architects
The horizontal finned screen positioned high up filters the high-level sun out of this space, leaving the lower section open to allow clear views of the surrounding countryside.
The horizontal finned screen positioned high up filters the high-level sun out of this space, leaving the lower section open to allow clear views of the surrounding countryside.
Porch House at Miller Ranch, Texas, Lake Flato Architects
In this contemporary take on a "dog trot" house, operable sliding slatted screens on each side of the semioutdoor space allow privacy and the ability to adjust exposure to sun and air as needed
In this contemporary take on a "dog trot" house, operable sliding slatted screens on each side of the semioutdoor space allow privacy and the ability to adjust exposure to sun and air as needed
Westport Meadow House, Massachusetts, Maryann Thompson Architects
An elegant roof overhang provides welcome shade to the open terrace. Cooling breezes are encouraged by the positioning of the walls and openings.
An elegant roof overhang provides welcome shade to the open terrace. Cooling breezes are encouraged by the positioning of the walls and openings.
Logan Residence, Colorado, Jones Studio
In this residence the architects created “golden aspen leaves” — shining, fluttering metallic pieces hanging overhead, providing shade to a transitional entry.
In this residence the architects created “golden aspen leaves” — shining, fluttering metallic pieces hanging overhead, providing shade to a transitional entry.
An open veranda provides welcome shade to the house in the summer months but allows low-level winter sun to provide passive solar gain in the winter. The timber-lined veranda is a welcome outdoor space too.