1. The massive retractable windows that surround this live/work space in South Africa create an openness that blend the interior and the landscape. Via Marie Claire Maison.
2. The wall full of exterior doors allow the back deck to become an extension of the living space adding function and flexibility. Via Bestor Architecture.
3. This Mill Valley residence, home to the founder of Dwell Magazine, was designed to foster a greater indoor/outdoor connection. The glass pivot door elevates the family's backyard centered life by joining the kitchen to the patio. Via Dwell.
4. Two San Francisco apartments are fused together at a central courtyard fully enclosed with glass stacking doors. This exterior space allows light to permeate the interior while providing access to the outdoors. Via Inhabitat.
Images: As credited above.
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They're all lovely, but...are there no bugs in these locations? You'd be eaten alive in New England without screens to keep the flying blood-suckers out. I'm now living in Baltimore and while skeeters aren't a problem, flies most certainly are!
San Francisco is relatively bug-free, as it tends to be too cold and windy most of the year for bugs. We have almost no mosquitos, and rarely have fly issues. This allows for large courtyards with patio doors, such as those found in Eichler homes. The exception being certain parts of the city that's warmer and has lots of stagnant water (e.g., Dog Patch) and during the handful of days in the year when it's warm enough for enough consecutive days to allow the bugs to come out. But it's pretty rare that we have such warm streaks.
Wow a clear garage door?! What a great open-space idea!
Good article, but I'm left wanting more: ideas for balconies and sources for decor meant for indoor/outdoor use. I live in New Orleans and am fortunate to have a 6' wide by 35' long covered balcony (18' height). Currently it's bare except for an old wrought iron cafe table set. I'd like to install rugs, lighting, and seating -- possibly a hammock. Please consider a continuation of this topic, and making this article the first of a series on indoor/outdoor spaces.
I echo Summerlinka. I think many of us could use more detailed info on outdoor spaces, we want more! : )