Innholdsfortegnelse for #4 i Best Homes

Avacant block of land presents the opportunity to create something special without any of the hindrances that occur when a pre-existing structure lies in the way of your new abode. And that’s exactly what this Bella Vista, Sydney, home was afforded. In a typical family residence, occupants tend to live on top of each other and spaces are filled to the brim. This modern take on a family home prioritises space, and there’s plenty of it for a couple with two young children. “The client wanted a spacious house in which they would feel comfortable,” says Nino Sanzari from Starr Constructions. Beginning from scratch, there was a considerable amount of work to be completed, including a cinema, multi-car garage, courtyard, living and kitchen area, laundry, lounge room, dining room, four…

Although the existing Mornington Peninsula residence belonging to these homeowners was a dated holiday kit home, it offered an interesting two-storey New England-style front. The homeowners really loved the feel of this front extension and wanted to renovate the home and extend it to accommodate their needs. The owners wanted to level the walkthrough to the new works with an open, light and airy adaptation of the New England style that is contemporary. The task was to remove the elevated holiday kit home and create an extension including a dining walk-through into the great room which features the family kitchen, scullery and highlight windows. This opens up to a north-facing swimming pool and glazed storeroom, which can be accessed from the family room and serviced from the scullery. On the…

ZAC Homes was approached by the homeowners to design and construct a four-bedroom family home that would fully utilise their site and incorporate a swimming pool design to fit into and complement the dwelling and the block. Located on Sydney’s upper north shore, the previous home was dated so the owners purchased it with the specific intention of knocking it down and rebuilding. “The initial brief from the homeowners, a lovely couple in their late 30s and early 40s with two young children was to recreate their current family home but improve certain aspects to enhance their lifestyle. The outdoor entertaining area was a good reflection of this and a focal point,” says Shane Griffith, general manager of ZAC Homes. “The current family home was the initial inspiration. Our clients…

Rather than knock down and rebuild, these homeowners took a different approach. Although it was a little tired and disconnected, the family home of two busy adults and two growing yet equally busy children had one important aspect in its favour — its great location on Sydney’s northern beaches. The family loved where they were and had some basic renovation plans, which then quickly grew into a full-scale home transformation. “Originally, the clients only wanted a bigger bedroom for their daughter,” says builder John Rostirolla, director of Roshills Constructions. “It then evolved into something much larger to cater for their needs as a family as a whole. We were to take the home from a disconnected 1970s residence and make it into one that is built for its aspect and…

The iconic Lumiere Residences building, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, was completed 10 years ago and the vacant shell of this penthouse apartment was intended for an outdated design. Of course, ideas have changed considerably in a decade. “Our role was to customise today’s brief within yesterday’s space,” says Jim Athos, managing director of CBS Projects, who managed the fitout of the apartment to appeal to a Sydney city lifestyle market. However, the way that the CBS Projects’ team was required to approach the project was a little out of the ordinary. “Symmetry is an important feature incorporated in all of our construction procedures,” says Jim. “We usually like to work with the finishes first (inside out) in order to assure everything lines up. The challenge here was that…

Storybook Designer Homes is dedicated to producing beautiful residences. These projects are state-of-the-art, high-character design solutions at extremely competitive prices. Clients have the option of choosing traditional, classic, beach or modern styles and regardless of the building site — level, sloping or narrow — Storybook will create something special. Pictured are a few of the 2000 individual designs Storybook Designer Homes has created recently for its owner-builder clients. The process of individual design does not depend only on the floor plan and external shape of the house. Rather, it is the total desired impression inside and out. Storybook Designer Homes started out by providing products to satisfy the cottage and traditional market, but quickly realised there was a demand for more contemporary and coastal looks. Today, Storybook is proud of…

Wynnstay House is the home of architects Rob McBride and Debbie Ryan, principals of architecture and interior design firm McBride Charles Ryan, and was painstakingly built by the couple over a number of years. They ensure every detail is precise and in context with the rest of the home. The kitchen is the latest addition and Corian was selected because it is malleable and robust. “Kitchen joinery units are some of the most used elements of a house,” says Debbie. “We wanted a kitchen that was permanent and could withstand the ‘rough and tumble’ of family life. Corian was the obvious choice. We have used it on many projects and we know it performs extremely well. We wanted a kitchen joinery unit that was seamless and one singular form. Corian…

