Designing Beyond the Building: Why Outdoor Spaces Matter in Commercial Architecture

When thinking about commercial property development — whether it’s a luxury rental, a high-end holiday home, or a mixed-use scheme — it’s easy to focus on what’s inside the building. But increasingly, the true value of a property lies in how it connects with the outdoors.
At JLK Architects, we believe well-designed external spaces are a key part of delivering successful, high-performing commercial buildings. Outdoor areas — whether it’s a first-floor balcony, a private terrace, or a communal garden — can be the difference between a space that simply functions and one that offers a memorable experience.
Take one of our latest eco homes in rural Nottinghamshire. The property features a modest first-floor balcony that overlooks open countryside. It’s not huge. It doesn’t shout. But it offers something powerful: a peaceful place to sit with a drink, to reconnect with nature, or to unwind at the end of the day. These are the kinds of touches that turn short stays into return visits, and viewings into offers.
For developers, outdoor spaces are not an aesthetic extra — they are an investment feature. They help properties stand out in saturated markets, add emotional appeal, and often allow for higher returns per square metre. In the case of holiday accommodation or short-term rentals, they can directly influence bookings and guest satisfaction.
As always, we balance this with subtle sustainability. In our Nottinghamshire project, the home also integrates rainwater attenuation and greywater reuse — invisible systems that improve environmental performance without compromising on design.
At JLK Architects, we create spaces that look great, work brilliantly, and deliver value — not just for the present, but for the long term.
📍 Based in Nottingham, serving commercial clients across the East Midlands.
🌿 Experts in sustainable, high-performance architecture tailored for commercial success.
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