Ancient Inspiration: Creating Modern Outdoor Spaces with Historical Architectural Elements / by Tyler Nalbach

Outdoor spaces by Elevate By Design are immersive journeys that bring history, elegance, and tranquility into harmony with the natural world. Inspired by ancient architectural forms, each space is a modern reimagining of timeless styles, from the intimate charm of Moroccan riads to the grounding presence of Celtic stone circles. 

In this collection, Elevate By Design infuses artistry and purpose into every element, creating outdoor environments that invite both reflection and connection. Join us as we explore these five uniquely inspired spaces, each thoughtfully crafted to honor architectural heritage while providing a luxurious escape into nature.

Greenbriar: A Modern Atrium, Echoing Roman Elegance

Step into Greenbriar, where fire and water meet under the open sky in an echo of the ancient Roman atrium. In Rome’s golden age, atriums were sanctuaries of light and air, spaces meant for reflection and gathering. 

Here, the pool glistens like liquid glass as the flames flicker nearby, casting warm, shifting patterns. Greenbriar’s layout is an invitation—to lounge, to connect, to let time slow as you savor an outdoor escape fit for an emperor.

  • Travel Inspiration: Wander the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum in Italy to experience the Roman atriums that inspired this design, where courtyards blend seamlessly with sky, water, and stone.

  • Design Tip: Capture the atrium’s essence by framing a water or fire element at the heart of your outdoor space, surrounded by open seating to create a natural flow and a sense of tranquility.

TeaHouse: Serenity in Layers, Inspired by Japanese Shoji Screens

TeaHouse is a quiet symphony of light and shadow, inspired by the Japanese Shoji screen. This structured retreat, with its intricate woodwork and filtered glow, recalls the artistry of Shoji screens, where each slat is placed with purpose. 

As dusk settles, the layered wood catches the last light, casting soft patterns that dance across the ground. TeaHouse is a place to pause, to breathe, to experience the serenity that only comes when design is in perfect harmony with nature.

  • Travel Inspiration: Discover the tranquil beauty of Japanese architecture in Kyoto, where temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Ryoan-ji reveal the Shoji’s elegance and mastery of light.

  • Design Tip: Bring a touch of this Japanese elegance to your own space with wood slats or trellises, creating an interplay of shadow and light that shifts with the changing sun.

Hoyt Tudor: Timeless Charm with English Tudor Grace

In Hoyt Tudor, every detail transports you to the English countryside, where centuries-old estates stand as testaments to Tudor architecture’s enduring charm. The half-timbered walls, steep roofs, and warm brickwork tell a story of heritage, inviting guests to bask in a sense of refined comfort. 

As evening falls, soft lights glow against the gabled roofline, illuminating ivy-draped walls. Hoyt Tudor is a place to gather, to linger, where every element is crafted to evoke an era of elegance and grace.

  • Travel Inspiration: Stroll through Warwick Castle or Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in England to immerse yourself in the world of Tudor architecture, where craftsmanship and charm come to life.

  • Design Tip: Capture Tudor charm by incorporating half-timber accents, warm brick details, and delicate lighting in your outdoor space, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Tulum: Inner Harmony, Inspired by Moroccan Riads

Tulum embodies the spirit of a Moroccan riad, a private refuge hidden away from the world. Inspired by the lush courtyards of Marrakech, this space centers around a serene pool, framed by shaded seating and dappled light. 

Imagine sunlight filtering through a lattice of wood, casting delicate patterns on the water’s surface. Tulum is an escape for the senses, where every detail invites calm, blending simplicity with the timeless luxury of Moroccan design.

  • Travel Inspiration: Wander the lush courtyards of Bahia Palace or the Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakech, where pools, intricate tiling, and shaded nooks create sanctuaries of peace.

  • Design Tip: Channel the serenity of a riad by adding a central water feature and cozy seating, adorned with greenery and natural textures, to create an oasis in your own space.

Pond: Gathering by the Fire, in the Spirit of Celtic Stone Circles

Pond exudes a primal allure, where raw stone and flickering flame conjure the ancient mystery of Celtic stone circles. Imagine gathering under an open sky, seated on rugged stones as the fire crackles at the heart of the circle. 

Each stone holds its own history, a grounding force that echoes the Celtic reverence for nature and community. Here, by the fire, stories unfold, voices soften, and the spirit of the ancient world feels close, woven into the night air.

  • Travel Inspiration: Experience the mystique of ancient Celtic stone circles at Stonehenge or the Ring of Brodgar in Scotland, where stones stand as silent witnesses to centuries of gathering and ritual.

  • Design Tip: Create a stone circle in your outdoor space by arranging natural, rough-hewn rocks around a fire pit, embracing the organic beauty and grounding energy of the Celtic tradition.

Where Heritage Meets Home

With an eye for detail and a deep respect for historical architecture, Elevate By Design transforms outdoor spaces into destinations that blend beauty, comfort, and purpose. Each project is a testament to the power of design to transcend time, inviting you to experience the essence of ancient cultures from the comfort of your own home. 

Whether you find inspiration in the serenity of Japanese screens or the boldness of Roman courtyards, Elevate By Design captures these elements to create a space that feels like a retreat into another world. Step into these designs, and discover an outdoor experience that is as rich in history as it is in luxury.