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Collection by Heather Corcoran

City Porches and Patios That Pack Outdoor Space in Small Packages

These five urban abodes make the most of patios, porches, and yards to grab a bit of green space in the big city. For more inspiring outdoor design ideas, pick up our June issue, on stands now.

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Architects Simone Carneiro and Alexandre Skaff transformed a cramped São Paulo apartment into a mid-city refuge for Simone Santos. On the terrace, plants, vines, and pergolas form a barrier against the city’s notorious noise and pollution.
Architects Simone Carneiro and Alexandre Skaff transformed a cramped São Paulo apartment into a mid-city refuge for Simone Santos. On the terrace, plants, vines, and pergolas form a barrier against the city’s notorious noise and pollution.
Architects Smruti Kamat and Lester Rozario convinced their clients to set aside a third of their lot for the garden, which draws light deep into their three-story home. To make the move count, the wall “became as important as the house itself,” Kamat says.
Architects Smruti Kamat and Lester Rozario convinced their clients to set aside a third of their lot for the garden, which draws light deep into their three-story home. To make the move count, the wall “became as important as the house itself,” Kamat says.
Even a small patio can have a monumental effect. A green wall in this kitchen patio also brings views to the higher parts of the slender town house, located in the West Village in New York. The counter and floor, clad in gray honed slate, and the teak-clad walls and bench complement the greenery.
Even a small patio can have a monumental effect. A green wall in this kitchen patio also brings views to the higher parts of the slender town house, located in the West Village in New York. The counter and floor, clad in gray honed slate, and the teak-clad walls and bench complement the greenery.
The Zizmors installed a 16-foot-wide deck for playing and grilling, and lined it with hostas, Hollywood juniper, and bamboo.
The Zizmors installed a 16-foot-wide deck for playing and grilling, and lined it with hostas, Hollywood juniper, and bamboo.