This project on Sydney’s northern beaches was all-important to the family who lives here. Ten years earlier, they had filled in a pool and made way for a cubby house, but now that their family had developed and changed they wanted an amazing new pool to better fit in with the landscape that sloped dramatically from one side to the other. A pool and outdoor entertainment were now their highest priorities. “I wanted to create a calm, serene and completely private space that had an element of style which was very suited to the owners,” says Matthew Leacy from Landart Landscapes + Pools, who was entrusted with the design and construction of the space. However, the backyard presented to Matthew featured a huge eucalypt raised about 2m above the rest…

Deceptively simple, this complex design by Malibu Pools & Spas creatively demonstrates how innovative design can transform a difficult outdoor space. The tiered levels of the backyard required a careful design resolution that was not only sympathetic to the vertical nature of the space, but offers an efficient and self-maintaining area for family life. From the tiered pergola to the infinity edge, this beautifully articulated waterfall pool cascades down the embankment, elongating the depth of the yard with continuous flow towards the deck. Sloping towards the edge, the pool gives the impression that one is wading down from an ancient temple into a gentle river. Raised garden beds, designed by landscapers Growing Rooms, coupled with the height of the pergola adds to this lengthening effect by drawing the eye into…

Each year life seems to get busier and busier, so when there’s the chance for a little downtime, it must be grasped firmly and enjoyed to the fullest. Now these homeowners can do just that in their own rejuvenated backyard in Sydney’s north. Faced with an existing and very harsh-looking brick-paved area filled with overgrown plants and trees, the homeowners decided to transform the space into a more inviting and relaxing outdoor room in which to entertain friends and family and unwind on weekends. “We really were creating a place of warmth and relaxation, a place to sit and enjoy,” says Luke Roodenburg, director of Sand & Stone Landscapes, whose company carried out both the design and construction. The Sand & Stone Landscapes’ team crafted a contemporary and timeless space,…

One of the biggest trends in outdoor furniture to emerge during the past year is the combination lounge and dining setting. This is where a dining table is built at a height to match an outdoor lounge, allowing a more comfortable dining and entertaining experience. Steadily growing in popularity, this is a great option if your outdoor space is limited. With the Royalle Outdoor Furniture modular lounge range you have a variety of individual pieces at your disposal. This includes multiple seating and table options that you can configure however you choose to create an outdoor lounge set that perfectly suits your entertaining needs and the dimensions of your outdoor space. Many of the settings feature cushions covered in Sunbrella, a high-performance outdoor textile. This amazing fabric, backed by a…

A tasteful combination of colours and materials gives an aesthetically superior finish to this flawless creation. Urban Escape is responsible for the design, construction and landscape of the contemporary, relaxed family oasis. The finished project is a classy and cool outdoor retreat that embodies the design philosophy behind Urban Escape’s name. The clients, a couple who work long hours, requested an outdoor area where they could relax and unwind with their children. A contemporary design using natural and timeless materials, including stone and hardwoods, gives this tranquil poolscape an earthy sophistication. The rectangular pool is 9m x 4m and makes great use of what was once wasted space. The lush garden is abundant with sturdy foliage, blending seamlessly with its poolside location. The plants are largely tropical to give the…

Thanks to the construction expertise, horticultural knowledge and eco-savvy of Graham Taylor of Distinctive Landscapes, one very happy family is able to enjoy the benefits of a country-style market garden — replete with bee hive, chooks and seedling hot house — in the heart of Sydney’s northern beaches. “The garden has the potential to provide all the organic produce the family desires while still being a usable space to relax in. The owners often enjoy a morning cup of tea out in the garden, listening to the buzzing of the native bees from the hive and the clucking of happy chickens,” explains Graham. From the outset, the aim was to create a new organic growing garden — and lifestyle environment — that would feel like it had been there for…

