How To Bring Outdoor Living Centre Stage
Over the past two decades, outdoor living has evolved, shifting from a secondary feature to a defining element of residential design. What was once considered an occasional extension of the home is now a permanent and highly utilised space.
This shift has been shaped by changing lifestyles and recently, accelerated by global trends such as flexible working hours and work from home (WFH) culture. Outdoor areas – decks, patios and poolside spaces, are now designed for daily use, functioning as natural extensions of the home’s interior. As a result, the expectations placed on these spaces have changed significantly. Studies show that outdoor areas are used up to three times more frequently when they require minimal maintenance, shifting them from occasional features into everyday living environments.
With outdoor living taking centre stage, there has been a clear transition from an aesthetic-first approach to a performance-led mindset. Materials are no longer selected on appearance alone but on how they perform over time. This shift is largely being driven by the inconvenience of maintenance demands of traditional materials.
In response there has been a steady shift from traditional materials such as wood to engineered alternatives like composite designed to offer greater stability, consistency and longevity. Developed to address the limitations historically associated with natural options, these materials deliver more reliable performance in environments exposed to moisture, heat and UV.
Building materials manufacturers such as Eva-Last have helped lead this evolution, developing sustainable composite materials that align with the changing demands. These high quality alternatives to timber for decking, cladding, fencing and railing, to name a few, are increasingly sought after.
Sustainability has also evolved and is no longer a secondary consideration, but an expected standard. With research indicating that up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact occurs during its use phase, homeowners are increasingly prioritising sustainable materials that require less maintenance and deliver consistent performance.
Marc Minne, CEO of Eva-Last comments: “Eva-Last has been leading the charge since inception 20 years ago, offering greener, smarter building materials that add value to our customers’ lives.”
As outdoor living continues to shape the modern home, material selection remains a critical factor in ensuring these spaces are well designed and built to perform. Engaging early with architects and landscape professionals on material specification, particularly when considering alternatives such as composites, can support more informed decisions on outdoor living areas.
References:
American Institute of Architects – Home Design Trends Survey
American Society of Landscape Architects – Residential Outdoor Design Trends Survey
Houzz – Houzz & Home Study (Outdoor Living Trends)
American Institute of Architects – Home Design Trends Survey
American Society of Landscape Architects – Residential Outdoor Design Trends Survey
Houzz – Houzz & Home Study (Outdoor Living Trends)
