Terrace is an architectural extension of living space that creates a flat, raised platform adjacent to a building, typically open to the elements and designed to provide additional outdoor living area while maintaining a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. This fundamental design element, dating back to ancient civilizations, has evolved from purely functional agricultural implementations in hillside farming to become a sophisticated component of modern architectural design, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits to residential and commercial structures. In contemporary design practice, terraces serve multiple purposes: they function as transitional spaces that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, create opportunities for urban agriculture and sustainable living, and provide valuable social gathering spaces that enhance property value and lifestyle quality. The design considerations for terraces encompass various technical aspects including load-bearing capacity, drainage systems, safety barriers, and material selection that must withstand environmental exposure while complementing the building's overall aesthetic. Modern terrace designs often incorporate sustainable elements such as permeable surfaces, integrated planters, and smart shading solutions, reflecting growing environmental consciousness in architectural practice. The significance of terrace design has been recognized in numerous design competitions, including the A' Design Award's Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, where innovative terrace implementations have demonstrated how these spaces can transform urban living experiences. Terraces play a crucial role in biophilic design principles, offering opportunities to integrate nature into built environments through carefully planned landscaping, vertical gardens, and outdoor living spaces that promote well-being and environmental connection.
outdoor living space, architectural extension, transitional design, sustainable architecture, urban agriculture, social gathering space, environmental integration
Terrace is an architectural element and outdoor living space that consists of a raised, level platform adjacent to a building, typically constructed as an extension of the interior living area into the exterior environment. This fundamental design feature, dating back to ancient civilizations, has evolved from purely agricultural purposes in stepped farming to become a significant component of residential and commercial architecture, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. In contemporary design, terraces serve multiple functions, including social gathering, dining, relaxation, and urban gardening, while simultaneously providing aesthetic value through their integration with building facades and landscapes. The design of terraces encompasses various considerations, including structural integrity, drainage systems, safety features, and material selection, with common materials ranging from natural stone and concrete to composite decking and ceramic tiles. Modern terrace design often incorporates sustainable elements such as permeable surfaces for rainwater management, green installations for environmental benefits, and climate-responsive features that enhance comfort through proper orientation and shading solutions. The significance of terraces in architectural design has been recognized by various design competitions, including the A' Design Award, which evaluates innovative terrace designs under its architectural and landscape design categories, particularly focusing on how these spaces contribute to improved living conditions and environmental sustainability. Terraces play a crucial role in urban architecture, offering valuable outdoor space in densely populated areas and contributing to the building's thermal performance through their ability to provide natural shade and ventilation, while also serving as potential locations for renewable energy installations and urban agriculture initiatives.
outdoor living space, architectural extension, sustainable design, urban landscape, recreational platform
A terrace is an outdoor area that is connected to a building or a wall, and is typically designed to provide a space for relaxation, entertainment, or dining. It can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, concrete, timber, or steel, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the user. Terraces can be found on the ground floor or on a rooftop, and often serve as an extension of a building's interior. They can be used for a variety of activities, including dining, relaxing, or entertaining guests. Terrace designs may incorporate features such as seating, fencing, and landscaping elements, and may also include energy-efficient features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. Terraces are an important architectural element that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, while also providing a functional outdoor space. They can be used to create a transition area between a building and a garden, or to create a private outdoor area. Terraces can also be used to create a visual barrier between public and private spaces, and to create an intimate outdoor living space. In addition, terraces can provide a space for urban agriculture, allowing for the production of fresh food within the city limits. The history of terraces dates back to ancient times, with examples of terraced gardens and structures found in civilizations such as the Babylonians and the Incas. In modern times, terraces have become an increasingly popular feature in urban architecture, as they provide a way to create outdoor living spaces in areas where space is limited. Terraces can also help to reduce noise and create more privacy for the occupants of a building, while also providing additional insulation.
outdoor area, relaxation, entertainment, dining, extension, architecture, aesthetic appeal, functional, transition area, private outdoor area, visual barrier, intimate outdoor living space, urban agriculture, ancient times, Babylonians, Incas, modern time
Terraces are an architectural element that is often utilized in the design of homes, businesses, and other structures. Generally, a terrace is a stepped structure that is built along the side of a building or structure, typically to provide a transition between two levels of a landscape. Terraces may be open or enclosed, and can be used for a variety of purposes, from providing an aesthetic or functional element to a building to creating an outdoor living space or space for plants or other living things. Terraces may also be used to help reduce runoff and erosion, or to provide a barrier between a building and a street or other public area. In addition, terraces can also provide a space for outdoor activities, such as dining, entertainment, or relaxation.
Gardens, patios, balconies, decks, verandas, staircases, steps, ledges, patios, patios, platforms, ramps, pergolas, sunrooms, and awnings.