The hottest trend for outdoor spaces is incorporating a modern structure such as a pergola or pavilion, teamed with impressive combinations of plants, to really transform a space and add both interest and function. The key to creating a standout space is employing an experienced landscaper and horticulturalist who is not afraid to think outside the box. With more than 12 years’ experience, Ross Goodman from Ross Goodman Design has worked with some of the best in the industry and is a member of the Housing Industry Association and Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers. Making use of the latest 3D computer-aided drawing software, the company presents plans as a model in animation to allow clients to really visualise the space well before it is designed. Ross Goodman Design’s…

Designed by Brenton Stokes of Intrinsic Landscapes, this unique entry courtyard is sleek, modern and stylish. “The homeowners wanted to beautify the facade of the house and landscape the courtyard,” explains Brenton. “And they wanted a visually appealing courtyard entrance to the home which could double as a functional outdoor entertaining area for their teenage children to use when their friends visit.” What Brenton and the Intrinsic Landscapes’ construction team have created is a garden full of contrasts, most notably the solid black-andwhite patterns of the tiles versus the natural curves and colours of the vertical garden. Imported Moroccan tiles were used to create a beautiful graphic pattern. In the middle there is a solid Noir square bordered by plain Kohl tiles. Around the outside, zig zag tiles complete the…

The brief given to Tassie Pools and Spas was to design a stunning indoor swimming pool that would be easy to maintain, low on running costs and a joy to use all year round. But that wasn’t all. The owners of the home, which was designed by Genette Stagoll of i4 Design, also wanted a breathtaking waterfall to draw the eye. As the structural walls of the house were to form a large part of the pool, the shell was completed by the homebuilder, after which Tassie Pools took over. Tassie Pools installed a maintenance-free, smooth-to-the-touch fibreglass lining and then applied mosaic tiles to create an eye-catching waterline. The 20m-long pool was designed to wrap around the dining room so it could be seen, and enjoyed, from all living areas.…

Renowned for their charm and whimsy, Think Outside’s remarkable sculptures, décor and furniture can transform any home or garden — and bring a smile to any face. All products are custom designed by Aaron Jackson and every piece is exquisitely handcrafted by skilled craftsmen using reused and recrafted materials, meaning no two will ever be exactly the same. From concept to creation, what sets Think Outside ahead of the crowd is its originality. Its signature collection, ee-i-ee-i-o, makes a bold and colourful statement, with all items created from recycled 44-gallon drums. ee-i-ee-i-o strives to radiate joy by embracing quirkiness and colour. The collection features furniture, sculptures (bulls, pelicans, horses and mice, to name just a few) and functional items such as planters (including the popular Circle of Life wall planter)…

When it comes to garden edging, you need a product that is strong, versatile and weather resistant — and you can’t get anything that fits the bill better than steel. Greenlines Gardenware’s FormBoss range of low-maintenance steel garden edging lets you be the boss of your own garden design. Greenlines Gardenware offers a large array of easy-to-install domestic and commercialgrade steel edging solutions, ranging from flush edges to 400mm-high retaining walls. You also have a choice of galvanised steel, ZAM (exclusive looking and ultra durable) or Corten steel (the latter boasting a weathered finish) and various gauges to ensure the edging is of the appropriate strength for your project. FormBoss edging systems allow you to create curves and angles with ease and thanks to the rounded top edge and hidden…

The ideal home provides many things, the most common revolving around space, comfort, a classic colour palette and high-quality finishes. In this case, a family of four traded their dated house for a sleek, parapet-look residence thanks to the help of Starr Constructions. Opting to knock down their existing residence, the family thought it was best to completely redesign and rebuild a property they could live in for many years to come. Comprising three levels, the new house contains plenty of room for the family and features four bedrooms, a study, bathroom and ensuite, office, kitchen, rumpus/living room and an alfresco area. The spaces are connected by an on-trend colour palette of grey and white with subtle hints of colour to add warmth and excitement. Stunning views of the ocean…

