Outdoor Zones: 13 Fabulous Garden Enclosure Ideas
Create a garden enclosure to make the best of your outdoor space and enjoy it all round the year
Simply put, a garden enclosure is a part of the garden that is sheltered from the elements, which is what enables us to enjoy the outdoors, come rain or shine. There are various styles of garden enclosures that can go with the character of your home and the style or elements used in your garden. Here are a few urban interpretations for city homes.
Find more about the designer or architect of a space by clicking on the image and see more of their work.
Find more about the designer or architect of a space by clicking on the image and see more of their work.
Wooden gazebo
If you are looking to create a cosy nook, place the pergola in a corner of your garden. This option works well on terraces as well as regular garden spaces.
If you are looking to create a cosy nook, place the pergola in a corner of your garden. This option works well on terraces as well as regular garden spaces.
Concrete Fins
When you build your own home, there is the option of getting the terrace covered with concrete fins. Similar to a wooden pergola, these fins act as shading devices for your terrace, cutting the angled rays of the sun and also casting interesting shadows for added ornamental effect.
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When you build your own home, there is the option of getting the terrace covered with concrete fins. Similar to a wooden pergola, these fins act as shading devices for your terrace, cutting the angled rays of the sun and also casting interesting shadows for added ornamental effect.
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Metal pergola
This is especially useful for large terraces, where one wants to be able to use the space as a garden but also ensure privacy from neighbouring windows that overlook it. A metal pergola that spans the whole terrace works wonders.
This is especially useful for large terraces, where one wants to be able to use the space as a garden but also ensure privacy from neighbouring windows that overlook it. A metal pergola that spans the whole terrace works wonders.
Translucent sheeting
Adding a decorative ceiling below a canopy of translucent sheeting, as seen here, is a clever way to build a good-looking, but relatively cheap shade structure.
Adding a decorative ceiling below a canopy of translucent sheeting, as seen here, is a clever way to build a good-looking, but relatively cheap shade structure.
Courtyard pergola
For bungalows or row houses that incorporate a bit of the outdoors in the form of enclosed courtyards, there is the option of the courtyard pergola.
Rather than keeping it open to the sky, you can shelter it with translucent roofing sheet supported by a metal framework.
For bungalows or row houses that incorporate a bit of the outdoors in the form of enclosed courtyards, there is the option of the courtyard pergola.
Rather than keeping it open to the sky, you can shelter it with translucent roofing sheet supported by a metal framework.
CNC patterns
Looking to add zing to your garden? Opt for an abstract pattern cut out in sheet metal, using CNC (computer numerical control) technology, instead of a simple metal-frame pergola.
Looking to add zing to your garden? Opt for an abstract pattern cut out in sheet metal, using CNC (computer numerical control) technology, instead of a simple metal-frame pergola.
Traditional sloping roof
When you have a garden attached to your bungalow or farmhouse, you can create a transitional space in between the two, which is neither indoors nor outdoors but connects the two both visually and physically – the vrandah. This option is best for traditionally designed homes. Use classic roofing materials such as Mangalore tiles, with glass tiles at intervals to let the light in.
When you have a garden attached to your bungalow or farmhouse, you can create a transitional space in between the two, which is neither indoors nor outdoors but connects the two both visually and physically – the vrandah. This option is best for traditionally designed homes. Use classic roofing materials such as Mangalore tiles, with glass tiles at intervals to let the light in.
Fabric pergola
Best for gardens which have an ‘out-of-the-box’ character, or if you wish to add a tent-like feature to your garden. You can opt for a bamboo framework for the structure, since fabric is a relatively light-weight material.
Best for gardens which have an ‘out-of-the-box’ character, or if you wish to add a tent-like feature to your garden. You can opt for a bamboo framework for the structure, since fabric is a relatively light-weight material.
Shade sails
When a solid pergola-like structure is not an option, go for a more elegant and intimate look instead. Shade sails and curtained canopies are popular garden fixtures because they soften the look of the structure and offer added qualities, such as responding to the breeze.
When a solid pergola-like structure is not an option, go for a more elegant and intimate look instead. Shade sails and curtained canopies are popular garden fixtures because they soften the look of the structure and offer added qualities, such as responding to the breeze.
Traditional gazebo
One can’t really go wrong with a traditional-style gazebo.
One can’t really go wrong with a traditional-style gazebo.
Modern take on the gazebo
Think of a large outdoor space where you can stage functions, parties and get-togethers.
Think of a large outdoor space where you can stage functions, parties and get-togethers.
Pergola with creepers
Pergolas and arbours draped with scented flowering climbers are the most traditional outdoor spaces in gardens, and always look good.
Pergolas and arbours draped with scented flowering climbers are the most traditional outdoor spaces in gardens, and always look good.
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Add Zen to Your Garden
The Complete Guide to Growing Roses
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If you enjoyed reading this story, like it, bookmark it, and tell us about it. Write in Comments below.
A really great idea for balcony gardens is to use a decorative metal grill that doubles as a railing and continues upwards to transform into a pergola. This creates a homogeneous look and integrates all the aspects of the small balcony garden.
Pictured here, the three planes (of flooring, railing and ceiling) are integrated with a metal grill.