Whether for those private moments or to host your next party,
there is nothing like a well laid out private terrace in your
apartment
If you like to spend some private moments under an open sky in your
apartment, the best thing to go for is a private terrace. Unlike the common
terrace on the top floor of a building, a private terrace opens from the
bedroom/s of an apartment. They are also different from balconies, as they
are not covered on the top.
“Private terraces are becoming increasingly popular in apartments across
metros. The top floor of an apartment can easily house a private terrace
without any structural change to the building,” says Dameem Ansari,
principal architect, Ansari Architects, Associates & Interior Designers
For protection from rain, private terraces are usually covered with a glass
sheet. It can be either polycarbonate-toughened glass with different shades
and levels of opacity or plain toughened glass. The glass is placed on
wooden, metal or concrete beams. In case of metal beams, it is designed to
look like wood. Usually, handrails made of laminated glass are installed, as
they do not cut the vision on the sides.
“Landscaping is important for private terraces. Front-end gardens can be
designed and lawns, either natural or artificial, can be laid. Creepers and
potted plants too add to the greenery of private terraces,” Ansari said.
Terraces today serve multiple roles. Morning yoga spot, afternoon tea corner, evening gathering space — a well-designed terrace adapts throughout the day. Built-in seating, mood lighting, foldable furniture, and swing daybeds help shape these transitions. Some terraces even include compact outdoor kitchens or bar counters for weekend entertaining.
People also prefer to have pergolas on the terrace. These serve as an ideal
place for hosting parties and get-togethers. Hammocks, swings and potted
plants can be hung from the beams. Pebbles too can be laid on the ground
to give your terrace the look of a garden.
The minimum size of a private terrace should be 10×10 sq ft. Attractive
landscaping in a 150-sq ft terrace can cost around Rs 2 lakh. But much
depends on how the owner wants his private terrace to look like.
“If you look for a little more privacy on your terrace, the side walls can be built
higher, while the top can be left open. This will help you include a swimming
pool on your terrace and also keep those peeping Toms in nearby buildings
at bay. Private terraces are great for hosting parties and for spending a
relaxed evening. Even for individual houses and bungalows, there is not
much space left on the ground to sit and relax. Increasingly, individual
houses and bungalows are also going in for private terraces. But for
apartment dwellers, who live above the ground level, such a terrace
provides privacy and comfort as the open roof terrace is usually common for
all residents,” said Ansari.
By Sangeetha.G,
Based on Interview of Mr. Dameem Ansari Published in Financial Chronicles.
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