What is a Garden Terrace?

A garden terrace is an outdoor space that serves as a transitional area between a house and the garden. It is a flat, paved section that is typically raised above ground level and overlooks the garden.

Terraces provide space for seating, social gatherings, dining, and enjoying views of the landscape. They are key features of both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

A Brief History of Garden Terraces

The use of terraces in gardens dates back thousands of years across many cultures. In ancient Persia, terraces were built into gardens to provide viewing platforms from tents and pavilions. The famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon incorporated a series of terraces similar to ziggurats.

In ancient Rome, terraces with stairs became popular garden features, allowing villa patrons to survey attractive prospects. The gardens of wealthy Romans like Lucullus and Maecenas incorporated terraces for scholarly pursuits and relaxation.

Terraces continued gaining prominence in European gardens through the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Wealthy homeowners viewed them as opportunities to demonstrate garden design prowess.

In 18th century English landscape gardens, terraces offered dry footing and transition between architecture and rolling lawns. Terraces around manor homes provided space for outdoor gatherings, with some terraces entirely covered in lead to serve as promenades.

Key Functions of Garden Terraces

Garden terraces serve several important functions:

• Multi-purpose outdoor living spaces – Terraces can be used for dining, sitting, entertaining, and more. They expand living areas outdoors.
• Transitional zones – Terraces provide a gradual transition between indoor areas and the garden landscape. They help integrate architecture with the surroundings.
• Taking in garden views – Terraces create vantage points for overlooking and enjoying garden scenery. They allow homeowners to admire their landscape designs.
• Architectural foundations – Terraces establish foundations supporting and complementing architectural designs. A proportional terrace reflects and highlights a home’s facade.
• Defining social settings – Terraces establish spaces for hosting guests and gatherings in the garden. Their formality helps define social occasions.
• Grounding designs – Terraces introduce strong horizontal elements that ground and link vertical garden features. This creates cohesion and stability.

Key Design Considerations

Several important factors should be considered when incorporating a terrace into garden design:

• Proportion – The terrace should properly fit the home’s architecture and facade. As a rule of thumb, it can extend roughly two-thirds the height of the associated facade.
• Alignment – Orient the terrace to align with main doors, windows, and overall aspects of the home for cohesion. Match the terrace’s style to the home’s period and design.
• Multi-functionality – Incorporate space for both dining and seating. Ensure room for arranging furniture, containers, and easy garden access. Consider needing at least 4 x 4 m or 5 x 8 m.
• Sun exposure – Position the terrace to receive ample sunlight throughout the day. However, also consider shade needs during peak sunlight hours.
• Views – Orient the terrace to showcase desirable garden views. Avoid obscuring views from indoors with furniture.
• Levels – Use terraces to gracefully transition between different garden levels. Give each terrace tier its own character and function.
• Planting – Soften terrace edges and integrate the space into garden surroundings with border plantings, containers, and lawns.
• Materials – Choose local, natural materials that complement the home and garden character. Reclaimed stone adds timeless elegance.

Enhancing Small Garden Terraces

For modest spaces, small garden terraces can be enhanced through creative design:

• Vertical greenery – Grow vines or create living walls to compensate for limited horizontal space. Position vertical greenery to maximize impact.
• Focal features – Incorporate a stunning sculpture, water feature, fireplace, or other eye-catching focal point. This maximizeslimited area.
• Overhead elements – Add height with pergolas, gazebos, hanging plants, festoon lighting, and architectural trellises overhead.
• Reflective materials – Include glass, mirrors, water features, and other reflective surfaces to create illusions of expanded space.
• Circulation – Choose round or oval dining tables. Avoid tight walkways and clutter that restrict movement.
• Tiered levels – Build in multiple levels to delineate functional spaces, facilitate maintenance, and add interest.
• Draw the eye upward – Direct views up with climbing plants on pergolas and vertical architectural details on walls.
• Lighting – Use creative lighting to enhance ambiance in the evenings. Mix and blend fixtures to spotlight special features and plants.

Key Terrace Elements to Include

To make the most of a terrace, consider incorporating:

• Comfortable seating – Include seating arrangements that are generously proportioned. Select durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture.
• Dining space – Designate an area for outdoor meals and entertaining. Choose a table size suited to typical gatherings.
• Plant containers – Strategically place planted pots and planter boxes. Annuals and perennials add vibrance and color.
• Water features – The sight and sound of water can be very relaxing. Fountains, ponds, and recirculating waterfalls are good choices.
• Fireplaces or fire pits – These extend enjoyment of the terrace into cooler weather. Choose gas or electric fixtures for convenience.
• Weather shelter – Provide cover from sun and rain with freestanding or built-in shaded structures. These expand usable hours.
• Serving space – Include a bar, buffet table, or kitchenette with storage. This facilitates self-contained entertaining.
• Enclosure options – To block wind or increase privacy, incorporate removable screens, shutters, side panels, or planting screens.
• Ambient lighting – Use fixtures to spotlight plants and architectural details in the evenings. LED strip lights work well.
• Heaters – Hang portable heaters or install permanent radiant heat fixtures to use the space comfortably year-round.

Key Takeaways

• Garden terraces are transitional outdoor spaces between homes and landscapes that provide multifunctional living areas.
• Well-designed terraces reflect the home’s architecture and provide an elegant platform overlooking gardens.
• Incorporate seating, dining space, planting, water, fireplaces, lighting, and weather protection into terrace design.
• Creatively use vertical greenery, overhead elements, tiered levels, and lighting to maximize small terraces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a patio and terrace?

Patios are typically at ground level while terraces are raised. Patios have a more informal, casual design while terraces relate more closely to a home’s architecture.

How big should a terrace be?

This depends on your property but having at least 16-25 sq. m. allows flexibility. The terrace should be proportional to the home and rooms it adjoins.

What is the best terrace flooring?

Natural stone like granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate make excellent terrace flooring choices. Reclaimed stone has timeless character. Wood decking also works well.

How much sun should a terrace get?

Aim for sun exposure through midday but also incorporate shade structures. Position seating out of direct afternoon sun. Evergreen planting also provides shade.

What plants are best for terraces?

Opt for low-maintenance plants suited to containers like herbs, grasses, succulents, bushes, small trees, and flowering vines.

Conclusion

An elegant garden terrace seamlessly links a home to its landscape. With creative design, this valuable outdoor space can serve as a relaxing refuge, elegant entertaining setting, and the perfect vantage point to enjoy your garden. Incorporating key design elements can maximize both spacious and intimate terraces. With careful site analysis and planning, a terrace can become the crown jewel of your garden, enhancing architectural details and fully merging indoor and outdoor lifestyles.