Architecture
Natural Elements: Designs That Embrace Nature's Bounty
Harness the power of wind, fire, earth, rain and sun for more comfortable living
Sometimes you just can’t fight it – nature has a habit of flexing its muscles despite our efforts to overpower it. Savvy architects work around the earth’s natural elements rather than seek to control them, just as nature intended. See how these ideas could work at your house.
The designer of this stunning pergola takes advantage of the sun’s warmth at just the right time of day by taking the angles of the sun into account. Seasonal changes in the sun’s angles also come into play if you want to truly harness the benefits warm sunshine can bring – hiring an expert can pay off. Dining outdoors even on a chilly day can be positively blissful when the sun is warming your back.
Inside, moveable shutters mean you can make the most of the sun on a whim, or take shelter from its harsh rays. Vertical rather than horizontal shutters or blinds make especially good sense on a west-facing window to control how much light and heat comes in as the sun makes its way across the sky of an afternoon.
Take a look around this house
Take a look around this house
RAIN
Why let rainwater go to waste when you can collect it? This design not only collects water into a rainwater tank, it also turns the journey from rooftop to tank into a melodic water feature.
Why let rainwater go to waste when you can collect it? This design not only collects water into a rainwater tank, it also turns the journey from rooftop to tank into a melodic water feature.
A covered deck means you can leave doors open while it rains. If you have to close up the house during every downpour, your senses tend to disconnect from the elements rather than tune in.
Outdoor dining is nice until the drops begin to fall. A covered outdoor area like this one allows you to enjoy the sound and sight of a downpour without getting up from your seat. If you’re planning a new deck, make sure it’s deep enough for you to keep dry no matter what the weather’s doing.
This design has even more flexibility. Close up the roof when it rains, open it up when you see a rainbow or the sun peaking out from beneath the clouds. The electronic roof is from Louvre House.
Is there anything finer on a hot summer day than cool sheets and a breeze? Louvres stretching the length of this Perth house let the natural movement of air cool things down rather than relying on air-conditioning.
Breezeways allow you to connect with the outdoors, while staying under cover. They often connect garages or guest quarters to the rest of the house so they’re separate but close by.
We all know hot air rises, so why not let it escape with louvred windows up high? This is a good example of working with the natural way of the climate rather than trying to artificially control it.
No-one’s favourite job is ridding a bathroom of mould and mildew. Save yourself some work and maximise airflow through wide-opening windows or louvres like these. The quicker a bathroom can dry out after use, the better.
FIRE
With a view this spectacular, why wouldn’t you want to see it day and night? The slow-combustion fire would make this covered deck toasty and inviting all year round.
With a view this spectacular, why wouldn’t you want to see it day and night? The slow-combustion fire would make this covered deck toasty and inviting all year round.
EARTH
The colours and patterns of natural rock formations can be strikingly beautiful. This design makes the wall a standout feature.
The colours and patterns of natural rock formations can be strikingly beautiful. This design makes the wall a standout feature.
The same house makes the outdoor landscape merge with this bedroom in total harmony.
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TELL US
How do you appreciate nature at your house? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
MORE
Get Back to Nature With Decorating Ideas Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Let the Sun Shine in: How to Brighten Your Kitchen With Natural Light
Nature Patrol: How to Keep the Outdoors Out
See more of this house
TELL US
How do you appreciate nature at your house? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
MORE
Get Back to Nature With Decorating Ideas Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Let the Sun Shine in: How to Brighten Your Kitchen With Natural Light
Nature Patrol: How to Keep the Outdoors Out
What a way to take advantage of nature’s gifts! On days you want to enjoy the sun’s warmth, bi-fold doors open up to turn this mini courtyard into part of the house. When the temperature drops, just bring in the furniture and close the doors – the timberwork and greenery continue to make the closed courtyard a delightful addition to the home, especially with lashings of natural light.
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