By Jude Njoku

Verandas are traditionally semi-enclosed out-door spaces usually off the external wall of a building for various uses or purposes.

veranda

Variations of veranda include the Patio, terraces, loggia, Porch, deck and balcony. A Lagos-based Architect, Arc Emeka Izuwah told Vanguard Homes & Property that verandas “are usually relaxation spaces but now serve a number of other purposes apart from shielding the main house from the elements. and enhances the beauty of homes.

It is an opened gallery which is usually outside the home. The veranda is the first place where the guests are welcomed on arrival at home. In view of this, the veranda should be made beautiful by decorating it with flowers, pieces of scenery, painting and artwork,” he said.

On the design he explained that “they should have weather resistant floor, ceiling and wall finishes while its electrical lighting should be of the outdoor type. There are various types of design that an architect can employ. They include; curved roof designs, flat roof designs and sun roof designs. The curved roof design adds elegance to the veranda. To make it more attractive, yo can add curved pieces of furniture to the veranda.

On its part, the flat roof designs will increase the beauty of home for long time. Such veranda designs are more useful in small, square or rectangular homes. The sun roof design allows sunlight or cool air to come to your veranda.

Continuing, Arc Izuwah stated that the railings of verandas “have now become objects of intricate design and could be made of Stainless steel, decorative concrete baluster, wrought iron, and aluminium. In coastal areas, care must taken to use weather resistant railings as these could rust over time with exposure to the elements.

They may however be enclosed with fly-screen and its aesthetics enhanced by the use of arches and potted plants. Care should also be taken to ensure that driving rain water is conveniently evacuated from it especially in high rise buildings. It is also a common practice to enhance its security with the use of burglary proofs.

Their effectiveness largely depends on its orientation relative to the sun and prevailing winds. While being an excellent space for family recreation growing children must not be left unattended here,” he posited.

Another key element in verandas has to do with the lighting. Table lamps give aesthetic look and warm atmosphere to the veranda but if you want to enjoy more lighting in the evening, use string lights around the veranda. These are decorative lights, which use small amount of electricity.

You can also install ceiling fanlights to get cool air in summer seasons.

The furniture depends on the size of veranda. If you have less space, place one or two pieces of furniture or if you have large space, you can use more pieces of furniture but ensure that it does not create a clutter.