Known for its vibe and restaurant culture, Enmore in Sydney’s inner west offers a unique display of elements both young and old. The streets are lined with quaint heritagestyle homes while the walls of buildings are covered in graffiti — a characteristic that has been turned into a feature of this new development. Inspired by the vibrancy of the graffiticovered walls and the retro feel of the surrounding area, ACG Building, together with Alec Pappas Architects, transformed a neglected commercial building into a multifunctional, four-storey hub in Enmore’s town centre. With commercial spaces on the ground floor, the top levels host oneand two-bedroom apartments that evoke a modern, industrial feel with light-filled interiors and contemporary furnishings. Bold accent pieces pay homage to the graffiti that now marks the walls of…

Aspect has a unique service, which sensitively blends individual design relevant to today’s lifestyles with practical construction expertise. With unparalleled excellence in authentic architectural diversity and more than a generation of experience, Aspect has become a benchmark in the prestige residential marketplace offering an all-inclusive service of building, interiors and landscape design as well as project management. Our philosophy at Aspect Designs is to combine detailed and innovative concepts with a strong and continual personal interaction with every client. In doing this, we create a superior product reflecting the client’s self-expression and individuality, Through our close relationship with our preferred builders and by co-ordinating all the vital links in the chain of constructing an individual home, we are able to produce a superior result and save you time and money…

Built in the new Willowdale Estate at Denham Court, this latest display from Trevelle Homes is an excellent example of a large, functional home built on an average-size block of land at an achievable cost, yet with many extra inclusions. “This single-storey home is typical of Trevelle Homes’ style, which creates the feeling of a custom home design with all the trimmings, but it’s designed and built to be within the average family’s budget,” says Eddie Treffiletti, director of Trevelle Homes. Created with young families in mind, the display home is set over 28 squares and offers four bedrooms, a separate kids’ area and an abundance of entertaining spaces so that all members of the family have plenty of room to enjoy. However, the major centrepiece or hub of this…

Authentic looks, heights and profiles are Harkaway Homes’ specialties. The company was established in 1986 and its homes can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and southern Queensland. Harkaway Homes’ designs have attracted attention in the building industry and the company has won many Excellence in Housing awards from the Master Builders Association. Specialising in traditional styles, Harkaway Homes has nine home ranges to choose from. VICTORIAN HOMESTEAD SERIES This series is a perfect choice for people looking for a traditional country home. Rather than being limited to homes that are designed to suit city blocks, the homebuyer can have a rural-looking residence with all the period features such as authentic rooflines, verandahs, bay windows and fancy leadlights. Featured is the Bowral from Harkaway Homes’ newest…

“The inspiration behind the Highlander 329 design was practical elegance,” says Michael Renwick, managing director of Hotondo Homes. “It’s a home designed for the everyday Australian family, but it also has a sense of class.” The brief for Hotondo Homes’ Highlander 329 was for a home with a modern yet country feel to it, hence it is wonderful for towns that still boast country charm and are located close to metropolitan areas. As the home is quite wide, it requires a block of land large enough to accommodate it. The family-friendly four-bedroom residence was designed for those who like to entertain, aren’t afraid to get their kitchen dirty and love the feeling of space and room to move. On paper, the Highlander is a double-storey home; however, when viewing it…

“The original kitchen desperately needed to be brought into the 21st century,” says designer Marc Silcock of Designer Kitchens. The previous design was outdated for a modern family. It was a small galley-style kitchen with limited bench space and low ceilings that were disconnected from the rest of the living spaces. “We had to incorporate five large windows into the new design and ensure there was enough floor space for a walk-in pantry that could be closed off from the main kitchen area,” explains Marc. “To ensure we had ample storage, we added a window seat that flows directly off the back bench and has a built-in cupboard under the seat. The large island bench has been deliberately designed in an L shape to allow seating for up to 12…