Terrace, in the context of architecture, is an open space which is designed as an area of relaxation and recreation, typically at the upper level of a building or in between two other buildings. It is usually built from masonry materials such as stone, brick, or concrete, and is often covered with a waterproof material to protect it from the weather. This open space is usually connected to a garden or a courtyard, and is meant to provide a pleasant view of the surrounding environment. The terrace is often used to provide an outdoor living area and dining area, and is often used for entertaining guests. It can also be used as a space to relax and spend time with family, or as an area to host events such as weddings and other gatherings.
Outdoor space, landscape, view, courtyard, garden.
Masonry terrace structures are a prominent feature of architectural spaces, and can be defined as outdoor platforms that are built with masonry or stone materials. These structures are often used to create a visually pleasing outdoor living space, and can be used to create a transition area between a building and a garden, or to create a private outdoor area. Terraces are often designed with an elevation, allowing for a clear view of the surrounding area and maximizing the available space. Masonry terracing can also be used to create a visual barrier between public and private spaces, and to create an intimate outdoor living space.
Design, Construction, Materials, Elevation, Visuals.
The word terrace has a long and complex linguistic and historical evolution. Its origin is derived from the Latin word ‘terrarium’, which was used to signify a flat, raised area of land. In the 16th century, terrace was adopted into English to refer to outdoor seating area of a grand house, or the flat roof of a building. This usage has been retained to today, with terrace now commonly used to describe patios, balconies, verandas, and other outdoor areas. From a linguistic perspective, the form of the word terrace includes two morphemes - ‘terr’ meaning land, and ‘ace’ meaning a flat surface. Its original meaning of an entertainment area - especially during the 18th century - has since broadened to encompass a wide range of various raised spaces, including areas used for seating, landscaping, and architecture. Pragmatically, terrace is used to denote a flat space, most often raised from the ground, that provides an elevated view or area for relaxation.
Etymology, Morphology, Terrace, Pragmatics, Linguistic Evolution.
Terrace is a noun, referring to an outdoor area built on an inclined surface, typically with steps, often affording a view over a landscape. Synonyms of terrace include ledge, stage, balcony, tier, and verandah. Antonyms for terrace include valley, abyss, depression, and dip. Cognates for terrace include French terrasse and Italian terrazza. Variants of terrace can include terrace, terracing, terraced.
Morphology, Etymology, Terminology, Language, Lexicography
Terrace is a flat and horizontal outdoor area, typically with a stone or tiled floor, which is connected or adjacent to a building and often used as a living or entertainment space. It is also known by a variety of different names in different languages and cultures: in Spanish, it is referred to as terraza, in Italian as terrazza, in German as Terrasse, in French as terrasse, in Portuguese as varanda, in Dutch as terras, in Swedish as terrass, in Polish as taras, in Finnish as terassi, in Greek as ατραπός and in Turkish as teras. Other names for a terrace include patio, deck, balcony, veranda, walkway, balcony, and portico.
In SEO terms, Terrace would be translated to Spanish as terraza, Italian as terrazza, German as Terrasse, French as terrasse, Portuguese as varanda, Dutch as terras, Swedish as terrass, Polish as taras, Finnish as Terassi, Greek as ατραπός, an
CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Terrace.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=221631 (Accessed on July 04, 2025)"
In the field of architecture, a terrace is an external or open platform structure which typically has raised or level surface and is connected to a building or wall. Terrace can be made from different materials like brick, stone, concrete, timber or steel, and often features landscaping elements or furniture to provide residents and visitors with a comfortable outdoor space. They can be used as a seating area, outdoor dining space, or simply for aesthetic purposes. It is important to note that terraces are not to be confused with balconies, which are enclosed spaces that are typically connected to the interior of a building. Notable terrace-style works of architecture include the Spanish Steps in Rome, The Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and the Taj Mahal in India.
Terrace, architecture, design, outdoor, platform.
Terrace is an area of a building that is designed to be used as an outdoor area, typically with a paved or hard surface. It is usually found on the ground floor or on a rooftop, and often serves as an extension of a building's interior. The terrace can be used for a variety of activities, including dining, relaxing or entertaining. Terrace designs are usually tailored to the specific needs of the user, and can include features such as seating, fencing, and landscaping elements. Terrace designs may also incorporate energy-efficient features, such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. In some cases, terrace designs may incorporate green walls or green roofs. Terrace areas can also be used for urban agriculture, allowing for the production of fresh food within the city limits.
Patios, balconies, decks, pergolas, gazebos, patios, seating, landscaping, sustainable, green roofs, green walls, urban farming.
A terrace is an outdoor living space located on the roof or upper levels of a building. It is usually made of stone, paving slabs, or grass, and usually enclosed with a barrier such as a low wall or railing. It is typically used to provide a recreational area or to provide a view of the surrounding area. Some terraces incorporate features such as a pergola, a sculpture or seating, to create an attractive and comfortable outdoor space. By creating additional spaces between the ground and the upper levels of a building, terraces provide additional insulation, reduce noise, and create more privacy for the occupants of the building.
Outdoor terrace, balcony, patio, deck, rooftop.
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