It’s summertime and for people in many parts of the country, it is time to boost outdoor activities. From the design of mixed use entertainment districts to multifamily complexes and senior living communities, one thing is clear—maximizing connections to the outdoors and providing enticing outdoor amenity spaces is a priority. And no matter where people live and the seasonal weather conditions they are dealing with, the goal is to take advantage of outdoor experiences for as many months as possible.
WHAT’S POPULAR?
AG has a long history of designing places where people live and whether multifamily, mixed use or senior living, the following outdoor considerations are currently topping the list for client projects.
Outdoor lounging & dining
From an outdoor patio connection to restaurants for al fresco dining to access to a grill station and fire pit, residents want outdoor lounging and dining options. They want to sit, relax, enjoy happy hour, have a nice meal or socialize—the backyard experience of a single-family home. These spaces could include everything from string lights and lounge furniture to family-style tables and fire pits for s’mores and even a smoker for advanced food prep. Whether cooking for themselves or having a chef-prepared meal, they crave the enjoyment of fresh air, food, cocktails and conversation.
There is nothing like a little friendly competition, and residents of all ages want to play games. From bocce ball and bags to pickleball and outdoor fitness equipment, they want to be healthy and happy, stay fit and have fun.
For pet-friendly communities (and they seem to be on the rise), dog runs or designated park areas are desirable. More and more space is being designated for pet parents and their furry friends.
And some residents want to stay connected to nature by getting their hands in the dirt. Community gardens and planter boxes continue to gain popularity—an activity and a community food source.
Outdoor areas are also being equipped with televisions to enhance the entertainment factor. This may include the technology and equipment needed to support a large screen for movie nights.
Water features
There is nothing like lounging by a pool to add a touch of vacation to home life. Some residents like it for the view and a calm spot to relax, while others are ready to dive in to cool off or do a few laps. Some communities are exploring new types of water features that require a little less maintenance, such as water steps. And fountains or waterfalls are enhancements that add drama to an entry sequence or ambiance to outdoor gathering areas.
Enhanced connections
When designing amenity spaces, a key consideration is creating connections between the indoor and outdoor spaces. From dining areas to community rooms, the views and direct access make the space more enjoyable and flexible, including extended seasonal uses. For example, a screened-in dining area with heat lamps adjacent to the dining room and outdoor patio allows residents to enjoy a meal al fresco as fall and winter approach.
Master planning and thoughtful landscape design that ties the apartment community to the surrounding area are also appreciated. This could mean connections to a retail and entertainment district, additional housing complexes or adjacent nature trails, bike paths and nearby waterfronts.
DESIGN DETAILS
When designing outdoor connections, the AG Design Team explores details and product solutions to make these spaces safe, enjoyable and easy to maintain.
We are thinking about—
Strategic Orientation
Proper planning for outdoor connections starts in the early design phases. We are locating these spaces based on southern/western exposure to the sun in cooler climates and eastern/northern in warm climates. Carefully planned outdoor areas should offer options for sun exposure—full sun, partial sun/shade and full shade. It is important to provide adequate shaded spaces. From pergolas and other structures to shade sails, this is an opportunity to create enticing design details while addressing levels of sun exposure.
Surface Products
The market continues to see new product introductions and the team explores surface applications that achieve the desired aesthetics while improving maintenance and durability.
Artificial turf is one such specification. Not only is it easy for multiple generations to walk on, but it also makes spaces flexible for gathering or game playing—such as setting up for lawn games like croquet. It is a solution that also supports ease of maintenance. No mowing is required. Just clean it up with a leaf blower and vacuum.
Wood is always a desired aesthetic and there are a variety of products that can achieve a wood look. “Although cedar and tropical woods are really nice to use, they require maintenance,” describes John Cronin, AIA, senior design architect at AG. “There are aluminum products available that achieve a lot of different looks, even a stained wood appearance. The maintenance is minimal and will last a very long time.”
