[Photo: Tommy Crow]

Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt, architects with a modest practice, closed up shop in Miami four years ago and moved to a seaside enclave in the Panhandle to transform it into one of Florida’s latest New Urbanist communities. They also set up residence there. Andres Duany, founder of the New Urbanism movement, recommended them for the job: Town architects, Alys Beach. The fledgling town (only 5% to 8% of properties have been built) is full of the outdoor living hallmarks of New Urbanism, plenty of pedestrian-friendly avenues, open gathering spaces and private residential courtyards.

“Every house has a private courtyard,” says Khoury-Vogt. “It’s a wonderful way of living in a climate where nine to 10 months out of the year you can open your house to the outside.” The architecture, inspired by weather-resistant Bermudan design and the family-centric courtyard style of homes in Antigua and Guatemala, pays respect to the elements and capitalizes on them. Houses are situated on lots to take advantage of prevailing breezes from the Gulf. The courtyards become extensions of the living space and allow residents to enjoy being outside even in the summer.

EMPHASIZING THE OUTDOORS: The community “Caliza Pool” is modeled after a Greek agora. Surrounding buildings are designed as open-air loggias for different functions, from dining to changing rooms. [Photo: Jack Gardner]

The Vogts’ house, which they designed along with other residences in the development, is L-shaped. They can open their gates to the neighborhood or close them and have full privacy. They have 2,200 square feet of air-conditioned space, with an additional 975 of outdoor living space.

Outdoor areas make up to 30% to 50% of total living space in Alys Beach homes, says Khoury-Vogt. Most rooms have views of the courtyard, which have a fountain or pool, or both. They are landscaped with native, drought-tolerant plants. “They are wonderful spaces to be in,” says Khoury-Vogt. “We consider it a room of our house. We dine, read. Our girls play there.”

Made in the Shade

Bali lounge with top, $9,735; without top, $8,345

Miami-based Tuuci produces high-end umbrellas and shade structures from cabanas to curtain-engulfed privacy lounges complete with outdoor bedding. Its Bali lounge has a bed-lounge combo with all-weather cushions and Sunbrella fabric. It features Tuuci’s DuraTeak framing and stainless steel and chrome components. It also comes with a sunroof option to the traditional canopy top. The company has received several awards from the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturing Association as well as from the International Interior Design Association for its innovative designs.

Watching the Stars

42-inch Runco TV, $8,995

George Liu started his audio/video business, AVS South, in Tampa nearly 25 years ago and has been installing TVs outdoors for 10 years. But there were some key limitations and challenges — until now. Runco, a high-end home theater equipment company, has introduced a weatherproof TV, borrowing technology from the marine market. The flat panel, super bright TV will be available this fall.

Solar Hurricane, $39.97

Sun-Powered

Hampton Bay’s Solar Hurricane table lamp is solar-powered and includes two bright LED lights that stay lit up to 10 hours. Its St. Laurent rechargeable table lamp, also solar-powered, comes with a charger/adaptor.

The Ultimate in Drought-Resistant

Forever Lawn, $5 to $10 a square foot

Kevin Lynch, owner of Backyard & Beyond, a Fort Myers landscape design firm, is waiting for synthetic turf to catch on in his region. It’s bound to, he says, with strict watering restrictions becoming the norm. He likes a new product called Forever Lawn, which is being used at Disney’s Epcot Center, because it doesn’t require any infill to get the grass blades to stand up. “We haven’t been able to push much of it into the market yet,” says Lynch. “Reaction’s been kind of slow. Everyone is waiting for someone else to try it first.”

Standing Up to the Elements

Design Within Reach’s Veneto outdoor furniture line features a fabric resistant to chlorine and saltwater corrosion. WaProLace is a 100% recyclable and non-toxic woven fabric made from polyethylene. While it has a lacy look and texture, it’s extremely durable. Design Within Reach (dwr.com) has stores in Coconut Point, Coral Gables, South Beach and West Palm Beach.

Veneto sofa, $3,300