HOW TO DETERMINE HOME FEATURES: Terrace, Balcony, Veranda, Porch, Patio, and Lanai

 

PATIO

In today's fast-paced world, families are increasingly drawn to a biophilic lifestyle, a refreshing shift from past norms. Regardless of their surroundings, people are craving a connection to nature within their homes. This desire has led to a significant trend in modern architectural design: the seamless integration of plants into interior spaces. With the rise of innovative green building principles, several studies are underway to deepen our ties to nature. Designers and homeowners are recognizing that the most inviting spaces for plants are often the most serene - verandas, balconies, terraces, porches, lanais, and patios serve as perfect canvases for greenery. By embracing these natural elements, we can transform our living environments into harmonious sanctuaries that invigorate and soothe our overall well-being.

OBJECTIVE

The challenge we face is understanding the differences among various architectural elements. How can we guide our clients in deciding which features to include in their floor plans? These are crucial questions I intend to explore in this article. While I've come across several articles on the topic, most only delve into two or three comparisons. My Facebook posts often focus on just one or two subjects, and some audience members have expressed curiosity about “lanai” and “porch,” while I am emphasizing other elements. To address these inquiries, why not take the opportunity to combine all six elements into a thorough comparative analysis? Although I can’t capture everything in a single Facebook post, this extensive blog will provide valuable insights for clients and readers. It will empower them to make informed choices based on their unique needs and preferences, making it an essential read for anyone looking to enhance their living space.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Of course, the best way to approach this is to delve into the definitions first. Here's a simplified definition and images of each of the architectural elements listed: terrace, balcony, veranda, porch, patio, and lanai. These are all outdoor or semi-outdoor living spaces, but they differ in location, structure, coverage, and use.

A ROOFTOP TERRACE

Terrace A flat, open, usually paved area either on the ground or on a rooftop, used for leisure or entertainment. Often attached to a building but can also be freestanding. BALCONY Balcony A small platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically above the ground floor, enclosed by a railing or balustrade, and accessed from an upper floor. VERANDA Veranda A roofed platform within a house, typically found in warmer climates, usually located at ground level, often serves as an extension of the living room, being either partially enclosed or open. PORCH Porch A covered area at the entrance, sides, or back of a house, often enclosed partially or fully, serving as a transition space between indoors and outdoors. PATIO Patio A paved outdoor area adjoined or apart from a house, usually at ground level, used for relaxation or recreation. Typically uncovered. LANAI Lanai A Hawaiian term for a covered outdoor space or porch, often larger than a veranda, and may be fully or partially enclosed with screens or windows.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS TABLE

Feature	Terrace	Balcony	Veranda	Porch	Patio	Lanai
Location	Ground level or rooftop	Upper floor, projecting	Ground level, along front/back	At the entrance, sides, or back	Ground level, adjoining	Ground level, attached to the home
Covered?	Optional	Sometimes	Usually covered	Always covered	Usually not covered	Usually covered, sometimes enclosed
Enclosed?	No	Yes (with railing)	Partially or open.	Partially or fully	No	Often screened or glass-enclosed
Size	Medium to large	Small	Medium to large	Small to medium	Medium to large	Medium to large
Accessed from	Indoors or outdoors	Upper-floor room	Ground-floor room	Main front door, sides or back	Indoors or outdoors	Indoors (living room/kitchen)
Purpose	Entertainment, lounging	Private sitting/view	Socializing, relaxing	Entryway greeting space, relaxing	Relaxing, recreation	Leisure, dining, indoor-outdoor living
Climate Use	All climates	All climates	Warm climates	All climates	All climates	Tropical or warm climates

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Balcony vs. Terrace: Balcony is elevated and projecting, while a terrace is flat and can be at ground or rooftop level.

• Porch vs. Veranda: Both are covered and at ground level, but a veranda typically at one side of a building, while a porch is at the front or back entrance.

• Veranda vs. Lanai: A lanai is a regional variant (Hawaiian) of a veranda, often more enclosed and used year-round; while a veranda frequently used occasionally.

• Patio vs. Terrace: A patio is at ground level and usually uncovered, while a terrace may be elevated or roof-based and is often larger.

• Lanai vs. Patio: A lanai is typically covered and possibly enclosed, while a patio is open-air and rarely enclosed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now that we have reached a verdict, it is a privilege for you to form your own judgment. What are your personal needs? What is your lifestyle like? Then, make your selection. As an architect, I prioritize human connection over technology to truly understand my clients' needs. I encourage my clients to make their choices first, after which my role is to advise them on whether their choice is the best one or to suggest a better alternative based on my expertise. Regardless of the choice made, the designer’s primary concern will always be the client’s comfort and satisfaction for a lasting, sustainable living experience.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

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PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS

ALL PHOTOS POSTED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ORIGINAL IMAGES BY "ARCHITALKTURAL" AND ARE COPYRIGHTED.