A covered outdoor space has many advantages in our warm regions of the South West from France. These are places that are imagined with the house builder individual in order to fully benefit from a outdoor living room which we enjoy as much in summer as in winter. Covered terrace, veranda, pergola, loggia…, what are their advantages? What the law says ? Here are some tips for choosing wisely.
Building a house with covered outdoor space, what does the law say?
Beyond requests for building permits or prior authorization for work, it is not always possible to build covered outdoor spaces on your land. Indeed, the latter can participate in the floor area or footprint linked to your land.
Pergola, covered terrace… what is floor area?
The floor area is the sum of all enclosed and covered surfaces of a plot of land, the ceiling height of which is greater than 1,80 m. These surfaces can be located at different levels.
do the covered outdoor spaces have a footprint?
The footprint, according to the town planning code, East " the vertical projection of the volume of the construction, all overhangs and overhangs included. However, ornaments such as molding elements and canopies are excluded, as are roof overhangs when they are not supported by posts or corbels. ».
Covered terrace: harmoniously extend the house
The terrace in the heart of the house
The terrace is the essential construction of the garden. Small or large, the latter has become a real additional room in the house. It is also built and imagined at the same time as the latter in consultation with the builder. Its location will often determine theorientation of the house as well as its layout. Generally accessible from the kitchen or living room, it is designed as a second meeting space, after the main room, accessible to all and breaking the boundaries between the outside and the inside. Wooden terrace, tiled or paved, it can be tastefully furnished like the rest of the house
To go further, see the article » A wooden terrace for my new house "
Build a house with a covered terrace
An covered terrace, created on the prevailing wind side, can protect windows from rain while still letting in light. A configuration that is sometimes found in the Pays Basque, or on the Atlantic coast on the west facades, in the Landes houses. To South, the covered terrace also offers a cap to protect the Windows rays of the sun. Well adapted to our sunny environments, the house with covered terrace in the South West offers a temperate space between the heat and the outside. The disadvantage, however, is that this covered outdoor space reduces the light in the house.
Covered terrace: what does the law say?
A terrace covered by a large roof overhang without a support post will have no footprint. It is different if these overhangs rest on support posts, which is generally the case for a large covered terrace. This large sheltered and warm area will therefore be taken into consideration in the calculations. Depending on the rights linked to the land, its design or size may be limited.
The pergola for a covered and openwork outdoor space
What is a pergola used for?
Decoration, sunshade, windbreak, solar protection of the bay windows of the house, support for night lighting or climbing plants..., we can no longer count the multiple functions of the pergola.
This exterior structure in wood or metal, supporting an open roof, serves as a support for multiple accessories, fabrics, reeds, blinds, plants, etc., which give it all its style and advantages. Attached to the house or independent. It generously complements the terrace.
The bioclimatic pergola covered outdoor space for four seasons
This is the modern version of the pergola. Generally electric, it has a retractable roof and adjustable slats to adjust the amount of light and shade and protect from rain as needed. It is also programmable or automatic to protect the house from the sun's rays in summer and on the contrary let them pass through the summer.
The advantages of the pergola
The pergola offers a pleasant outdoor space, ideal for surrounding the garden table, a small living room, a relaxation area, etc.
It offers, depending on needs, protection against direct sun, shelter from the wind, view breeze...
Brings an aesthetic touch to the garden or terrace, especially when decorated with plants and lights.
Building a pergola, what does the law say?
No authorization is required for self-supporting pergola less than 5 m2 of footprint and less than 12 meters in height. Beyond, a prior declaration of work (>5m2 and <20m2)) or a permission (>20m2) is necessary. A bioclimatic pergola generates floor space, but does not generate floor space. An uncovered pergola generates neither. For better integration and easier procedures, the pergola is built by the house builder.
The loggia: covered terrace on one level
What is a loggia?
Located atfloor of the house, in the extension of the house, the loggia is a covered outdoor space, closed at least on one side, and possibly closed on all sides. Imagined and designed in partnership with the builder, the loggia offers an outdoor space protected from bad weather upstairs. Winter garden, reading corner, workshop..., let yourself be guided by your desires.
Why build a loggia?
The loggia is an opportunity to expand the interior space. Located upstairs, it offers a sheltered and intimate exterior to the occupants. Ideal for a evolutionary house which can one day be separated into several apartments.
It can also protect upstairs windows from direct sunlight by providing an appreciable “buffer” space in our sunny regions.
The veranda in a new house: focus on light
What is a veranda?
The veranda is a largely glazed and covered room. Leaning against the house or closely intertwined, it can be imagined from the design of the house. This fully enclosed space is a living room of variable size that can be used all year round. Dining room, kitchen, small living room, winter garden, everything can be considered. Its design nevertheless requires care, and taking into account solar gain and summer comfort.
The advantages of the veranda
In winter, the veranda offers a pleasant and bright outdoor space. The very glazed veranda can also be used to heat the interior space for free using the greenhouse effect.
Veranda what does the law say?
A veranda is considered a house extension, it is subject to a declaration of work or a permission. It adds floor space and footprint. Have it built at the same time as the house for better integration into your project and add additional charm to your new house.
