Tips can be an overused word, so perhaps this should be called a THOUGHTFUL APPROACH to create an Outdoor Theater Experience. Below is a real-life example of a project from drawings to completion.
Tip 1- Planning or what we like to call DISCOVER
Sounds very obvious, right? Often, we see projects done ‘on the fly' without a team planning the project with the owner. A thoughtful approach to design the project brings the owner and specialty contractors together to plan and create the space in accordance with the client’s desires, budget, and the professional’s input. The best part, NO CHAOS!
Tip 2- What are we planning? (This is where we DEFINE the project scope)
The first question I ask, “What do you envision this new space to used this for?” For this idyllic New Jersey country house project, the owner provided a few details, three-season use, an escape from the summer heat or rain, a cool vibe for entertaining. Once the ideas and thoughts started flowing we created a list of what’s important.
Water Tight: The Client wanted a ‘water tight’ environment to use the new outside space during the rain in spring summer-fall. ✔
Ceiling Fan: On hot, humid days they wanted a ceiling fan to keep the lower deck cool. ✔
Fire Pit: Nothing roaring here, just an elegant low flame, that’s fun for the fall. BONUS- when not in use this functions as another coffee/serving table, great multi-purpose use. ✔
Lighting: Functional lighting and ambient lighting. There is path lighting, sconce lighting, fanlight, and LED strip lighting along the 28’ length of the deck, that can change colors. ✔
TV: Outdoor TV with access to Cable channels and Streaming services ✔
Music: The client wanted access to the same music services they enjoy both inside and outside with their patio and garden speakers. ✔
Surround Sound: Since we were positing speakers to provide converge for the TV and multiple seating areas, it was pretty simple to make this a surround sound system for a more immersive experience and one similar to what they enjoy inside the house.
Control: Remote Control for the TV, Plus App on the phone of course. ✔
WiFi: Outdoor WiFi is just as important as indoor WiFi these days, client wants to Cast Video or Audio from their phone, use an App to Control the Lights, TV, and Music, gotta have blazing outdoor WiFi. ✔
Tip 3- The Plan (What we like to call the Design)
Now we make certain what’s been defined is now it’s part of the plan, the drawing, proposals with all stakeholders are included. Who are the stakeholders? It’s not the guy at the grill with a NY Strip, it’s the Owner, General Contractor, Architect, and or Landscape Architect, and the specialty trades such as the AV Integrator, Landscape Contractor, Interior Designer, Swimming Pool Contractor, Electrical Contractor. We review the design, refine or make requested changes, then off we go!
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