Every home should have a
lanai — otherwise known as a “living porch” — to take advantage of balmy
weather. A common feature in Hawaiian homes, it’s a covered outdoor room that’s
larger than a typical front or rear porch and organized for sitting and dining.
A good example from the Big Island in Hawaii is shown at the top of this post. It's where my family and I spent most of one vacation reading, talking, and dining.
The big blue built-in couch — called a hiki'a (pronounced “hickey-ay”) — is an important element and drew each of us like a magnet. Where insects are a problem a lanai could be screened. The great Hawaiian modern architect Vladimir Ossipoff included lanais in many of his Honolulu houses, some of which are profiled in Hawaiian Modern: The Architecture of Vladimir Ossipoff, edited by Dean Sakamoto.
Many of our plans include lanais. Here are some examples.
This small Mid-Century Modern cottage, Plan 917-2, lives larger thanks to the covered patio running the
length of the house. There's room for a grill at one end. It functions as a warm weather dining room.
A lanai can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Here's one complete with fireplace, lounging area,
outdoor kitchen and and flat screen TV: Plan 48-651. The mesh curtains are for sun control. Plan 132-221
takes a similar tack, with built-in grill and ample counter space, but with walls completely open to the elements.
So when is a porch a lanai? When it's spacious enough to really live on it, with room for sitting, or even a
couch swing suspended on ropes, as shown in Plan 901-120!
Also, thinking back to the top example, a lanai isn't the only place for a bed-couch. Try the living room, great room, or family room. It doesn't have to be built-in — any twin bed that’s set against a wall and covered with colorful pillows will do. Not only can it become a favorite spot for curling up with a good book, it can also double as a temporary sleeping area for overnight guests.
To browse more Plans With Lanais or Living Porches click here.
The big blue built-in couch — called a hiki'a (pronounced “hickey-ay”) — is an important element and drew each of us like a magnet. Where insects are a problem a lanai could be screened. The great Hawaiian modern architect Vladimir Ossipoff included lanais in many of his Honolulu houses, some of which are profiled in Hawaiian Modern: The Architecture of Vladimir Ossipoff, edited by Dean Sakamoto.
Many of our plans include lanais. Here are some examples.
This small Mid-Century Modern cottage, Plan 917-2, lives larger thanks to the covered patio running the
length of the house. There's room for a grill at one end. It functions as a warm weather dining room.
A lanai can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Here's one complete with fireplace, lounging area,
outdoor kitchen and and flat screen TV: Plan 48-651. The mesh curtains are for sun control. Plan 132-221
takes a similar tack, with built-in grill and ample counter space, but with walls completely open to the elements.
So when is a porch a lanai? When it's spacious enough to really live on it, with room for sitting, or even a
couch swing suspended on ropes, as shown in Plan 901-120!
Also, thinking back to the top example, a lanai isn't the only place for a bed-couch. Try the living room, great room, or family room. It doesn't have to be built-in — any twin bed that’s set against a wall and covered with colorful pillows will do. Not only can it become a favorite spot for curling up with a good book, it can also double as a temporary sleeping area for overnight guests.
To browse more Plans With Lanais or Living Porches click here.
