Front porches. Backyard patios. Alfresco dining spaces.
Once staples of the American home, these features faded in some regions as architecture leaned more modern. But according to the latest housing trends, outdoor living is not only back — it’s becoming one of the most desirable features for new homes.
The National Association of Home Builders reports that the share of new single-family homes with patios has climbed from 47% in 2008 to 64% in 2023. Porches are on the upswing too — now found in nearly 7 out of 10 new homes. And it’s no wonder: with home sizes shrinking and construction costs rising, homeowners are stretching their square footage outdoors.
Outdoor living spaces check all the boxes: they’re versatile, cost-effective, and offer both social and wellness perks. From quiet morning coffee on the porch to a dinner party under the stars, these spaces connect us to fresh air, natural light… and each other!
Thermory: Design Trends Meet Staying Power
While demand for porches, patios, and pergolas grows, not all materials are made to handle the elements — or to do so sustainably. That’s where Thermory shines.
We transform real wood using only heat and steam — no chemicals, no shortcuts — to create thermally modified products that are:
- Durable – built to outlast storms, seasons, and short-term trends
- Low maintenance – because no one dreams of spending weekends refinishing their deck.
- Sustainably sourced – a natural alternative to tropical hardwoods, treated lumber, and plastics.
“Our mission is to provide beautiful, long-lasting wood products for the construction industry, offering a sustainable alternative to tropical woods, chemically treated woods, and man-made materials,” says Thermory CEO Mark Challinor. “Excellence in quality and respect for the environment drive everything we do.”
Built for Every Season, Every Style
From modular decking systems to custom cladding to outdoor saunas, Thermory lets designers bring the indoor–outdoor lifestyle to life — beautifully and sustainably.
Thermally modified to the core (not just the surface!), our wood resists warping and wear in any environment.
Whether you’re creating:
- A statement-making front porch
- A covered back patio for dining and entertaining
- A pergola for shade and style
- A full outdoor living room
…Thermory gives you the good bones your design deserves — and the peace of mind that it’ll still look amazing years from now.
Project Spotlight: Quail Haven – Carmel, CA
Architect: Forma Design Studio
Builder: Barak Construction
Product: Benchmark Ash Decking, Benchmark Pine Cladding
This isn’t just a guest house — it’s an invitation to slow down and soak up the surroundings. The horizontal Thermory cladding amplifies the clean, contemporary lines while keeping the palette warm and natural.
“The customer decided to use the product because of the natural element and look. Together with the architect, they chose horizontal cladding which enhances the contemporary look of the building,” says builder Ladislav Barak.
“This project is a very unique (and cool) guest house. It is focused on the environment and sustainability.”
Modern form, natural heart — proof that you don’t have to choose between sleek and sustainable.
Project Spotlight: Sauna in the Forest – Bratislava, Slovakia
Architect: Ing. Jurij Cemak
Builder: APEX A and Woodmaster SK
Product: Thermory Alder (Sauna)
Self-care meets the great outdoors.
Hidden in the hillside, this sanctuary feels like it’s always been part of the forest. Inside, Thermo Alder benches wrap the space in warmth, while a panoramic glass wall delivers a view that’s pure therapy.
“This project was not just about functionality, but also about blending with the surrounding nature,” the team notes. “The connection between modern design, natural materials, and the beauty of the forest creates an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.”
Nature Is the New Luxury
Today’s homeowners are leaning into biophilic design — spaces that blur the boundaries between inside and out, connect people to nature, and boost well-being.
Biophilic spaces aren’t just good for the soul; they bring people together. Natural textures, open-air layouts, and organic materials make gathering spaces feel more welcoming, more human, and more alive.
And in the words of Manny Neves, Thermory supporter and host of The Construction Life Podcast:
“Today, people are eager to engage with surfaces in a more tactile way. From the feel of a bare foot on the floor to the texture of walls during a family gathering, to the expansive canvas that ceilings offer, there’s a desire for more sensory exploration. Even exteriors are evolving with new deck designs that feel like a seamless extension of the home. This trend is about moving beyond the visual appeal of a social media post, inviting a deeper, more personal interaction with our living spaces.”
Translation? It’s not just about looking good anymore — it’s about feeling good.
Wood the way it was meant to be: real and resilient.
With Thermory, you can design spaces that invite touch, spark connection, and stand up to every season. Responsibly sourced. Beautiful for decades. Built for how people really live.
Already imagining your next design? We’re ready when you are.
Image Credits: Orit Alfassi. Ladislav Barak. Katarina Janickova.