Functionality & Flexibility
From movie nights to music events, plenty of electrical outlets are being integrated so there is set-up flexibility and plenty of accessible power.
We are also championing built-in infrared heat technology to extend the outdoor season. This allows the heating element to be integrated into the ceilings of porches and outdoor structures. It can replace portable gas heaters which can become trip hazards.
DESIGN CHALLENGES
The greatest challenge to designing outdoor spaces is—Budget.
“Pergola structures and FF&E selections often end up taking the biggest hit for a lot of our outdoor spaces,” says AG Design Team member, Justin Koeppler. “Green roof and rooftop patios are almost always scaled back or cut due to budget constraints.”
While Cronin concurs that outdoor features always get value-engineered due to budget, there is often the ability to add enhancements later. This is something to keep in mind in the design process. “In some instances, leasing numbers need to be met to increase the budget for these areas. Sometimes residents champion amenities and they get added back into a project,” says Cronin.
Site constraints and programming requirements can pose challenges as well. The intent is to maximize the desired indoor-outdoor connections, but if amenity spaces get buried in the interior of the building it is hard to achieve these adjacencies.
SUCCESS = COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
While focus groups, past experiences and research inform what outdoor spaces are prioritized in the programming of a new community or a repositioning and renovation effort, true success is achieved with the actual use of the space. Community programming plays an integral role in the use and enjoyment of amenities. When enthusiastic staff members have the right venues, then community engagement can be achieved.
“Once a space is designed and constructed, it is important to have events that encourage people to gather in these spaces. Programming that supports social engagement and encourages community involvement makes the amenity a true success,” says Koeppler. “Our work with Fiduciary Real Estate Development (FRED) is a great example. Their communities schedule movie and television events, luau nights, sports nights and dog meet-ups. At the end of the year, they even have a dog splash where dogs get to use the pool before they close it for the season.”
Successful outdoor amenity spaces offer residents choices—a combination of having a variety of spaces to support their personal needs and more private activities as well as structured community events that encourage residents to come together.
State Street Station | Wauwatosa, WI
Located in the heart of the historic Village of Wauwatosa, residents have access to a multitude of community activities—numerous restaurants, bars and shops as well as a beautiful park system right out their front door. Due to the unique shape of the site, the design team carefully oriented the structures to create a dynamic courtyard in the center to provide residents with a private backyard experience.
This project was preparing for construction at the onset of the Covid shutdown, so Capri Communities increased the budget to expand outdoor gathering spaces for the safety and comfort of residents and visiting family members. The outdoor area includes seating for dining, a fire pit, outdoor kitchens, and a pergola overlooking sculptural fountains. They are adjacent to a covered outdoor area connected to the community room, featuring a fireplace. The adjoining courtyard includes raised planting beds, a gazebo, a shed and potting bench—and walkways through the garden. An outdoor exercise circuit weaves past the garden courtyard for active residents to partake in outdoor wellness programs.
According to Capri Communities’ Director of Real Estate Development, Amy Schoenemann, “The most important part of this investment was creating spaces to extend seasonal outdoor use to make the most of Wisconsin’s spring and fall seasons. We added a covered structure with soft seating groups and a second fireplace as well as fans and gas-fired ceiling heaters that improve the outdoor temperature by +/- 30 degrees. We wanted residents and family to be able to enjoy nature longer.”
St. Rita Square | Milwaukee, WI
Due to the deep Italian roots of Capri Communities and the community where the project is located, the design of an outdoor courtyard, or piazza, was a key programming component. Italian piazzas, or squares, are thought of as the heartbeat of Italian towns. The Piazza at St. Rita Square was created to be the heartbeat of this community. The dynamic building structures have a modern Tuscan appeal that frame the outdoor space. Historic artifacts in the building facades add a touch of character, and gathering areas accented with firepit features, umbrellas and a trellis support a variety of activities.
