If you’re designing your own home, you’re in a unique position – you can create the perfect outdoor entertainment area. Yes, we’re talking about the barbecue wonderland you’ve always dreamed of. So, what’s on the list for your new alfresco space?
1. Stone or Concrete Flooring
Aside from simply looking better than your average timber deck, a concrete slab or natural stone patio feels solid underfoot and acts as a heat-sink. Materials like this, with high thermal mass, gather energy from the sun during the day and release it when the ambient temperature decreases. This means evenings around the barbecue stay warmer for longer.
2. An Outdoor Pizza Oven
Nothing beats a wood-fired pizza, except making your own at home – just the way you like it. You have many cooking options when building a custom home with a proper outdoor kitchen, and you could do well to have more than one.
Many prefer the natural process of cooking on open flames, whether wood- or coal-fired, but gas cooking can be just as handy. Not only does it heat up instantly, but it also allows you to cook a wider variety of meals outdoors – meaning more opportunities to barbecue! Also, on Total Fire Ban days, the Western Australian government doesn’t allow open flames – so gas is a good alternative.
3. An Outdoor Fridge
A small fridge under your benchtop is an ideal way to keep things cool in the hot WA summer. Ideal for storing a few beers, a small bar fridge can also be handy for keeping meat, marinades or sauces out of the reach of the sun and flies until it’s needed.
A separate fridge for food and drink isn’t necessary but is a nice touch. It also means guests don’t have to run inside for refills when they’re thirsty. Alternatively, consider installing one fridge and a built-in wine cooler for a really luxurious look.
However, even if you’re splashing out on appliances for your outdoor area, it doesn’t mean that you have to rack up your power bill or environmental impact either. According to the Department of Industry and Science, appliances account for around 30 per cent of power consumption in Aussie homes so choosing energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your costs in the long run.
Bonus Item: Sinks and Taps
Plumbing your outdoor kitchen for taps and a sink or two can mean you hardly ever have to step inside when preparing a meal. With everything at your fingertips, you truly have an outdoor kitchen that can be the pride of your luxury home in Perth.
Having a beautiful stainless steel sink will help you to keep the house clean when preparing fish or rinsing barbecue equipment. Water efficiency is also a concern for homeowners in WA, especially in the drier months. Make sure to do your part by selecting fittings that minimise your water use. There are also government incentives for all sorts of water-friendly fittings both indoors and outdoors, so make sure to enquire about these when shopping for your new home.