Designed for a leafy suburban block with a north-west aspect, Refugium sought to provide a space for entertaining, relaxation and reflection — and to engender a sense of timelessness. A summer pavilion sits at the heart of this urban refuge, which won ecodesign a bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category at the Australian Garden Show in Sydney. In designing and placing the pavilion, ecodesign employed the principles of passive solar design. The bluestone tiles, for example, provided thermal mass, while the pond was included to help cool hot summer breezes as well as provide a pleasing focal point. For screening and to create a sense of refuge and enclosure, there is a staggered brick wall at the back of the elevated pavilion and slim vertical timber battens along one…

This elegant 5.2m x 3.5m pool offers a big, bright look in a small space at the rear of a modern, stylish terrace in inner-city Paddington. Despite the limited area, the design of the pool maximises the available space without compromising functionality for this family. Their pool has been fully integrated into the spot and the surrounding entertainment areas and creates a very “modern glamorous” look. The family wanted to use their outdoor area in this very busy, confined part of Sydney, where space is at a premium. Their terrace is narrow at the front, with a double-width block at the rear where the pool is located. “The previous backyard was a mess,” recalls Robin Hitchcock of FreeStyle Pools. “It was not a very usable space and had very uneven…

From the front garden with its lush garden beds to the poolside deck at the rear, this home is embraced by inviting outdoor spaces that entice the eye and soothe the senses, no matter what your vantage point. Designed by Mike Cass, director at Mike Cass Creative, and built by Design-It Landscapes, the gardens have a look that is modern and fresh. They are also multi-functional and abound with all the features the family needs to make spending time outside a pleasurable experience. “As there was limited usable area, the plan was to reclaim space through terracing and retaining. We also wanted to provide for a mix of functions and features and include elements to draw the eye so that there was something special to look at from every angle,”…

Imaginative, innovative, inspired … there is no shortage of adjectives to describe this design. Making the most of a small courtyard is easy. You just need some imagination, some ingenuity and the expertise of a professional landscape designer. An experienced designer can devise savvy solutions to the most challenging of problems, from how to increase the perception of depth to screening the space without making it feel hemmed in. “The original space was pretty much unusable so the owners wanted it transformed into another room of the house, one they could relax in. They also wanted to screen off an apartment block that towered over them at the rear of the property,” explains designer Andrew Sidie of Stone Lotus Landscapes, a boutique design and construction company operating in Sydney’s eastern…

Prioritising clean and simple design, the owners of this Melbourne property — parents of two tweenaged children — craved a lowmaintenance swimming pool they could enjoy year round. Designed by Mark Browning of Cycas Design and built by Kiama Pools, the 10.5m x 3.5m pool is now the centrepiece of the family’s stylish outdoor living zone. The pool is used for entertainment and relaxation, hence the provision of a blackbutt timber deck at one end. The deck is furnished with matching sunlounges and an umbrella, making it the perfect space for lazing about or enjoying a drink with friends. To enhance the ambience, an elegant, cascading water feature was integrated into the design of the pool. For the coping and paved pool surrounds, Kiama Landscapes & Paving installed Bamstone bluestone.…

Take the heat out of the kitchen and light up your outdoor entertaining area by grilling, cooking or roasting with ILVE’s ILBBQF stylish Professional Outdoor Barbecue. ILVE has applied its same kitchen design aesthetic and sophistication to the outdoor range, constructed with a single piece of AISI 316 stainless steel, which is resistant to humidity, salt spray and weathering. No party is too large with ILVE’S Professional Outdoor Barbecue; two generoussized steel grills allow home chefs to cook up a storm for the masses. The barbecue incorporates ILVE’s stainlesssteel teppanyaki hotplate and four in-line gas burners, with a total power output of 14kW, providing sufficient energy for fast cooking. For utmost convenience, the barbecue can be used far from electrical connections as a long-lasting battery allows operators to use the…

“A pool should be not only functional, but also a feature of the property, something that complements the home and makes best use of the available space,” says Zeb Rodrigues of Artesian Pools. Case in point, this geometric lap pool and spa in Sydney’s south, which is a perfect example of the company’s philosophy. The homeowners are a family with children and use the pool for both exercise and leisure. “The owners designed the 15m x 3m lap pool and 2m x 2m spa with Archizen Architects to utilise the available space and complement their house renovation,” says Zeb. Keeping the colour scheme natural has allowed for all the project’s different elements — timber, glass, blockwork, stainless steel and render — to work together in harmony. And there’s no denying…

