Spark

As we transition from Crazy Hot Summer to Tolerably Warm Fall here in Austin, we tend to burst outside as if surfacing from a deep dive. We gulp in the fresh air and revel in the teeniest cool breeze. It begs the question – how do we bring that gorgeousness inside when we can’t be out? Our sizzling summers require protection from the horrendous heat so living in a tree fort remains an aspiration. But what about these options for creating indoor/outdoor living spaces?

Walls Optional. Consider removing a wall/window/door in favor of a pivoting glass structure, such as this one designed for the Operable Boundary Townhouse by Dean/Wolfe (which cameoed in my previous post). To do something like this, you’ll need to consult an architect for design + construction support, to make sure it’s going to function correctly.

This table keeps the party going… and is a simple sculptural element linking the interior with the exterior when no one is at table.

A glass garage door will be a more reasonably priced option to bring outdoors in. Donkee House posts: Garage doors can become a stunning and refreshing industrial element in the home combining function and beauty. Take a look at their post here for other examples of glass garage doors used as walls or discover more here.

Engawa House by Tezuka Architects

Common in traditional Japanese homes but now rare in Japan – the Engawa is a narrow space that serves as a transition space between the indoors and outdoors.

Megumi Sekiguchi writes of engawa: “The external corridor is used as the main relaxation area in Japanese tradition. They enjoy tea, external views, smells, winds, and birds’ song and so on… That is always a question that what makes people comfort. In fact, I have external corridors in my house in Japan. I believe that the nature is the one which only can comfort/ relax human beings.”

Enjoy the coming cool!

~ Sue Lambe

Austin is in the midst of a deluge today, so what could be more topical than dealing with leaks? All of a sudden they started sprouting everywhere. I’m still not sure what caused it. A neighbor had just had roofing work done so we talked to them for a while. They were pretty happy to recommend [...]

“Art for Your Eyes!” Local Austin artist Rory Skagen cracks me up with that tag line. His work is retro-humorous and beefy, with a seamy darkness lurking about the edges. He works in 2d and 3d, as well as producing art for interior and exterior spaces – love his versatility. Check out Blue Genie Art [...]

Small urban yards can feel like big spaces. When space is at a premium, think about creating rooms outdoors rather than designing a backyard. This gate, much like the one in last week’s post, provides a place to transition from the cares of the day. The simple crushed stone path to the back of the [...]

Monday’s fabulous post by Curlin on Rick Joy’s brilliant barn got me thinking about ancient construction techniques used in new ways. An old civil engineering technique of building with gabions has surfaced all over the world, making it’s mark on the landscape with gusto. It can be an earth (and budget) friendly way to terrace [...]

Curlin and I moseyed over to Uncommon Objects for a hit of South Congress happiness last week and we were not disappointed. Inspiration can be had at any price point in this phenomenal store – some of my favorite discoveries are below. I’m drawn to glass in the garden, especially when it has watery hues [...]

The sweet little town where I grew up outside of Chicago has always been a showplace for nifty architecture and for always having  great landscaping services done on their property, but I was so impressed with the beauty of the gardens during a recent trip, according to the owners, the lawn maintenance easton ct team [...]

These goofy Dr. Seuss-inspired baskets were a happy find while lunching at Morton Arboretum last week. They are filled with succulents, which includes many species most of which are really easy to propagate and grow. Here, they are absolutely loving the dappled shade provided by a pergola. Should you find yourself sans pergola, try hanging [...]