A designer brings her award-winning style to Belize, and talks about what makes a great outdoor space.
By Loren Kessell
The warmer weather that’s starting to blanket more of the U.S. has many homeowners turning their attention from snow shovels to barbeque tools. One designer traded in a northern climate for one that’s always warm, and where her expertise in designing with the outdoors and environment in mind is paying off.
Sandra Gjesdahl, a 2018 NKBA Professional Design Competition winner in several categories, including Outdoor Kitchens, is principal designer for Bristol Design & Construction along with her husband, Scott Gjesdahl. They started their business in Seattle, and expanded to Bristol Belize & JaQor Belize in Central America, which they founded in 2016. The couple moved to Belize full-time to focus on the new business and to dedicate their time to sustainable design and stewarding responsible and progressive architecture.
She shared her experiences and principles in designing for outdoor spaces — especially when the outdoors is a jungle.
“Creating an outdoor space involves planning and thinking of it as an extension of the indoors,” said Gjesdahl, who studied architecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., and began her career as a residential architect in Los Angeles before moving back to Seattle.
“We decided to retire outside of the U.S. in 2008,” she explained. “After travelling the world, we decided on Belize because it is close, the national language is English, you can own land, the average temperature is 80 degrees, 40% of the land is protected and it has a plethora of adventurous things to do. And, there’s an opportunity to make a difference in the built environment here.”
Their current project extends beyond individual houses, comprising more than 800 acres of land and 600 residences. The development is designed around Permaculture, which means everything is beautiful and edible.
“Homes and people should be happier and healthier,” Gjesdahl said.
With the evolution of outdoor design comes new trends, and Gjesdahl attends trade shows to network with peers, immerses herself in magazines, and pays attention to new appliance offerings to stay informed.
“A strong connection to entertaining spaces includes the main kitchen and indoor spaces,” Gjesdahl said. “These spaces have gone beyond the [grill] and incorporate sinks, counter space and other outdoor appliances.”
Fluidity is another component in creating outdoor spaces — an outdoor kitchen should feel like an extension of its indoor counterpart.
“I use the same appliance brand, same counter top, stainless-steel cabinetry that I use often in indoor spaces,” Gjesdahl said. “The architecture itself plays a role — ceilings and soffits can be detailed the same, cabinet hardware can be consistent, sinks, faucets—all consistent.”
Clients often ask Gjesdahl for elements like low-maintenance equipment that is weather-resistant, timeless design, and can be used all year long. They also request smokers, grills, rotisserie, side burners, refrigerators and outdoor beer taps.
She also utilizes natural materials to soften the edges of industrial design such as natural wood and textiles. Finish it off with natural stone and a few eclectic pieces, and that creates a beautiful and functional space.
One of her greatest achievements so far, she said, is the off-the-grid house she designed with her husband that is now their residence. It has been recognized industry-wide, including winning Outdoor Kitchen specialty honors in NKBA’s Professional Design Competition.
“We fell in love with the mountains,” Gjesdahl said. “Power is expensive here as well, so we took advantage of our year-round stream for micro-hydro and have solar back-up. I start my days with fresh squeezed orange juice from the farm and go pick some veggies from the garden for later, then sit down to create some great design!”
When creating projects like this, she said it’s important to factor in a power source. Typically, they utilize micro-hydro and solar power, and they choose efficient appliances.
Her goal is to continue promoting off-the-grid living and creating more homes. The Gjesdahls want to promote unplugged living and a stronger sense of presence.
“When you wake up to the birds singing, look around and all you see is pristine jungle, our citrus orchards and no other house in sight in any direction,” Gjesdahl said, “you understand the allure of this location.”