We aren’t always fortunate enough to have opulent spaces, but generally we can plan our own small sanctuary to its best potential. This usually entails an outdoor deck and shade cover and privacy for dining and relaxing. The more natural the setting, the closer to nature we feel. House of Bamboo has helped countless Australians achieve their own sanctuary. The company has been an Australian pioneer of eco-friendly and sustainable products since 1975. A specialist in all types of bamboo products for both outdoor and indoor use, House of Bamboo now provides the latest generation in natural fencing, shading and decking materials. Perhaps for your setting, a simple fence cladding is ideal. A natural cladding such as bamboo can hide unsightly fences and provide a sense of cohesion. Or a…

Designerite supplies Beadcrete glass bead swimming pool interiors for new pools and for homeowners who want to give their old pool a much-needed facelift. Beadcrete is easily installed by experienced pool interior applicators and suited to any concrete pool or spa, regardless of the shape or size. The process of application for swimming pools is very similar to that of standard pebblecrete, with some little variances that qualified tradespeople are aware of. A clean and abrasive concrete surface is important so the Beadcrete can adhere properly to the shell. With new pools this is easily attainable, but for renovations, extra work will be needed to adequately remove the previous finish and ensure the surface that the Beadcrete will be applied on is solid, clean and not in need of too…

Sydney’s inner west is home to many older character-filled properties which have been exceptionally well maintained over the years or returned to their former glory with careful authentic restoration work. Unfortunately, this home, before its extensive renovations, was not one of them. Many years ago the previous owners of the original house, located in Sydney’s inner west, removed the dwelling’s heritage feel, character and finishes and added a cement-rendered exterior and aluminium windows, which did not suit the style of the property. However, this family saw past this and recognised its true beauty. “The brief given to us from the owners was to bring back the dwelling’s originality, allowing a spacious feel for their family — a husband and wife and their two young daughters,” says Frank Sciacca from builder…

Built on vacant land in a new subdivision at Village Square, Edmonson Park, The Stylista display home is a spacious double-storey home that draws on the highly desired home design essential — natural light — and also combines privacy and practicality. In addition, every aspect of The Stylista reflects the commitment of Practical Building to space, style and flexibility. Featuring an abundance of open areas and glass, the home incorporates a generous use of windows that allow in plenty of natural light, creating a sense of space and reducing energy bills. “We wanted to utilise natural light so large banks of windows feature prominently throughout the house,” says Emilio Raco, director of Practical Building. The 31-square design is family friendly for those who need ample sufficient space and also has…

Building a luxurious yet practical home from scratch can seem daunting, but Hotondo Homes’ display homes offer the intimacy of knowledgeable local builders combined with the affordability and flexibility of a large building network. The featured Hotondo Homes’ stunning and versatile Catalina 287 is one such example of the company’s vast range of designs. Building designer of Hotondo Homes, Natalie O’Shea, believes the most striking design feature of this residence is its ability to combine the freedom of shared spaces with the indulgent pleasure of individual living areas. “The design strikes the perfect balance between the modern feel of an open-plan home and the need for private living areas,” says Natalie. The cleverly zoned home creates a true parents’ retreat, with an upstairs master bedroom featuring two separate walk-in robes,…

The modern home is becoming increasingly tech savvy, and not just for entertainment purposes. Convenience is a huge drawcard, too. Whether you’ve got a spare room by way of the basement or have a full house and hectic schedule, decking out your house with the latest tech solutions can create flow and make life more enjoyable. This existing 6.9m x 3.9m basement room in Sydney’s Bexley North was once an unloved junk room for a family of six. But it was always the homeowner and father’s dream to have a home cinema equivalent in sound and picture to that of a commercial one. Not only has Len Wallis Audio combined forces with builder/theatre designer Andrew Fenton of Trade A Management to turn this dream into a reality, but it’s big…

