Condo Spaces - Bringing The Outside In
Waterfalls, fireplaces and wet bars aside, the real trend in outdoor condo amenities just might be the thought that goes into it as opposed to the actual features themselves.
Recent developments in downtown Toronto are taking the indoors out, creating inviting terraces, parks and rooftops that mirror luxurious backyard escapes typically found in single family dwellings.
"People want that same feeling of a big backyard and developers are tweaking into that fact," says Joseph Alberga, director, Sales & Marketing, Lindvest.
Sonic condominiums, Lindvest's new development at Eglinton and Don Mills, will feature a fourth floor rooftop terrace designed by NAKDesign Strategies.
Amidst the lush greenery you'll find covered daybeds, a modern dining space and private seating areas, furnished with comfy, neutral-coloured sofas and loungers.
A soothing waterfall and fire element and the perfect ambience for "hanging out," says Alberga. "We took out design cue from what people are doing in their own backyard spaces."
The Davies by Brandy Lane Homes, a boutique building at Avenue road and Cottingham, goes as far as to call its exquisite rooftop lounge "Your Backyard in the Skye."
A green rood system with an environmentally friendly design, the rooftop will be divided into three distinct area: secluded seating nooks facing east, the ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee; loungers facing west for sunbathers; and, high cocktail tables paired with two larger sectionals, the perfect spot to host a party.
In short, condo purchasers are paying more attention to outdoor living and that means developers are too. David Hirsh, president of Brandy Lane Homes, translates his own love of the outdoors into every project his company undertakes. "We really think about it and we want it to be usable space," he says. "It's not just the amenities, it's the balconies the terraces. Every one of my buildings has a piece of me in it and I want to imagine myself living there."
At The Station, a condo by Brandy Lane Homes at Wilson and Allen, the developer introduced the concept of "urbanas," unique indoor/outdoor spaces designed to mirror the experience of entertaining in a box seat at a sports arena. The covered outdoors are include heaters for extended year-round use.
Steve Gupta, president, Easton's Group of Hotels, also takes a very personal interest in every project his family business undertakes. He and daughter Reetu, who serves as chief operating officer, pay great attention to every detail in their company's outdoor amenity areas, even considering wind direction and installing clear glass screens to minimize its effect without disturbing stunning views.
"What we try to create is a homier, residential feel," says Gupta, noting that today's condo buyers are leaning towards a clean, upscale look that maintains comfort. "These days, people are not looking for the best-looking furniture. They want the most comfortable chair." he says.
The rooftop at The Rosedale on Bloor, one of the Easton's Group's newest projects in the heart of downtown Toronto, will provide cozy seating areas nestled around glowing fire pits, reflecting a resort style with all of the comforts of home.
Gupta maintains outdoor design is just as significant as indoor design when it comes to condominiums, and often goes through several iterations to get things just right.
"The indoor living space is becoming small so ... people spend more time outside," he says, nothing that the key is create flexible spaces suitable to more than one purpose.
"The game has been upped in terms of the level of finished," adds Lindvest's Alberga, pointing to newer products such as permeable pavers, resilient stones and outdoor fabrics that don't fade. "There's an expectation there are everybody is trying to live up to it."