--- title: How to design an outdoor area for all seasons description: Your outdoor area need not only be used in summer - you can design it to be comfortable year round. Here's how to design an outdoor area for all seasons. image: https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hubfs/1-May-11-2021-03-15-43-44-AM.png --- - [Follow on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/swanbuildhomes) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swanbuild_homes) - #### Leading builders of Modular Homes in NSW, VIC, & SA - - [1800 008 024 1800 008 024](tel:1800%20008%20024) - #### Leading builders of Modular Homes in NSW, VIC, & SA [![Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png?width=190&height=112&name=Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png) ![Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png?width=190&height=112&name=Swanbuild_Primary%20Brandmark_Mono_RGB-1.png)](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/) - Menu - [Home Designs](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/building-plans/) - [Plans](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/building-plans/) - [Inclusions Packages](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/inclusions-packages/) - [Buy a Display Home](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/display-homes-for-sale/) - Building With Us - [Our Process](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-process/) - [Pricing Made Easy](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/pricing-made-easy/) - [Modular Construction](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/modular-homes/) - [Quality Guarantee](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/quality-guarantee/) - [Testimonials](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/testimonials/) - [About Us](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-swanbuild/) - [Why Swanbuild](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-swanbuild/) - [Our Team](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-team/) - [Our Vision, Mission and Values](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-vision-mission-and-values/) - [FAQs](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/faqs/) - Inspiration - [Blog](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au) - [Virtual Tours](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/virtual-tour/) - [Videos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/videos/) - [Internal Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/internal-photos/) - [External Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/external-photos/) - [Design Guide](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/design-guide/) - Commercial - [What We Build](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/what-we-build/) - [Why Build Modular](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/why-build-modular/) - [Our Projects](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-projects/) - [Contact](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/contact/) - [Book a Consultation](https://homes.swanbuild.com.au/consultation-request) - [Visit Our Display Homes](https://homes.swanbuild.com.au/display-visit) - [![Download Catalogue](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2500450/interactive-375802331590.png)](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIhQ5EzsN%2BPiBD98h4aCGK9qr6QcISrayws9h2BJB3dW1cJIybDn1AHTO3EoT1TTVFRSVAX95tzWIM3fK%2FkOsA%2FSR6lUEKy7ICOekmRlHw471C8INCDqLm3V8Xj3Ds9RyLwbsGqwaKA4kfWntJRS5YRiVoJGCVeZOmgtX1VTVw00YIt%2BxzCfXxvWd6YKZ1fQTsxk0KYoV8AW6LZQnMuV3FI4LfJ3iibG5bGEd%2B%2BDqgwLAP%2F&webInteractiveContentId=375802331590&portalId=2500450) - - Search for: - - Search for: \\ # How to design an outdoor area for all seasons [Swanbuild](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/author/swanbuild) 11, May, 2021 ![](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hubfs/1-May-11-2021-03-15-43-44-AM.png) Your outdoor area need not only be used in summer - you can design the space to be comfortable year round. With careful consideration of the location of your area; roof protection; heat; light; and comfort elements; you can create a cosy outdoor retreat for all seasons. **Consider orientation:** Think about how your block is oriented. North facing spaces have the warmth of the sun in winter, which is important to capitalize on. On the other hand, try to avoid or screen the harsh afternoon summer sun from the West. **Roof protection:** Situate your alfresco under the roofline of the home, or include a skillion roof for protection from both sun and storms. Also, consider partially enclosing the area by placing it between spaces of your home (see below example). In addition to shielding from above, outdoor blinds and screens can be effective in stopping the wind and cold entering from the sides of your alfresco. They also can help to contain warmth. ![A partially enclosed outdoor area on a custom Benalla home design](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1-May-11-2021-03-15-43-44-AM.png?width=680&name=1-May-11-2021-03-15-43-44-AM.png)  **Heating**: Consider putting in outdoor fireplaces or heaters near seating or dining areas. Outdoor fireplaces can also double as a cooking station and give character, like a wood fired pizza oven. **Lighting:** It gets dark earlier in autumn and winter, so be sure to include effective lighting. Whether you include outdoor feature pendants, LED downlights or wall lights, bring the area to life in the evenings with a warm glow. ![An outdoor area on a custom Swanbuild home](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2-May-11-2021-03-15-43-71-AM.png?width=750&name=2-May-11-2021-03-15-43-71-AM.png) **Comfort and luxury elements:** Add cosy cushions and throw blankets to make the space more inviting and comfortable in the cooler months. And for those really wanting to live it up, include space for a heated spa pool! By incorporating all of these elements, your outdoor space will be a well loved and used area, no matter the time of year.   [![Download our Standard Inclusions & Price Guide](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2500450/ebbd53cf-91d4-45a3-bba4-d7ff14d620c4.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2500450/ebbd53cf-91d4-45a3-bba4-d7ff14d620c4) [Insider](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/insider) [Home Design](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/home-design) [Lifestyle](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/lifestyle) [Tips](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/topic/tips) ## Related Posts ### [11, October, 2018 A Guide to Outdoor Furniture](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/a-guide-to-outdoor-furniture) ### [21, November, 2016 4 Ways to Bring the Outside In](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/4-ways-to-bring-the-outside-in) ### [14, September, 2021 5 outdoor ideas to get spring ready...](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/getspringready) ![Accreditation logos 2025 9001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%209001.png?width=83&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%209001.png) ![Accreditation logos 2025 Green 14001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Green%2014001.png?width=80&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Green%2014001.png) ![Accreditation logos 2025 Yellow 45001](https://blog.swanbuild.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Yellow%2045001.png?width=79&height=160&name=Accreditation%20logos%202025%20Yellow%2045001.png) Accreditations ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems ISO 14001:2015: Environmental Management System ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Building License # VIC Domestic: CDB-U 49079 VIC Commercial: CCB-U 62548 NSW: 260670C SA: BLD264723 Contact Details: Swan Hill: 210-214 Karinie St Swan Hill Victoria 3585 Bendigo: 45 Fairview Rd Kangaroo Flat Victoria, 3555 Phone: [**1800 008 024**](tel:1800%20008%20024) [Follow on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/swanbuildhomes) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swanbuild_homes) [Follow on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/swanbuild) [Follow on Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDDRMUEn1A-jsNOplgoetQ) Email: [**sales@swanbuild.com.au**](mailto:sales@swanbuild.com.au) Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am-4:30pm [FURTHER ENQUIRIES](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/contact/) Quicklinks - [Virtual Tour](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/virtual-tour/) - [Our Story](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/our-story/) - [Commercial Buildings](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/commercial-buildings/) - [Internal Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/internal-photos/) - [External Photos](https://www.swanbuild.com.au/external-photos/) Copyright 2021 © Swanbuild