Porch, Solana or Loggia?

You say porch, I say verandah. Or is it a loggia? A solana, perhaps?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between these terms, let us guide you through these small, outdoor living areas.

Lanai is the Hawaiian word meaning a patio or balcony but we use this word for describing a porch or outdoor living space. This area is often accompanied by a spa or pool usually secluded by a large screened structure and featuring a roofed area. Lanais usually include a fireplace or an outdoor kitchen. Although this living area is not counted in the living area square footage, it will be reflected in the total square footage.

Verandah refers to a covered area or porch. It could also be described as an open pillared gallery, often featuring a roof and partial railed area, built around the rear and sides of a central structure.

Loggia is a design feature of Italian origin referring to a gallery or corridor found on the ground level (sometimes above), located on the facade of a structure and exposed on one side, supported by columns or pierced openings in the wall.

Porch is used to describe a covered area or entrance attached to a building, external to the walls of the main building. Porches are often enclosed by a screen, latticework, broad windows or lightly framed walls.

Solana is Spanish for “The Sunny Side”. The term is used to describe an outdoor living space, often containing a kitchen, fireplace, casual furnishings and a roof.

So now you have a better knowledge of these different words, which are interchangeable depending on the style or design of the house. Are you considering one of these features for your own home? Dan Sater’s house plans offer unique and beautiful outdoor spaces - by including his signature “cornerless” glass sliders that blend into the wall, the boundary between indoors and outdoors becomes one unique living space. For entertaining, relaxing or enjoying the company of friends and family, let Sater Design create this outdoor haven for you.