4 Real-Life Examples of Indoor-Outdoor Living in Multi-Family Developments

Not only is indoor-outdoor living appealing to residents, it’s also a critical part of sustainable architecture. As defined by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), quality views give building occupants a connection to the natural outdoor environment. In Seattle, the team behind Sustainable Living Innovations wanted to build a vertical composite of residences featuring floor-to-ceiling glass in 24 units across six floors. Western Window Systems’ sliding glass doors seamlessly connected each unit’s interior space to a substantial deck perfect for spending time outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. In addition to the views glass doors and windows can provide, the glazing itself can also be an energy efficient building material. To meet California’s stringent energy codes, the team behind the Los Angeles loft development known as Element in Marina del Rey used precast concrete to create a thermal mass for passive solar heating and cooling and Western Window Systems’ thermally broken aluminum moving glass walls and windows to mitigate heat gain. Whether private or shared, indoor-outdoor living spaces in multi-family housing developments have become an important design consideration. They can be used to attract and retain residents, and ease the burden for people who are at home for extended periods of time. In addition, indoor-outdoor living spaces can contribute to more sustainable building practices. From private balconies and terraces to connecting to the environment to sustainability, the right indoor-outdoor living space can differentiate your property from the competition’s.