Master-planned communities take it outside

Master-planned communities want one thing from their residents: for them to move out. So much so, that Summerlin even requires the homebuilders to plan for it, make space for it and be creative about it. The community mandates that 15 percent of the square footage of each home is dedicated to outdoor living, and homeowners nationwide are thriving in the great outdoors.

Unique outdoor living spaces like rooftop decks, front courtyards with a pool and open-air casitas designed for entertaining in front of the home can be found in some Summerlin neighborhoods.

In Belmont, Calif., Lennar has begun focusing on the front courtyard concept.

"A stunning front courtyard makes the best of indoor-outdoor living with enough space for a pool," a recent Lennar press release touts.

Elaborate courtyards become the transition from outdoors to indoors and offer a mix of both, from comfortable outdoor couches to daybeds to water features and gardens, and often feature koi ponds, pools, fountains or fireplaces.

In Las Vegas where the National Weather Service says the average minimum temperature in January — the coldest month — hovers around 36 degrees, well above freezing, spending time outdoors is perennial. And don't think it's all cool weather and roses out there. An NWS report estimates a 70.2 percent chance of above-normal temperatures from September through November in Southern Nevada.

It might be best to duck under some covered porches or patios to keep things tempered at home.

Many homes in master-planned communities feature outdoor kitchens to fire up the outdoor entertaining and keep cooler heads indoors. While the rest of the nation celebrates barbecue time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Las Vegans tend to celebrate in spring and fall with less melt-your-face-off weather.

Moving the cooking outside can reduce the heat in the kitchen, and throughout the house, which lowers electricity bills while also becomimg central to parties and pool time.

There's no easier way to stay involved with the party than by having a cool one by a warm grill.

With the added features of outdoor refrigerators, stove tops and the works, such as a double sink, varying countertop heights for plenty of workspace and storage, outdoor kitchens incorporate indoor kitchen features and are functional and inviting.

As part of the movement outdoors, almost all homebuilders offer some type of covered porch, patio or loggia.

Stonecrest Homes in Atlanta "luxurious screened porches that include cedar siding, slate flooring and a grilling deck. These outdoor living spaces also offer the option to include a fireplace, allowing homeowners to enjoy the area during the colder winter months."

It's the added touches that make these spaces so livable. From the stonework up, each detail makes the space a move inviting place.

In the end, the added living space seems to be key to homebuyers.

"The optional covered outdoor space that is offered in our homes at The Meadows gives homebuyers the opportunity to bring the outdoors directly into their homes," said Mark Thomas, division president for Century Communities in Colorado, in a press release.

And if that living space incorporates the beauty of the desert at their doorstep, even better.

"As a master plan, Summerlin has created a culture that promotes an outdoor, active lifestyle. With more than 150 miles of trails and parks and green space in every village, residents are enticed and encouraged to enjoy every aspect of their community," said Danielle Bisterfeldt, director of marketing for Summerlin. "That's why outdoor living space as a design hallmark makes perfect sense for Summerlin. The Howard Hughes Corp. has extended that culture by establishing guidelines for homebuilders to ensure that Summerlin residents can still enjoy the outdoors at home with spaces that are equally comfortable both indoors and out."