Designing a home with a view is about more than just scenery—it’s about creating a space that seamlessly connects the indoors with the natural beauty surrounding it.
For those considering an architecturally designed home, maximizing natural vistas can bring tranquility, boost well-being, and offer a greater sense of space through thoughtful design.
Biophilic design, which emphasizes the connection between people and the natural world, plays a central role in this process, allowing residents to feel part of the landscape even while indoors.
To achieve this, architects carefully consider each angle, room layout, and window placement to ensure that every possible vantage point captures the beauty beyond your walls.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essential design tips for crafting a home that not only honors its location but enhances your daily experience through a constant connection to the outdoors.

DESIGNING FOR YOUR VIEW: FIRST STEPS
Planning how to design a home with a view starts with identifying what truly makes a view captivating – the play of light, the elements of nature that inspire you, and the feelings you want to evoke.
These design tips will set you on the right track.
ORIENTATION: THE DANCE OF LIGHT AND SPACE

When planning how to design a home with a view, it is essential to determine the optimal direction to face your house. North-facing aspects offer greater sun exposure and are often highly sought-after. Correct view orientation could affect energy bills down the track.
Yet, simply orienting your lake house towards the north doesn’t guarantee optimal outcomes. For example, if your best views are to the west, but you’re worried about the harsh afternoon sun, you can leverage architectural solutions.
Incorporating features such as carefully positioned eaves, verandahs, or even deciduous trees that provide summer shade, allowing you to soak in those gorgeous sunsets without turning your living room into a furnace. It’s this delicate balance between maximizing the view’s impact and ensuring comfortable living that defines good design.

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF DESIGNING WITH A VIEW
At Slater Architects, we pride ourselves on crafting homes that not only showcase stunning vistas but integrate them seamlessly into everyday living.
Two standout examples of this approach are the Point Frederick House and Vista House—each a masterclass in creating homes with a view from every room.
THE POINT FREDERICK HOUSE

The Point Frederick House is an exceptional example of waterfront living done right. Every design element was thoughtfully planned to celebrate its stunning location.

Expansive windows in the main living areas capture breathtaking water views, bathing the interiors in natural light. Upstairs, private balconies extend the experience, offering quiet retreats with unparalleled perspectives of the waterfront.

The house is terraced down the contour of the site creating several levels and generating zones for different functions. The design is indented in its floor plan which provided the ability to catch the water view from almost every habitable room.
Outdoor living spaces further enhance the home’s relationship with its surroundings, providing seamless transitions from indoor comfort to outdoor serenity.

VISTA HOUSE

Vista House, on the other hand, brings the majesty of coastal living to life. Positioned on an elevated site, it offers dynamic views of the ocean from nearly every corner.

Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame the coastline beautifully, while private nooks and balconies provide spaces for more intimate appreciation of the scenery.
The thoughtful use of multi-directional design ensures that both expansive panoramas and smaller, curated views of the surrounding natural features are enjoyed.

Sustainable building practices elevate Vista House further, combining luxury with environmental responsibility in a way that aligns with modern values.
Both of these projects highlight how thoughtful architecture can transform a home into a living canvas for its natural surroundings.

These case studies illustrate the power of design to connect people to their environment, creating spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.
ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMISING YOUR VIEW
Understanding how to design a home with a view requires considering the perfect blend of architectural elements. Here are some proven strategies to amplify the beauty of your surroundings.
EMBRACE EXPANSIVE WINDOWS AND DOORS
The more expansive the glass, the more seamlessly the outdoors becomes a part of your living space. Imagine waking each morning in your master suite to breathtaking ocean vistas framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Large sliding doors open up completely to integrate an expansive deck area. The choice of sliding doors or glass doors will affect your budget, so be sure to do your research.

While big windows are the eyes of your home, the key to harnessing them lies in strategic placement. Don’t simply focus on one large window—consider a series of smaller, carefully-placed windows.
Each one, while potentially modest on its own, frames a specific aspect of the panorama like a curated art gallery.

ELEVATE YOUR PERSPECTIVE WITH DECKS AND PATIOS
Decks and patios not only extend your living space; they redefine how you connect with your surroundings.
A strategically placed outdoor area with comfortable seating becomes a natural extension of your indoor living areas, providing ample space for outdoor living.

For those colder seasons, integrating an outdoor fireplace not only provides warmth, but adds another layer of captivating ambiance. Be mindful of existing trees, blocking views when designing your outdoor area. Consider how these outdoor spaces flow from one another, guiding your gaze through the landscape.
SEAMLESS INDOOR-OUTDOOR TRANSITIONS

This concept blurs the line between where your home ends and the view begins. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors pocket entirely into the walls. When opened, they create a wide-open passage from your living room to the patio, making your living area feel much bigger.
Consider how each material transition, from polished concrete flooring to natural stone pavers, can enhance the feeling of connectedness to your environment. These sorts of design elements help create a cohesive look and feel, which is worth making a priority.
MAXIMISING VIEWS, MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

At Slater Architects, we pride ourselves on our ability to create homes that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings, maximizing views from every possible angle.
When thinking through how to design a home with a view, it’s crucial to acknowledge your environmental footprint. These days, finding that balance between luxury and responsibility isn’t a compromise; it’s a mark of great design.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES AND MATERIALS
Choosing sustainable materials and working with environmentally conscious builders adds a layer of depth and integrity to your design vision.
Sustainable practices don’t just benefit the planet; they often translate to homes that are more energy efficient, durable, and require less maintenance, making them a good idea in the long run.
Fortunately, resources like Ecospecifier Global and Environmental Product Declaration Australasia are making it easier than ever to make responsible decisions. These databases provide information on the environmental impact of various building materials and products.
Look for reputable certifications like Good Environmental Choice Australia, Global GreenTag, and Green Tick.

PASSIVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES: LET NATURE BE YOUR GUIDE
Imagine harnessing the sun’s warmth to naturally heat your home in the winter or designing windows that capture cool breezes, reducing reliance on air conditioning.
Passive design integrates these principles of natural heating, cooling, and ventilation. Not only will this help with the view orientation, but you will use natural surroundings to your advantage.
These practices contribute not just to lower energy bills but to a home that feels intrinsically connected to its environment.
You’ll want to make sure you can still do this and enjoy beautiful views all year round, even in the colder seasons.
CATHY’S WRAP
Learning how to design a home with a view is about creating an immersive experience that allows you to spend time enjoying your property to its full potential.
By combining strategic architectural choices with sustainable practices, your home will not just have a view; it will become a part of it.

NOTE
While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained within this article is accurate and up to date, Slater Architects makes no warranty, representation or undertaking whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information.
Cathy Slater: MAM (Arch) AIA
Principal Architect