Sun Valley Home and Design / Fall 2004 / A Deck For All Seasons No Matter The Weather

A Deck For All Seasons No Matter The Weather

Savoring Life Al Fresco

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Decks and patios spell relaxation. They’re where we go to put up our feet, dive into a book, get lost in our thoughts, or share a meal with family or friends. They are bridges to nature—private places to soak up rays or gaze at the stars, listen to the whisper of aspen leaves or chattering magpies, and drink up the intoxicating scent of lilacs or wood smoke. They offer peaceful sanctuary from artificial lights, dishwasher hum, and satellite TV.

In a perfect world, these outdoor escapes would be accessible and comfortable twenty-four hours a day, twelve months a year. Unfortunately, though, our alpine-desert climate isn’t always conducive to reclining in a chaise lounge. From blistering sun to fierce winds to freezing snow, the weather in the Wood River Valley can be full of extremes. The good news is, there are ways of addressing some of these daily and seasonal fluctuations so that you can enjoy your favorite “room” more frequently.

“If you’re starting from the ground up, be sure to think holistically,” advises Ketchum architect Jack Smith. Your deck or patio should be considered in the context of your house design, building site, landscaping, and potential views. Your lifestyle and budget are major factors, too.

Orientation is key in extending your outdoor living experience. As a general rule, says Eiron Schofield of Living Architecture in Ketchum, your patio should be positioned to maximize “good” (early morning and late afternoon) sun year-round, while minimizing the risk of overheating in summer. Before drafting plans, most architects conduct a study to discover when and where the sun hits at any given time of day or year. “Generally, what we do is evaluate the path of the sun to find an outdoor space or spaces that would give you the widest variety of use over the longest timeframe,” Schofield explains.

Decks facing to the south and southwest tend to get the most sun. While this might be a bonus when temperatures drop, it could be insufferable in midday summer heat. Orienting toward the east or southeast would allow you to relish the soft morning light, while facing west would let you capture those final golden rays before dusk. Looking north may give you spectacular vistas, but too much shade. Incorporating more than one outdoor space, each with a different orientation, would allow the most versatility.

The Wood River Valley has many microclimates, and conditions can vary dramatically depending on the site of your house. Certain homes bask in sun all year long; for others, winter sun is fleeting or almost nonexistent. Some residential areas are pummeled by wind, while others are more protected. One neighborhood may receive heavy snow while another stays dry as a bone. But most places in the Valley are subject to a variable combination of elements that can be infuriatingly hard to predict.

So, how to cope? We quizzed local architects and design gurus for answers, and they all agreed that the best plan of action depends on your building site and other individual circumstances. Whether you’re designing a new deck or trying to make the most of your current outdoor space, here are some ideas and tips that could help. >>>