When Ro and Richard Brownie secured their dream home, a traditional three-bedroom 1930s-era Californian bungalow on Sydney’s north shore, they were attracted by its condition and character-filled qualities. Unfortunately, they knew it did not offer the size their young family required — at 140 square metres it was not large enough for the family, which would one day grow to five. The couple’s aim was to create a functional family home within their budget, on their sizeable 840m² block. However, rather than rush into dramatic renovations, they took two years to carefully consider exactly what they wanted in their new home. “We wanted to understand the house before we changed anything, to know what we loved,” says Ro. “The scope of our job was particularly large — renovating and retaining…

A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Pool Designers was commissioned to design the external areas of this Sydney estate to incorporate a swimming pool and associated entertaining areas, a refurbished tennis court, driveway and formal front entry court, all to be set within stunning traditional gardens. The home needed no work but the external spaces had not been touched since construction of the house was completed more than a century ago, so required major reworking and upgrading. “The best way to describe the external areas in real estate agent terms would be ‘in an original state’ or ‘a renovator’s delight’, which effectively gave us a free palette to work with,” says John Storch of A Total Concept. “There were four very distinct external areas to be designed and developed. First,…

With a keen interest in architecture, the owners of this impressive Melbourne property were fully engaged with the garden design process, right from the beginning. Taking cues from the architecture at the rear of the house, and after extensive consultation with Franklin Landscape & Design, the owners gave the go-ahead for a contemporary, largely linear design. The rear garden caters for a modern lifestyle where the emphasis is on relaxed entertaining and flawlessly linked outdoor spaces. One example of the latter is the use of random-cut bluestone to slowly integrate the lawn into the ‘living’ aspect of the landscape design; another is the glass-sided swimming pool. “The desire was to push the boundaries of design to create a landscape which was outside the box. This can be seen in the…

Integrated Pools by Canny worked its expert recommendations seamlessly into the client’s brief to create this aesthetically pleasing masterpiece. This stimulating job had an exciting brief from a client with a growing family. The pool is uniquely positioned at the fenceline, giving an impression that the backyard is bigger than it actually is, thereby enhancing the impact of the outdoor space. Visually, there is a flawless cohesion between the sleek, modern, black-rimmed glass facade of the home and the elegant pool with its darktiled border. In line with the client’s desire to create a dynamic pool with enough space for the entire family, the pool is configured so there is an 8m lap pool, a large space to swim around and a spa. Suitable for both children and adults alike,…

The front garden of this home in Melbourne’s Canterbury has a serene feel thanks to the Japanese-style design. The sense of peace is further enhanced by the carefully selected palette of plants and natural materials that reinforce the Japanese-influenced design and help to bring out the colours and textures of the Castlemaine slate stonework on the home’s exterior. Designed and built by DJ Landscapes & Pools, the front garden features three different surfaces. The driveway is of Metromix aggregate concrete. Infill bands of Castlemaine slate run across the driveway and form the pathway that leads to the entrance. This side path is paved in brown granite. The Japanese-style garden at the front of the house features weeping and upright maples, weeping cherry trees, magnolias, Japanese conifers and several groundcovers, including…

A visit to an international furniture trade show in Germany last year was a revelation for the Royalle Outdoor Furniture design team. Before them was one of the most exciting product ranges they had seen in the past 30 years: Lava tables. Designed and made in Deruta, Italy, by Italian ceramic masters Domiziani, these colourful tables are not only stunning works of art, each one is unique and incredibly durable. Each tabletop is a hand-painted 20mmthick slab of basalt cut from lava flows. Basalt has been used for centuries in construction because it is exceptionally strong and resilient to the most punishing weather conditions, making it a superb base material to use for outdoor furniture. Once cut to size the slabs are painted and twice baked at 1000 degrees Celsius.…

The design for this spectacular pool had been in the minds of the new owners for more than 12 years, and their dream has finally become a reality. Working closely with Pride Pools, the clients were able to have a pool created that would suit all their needs while remaining affordable and aesthetically pleasing. The people at Pride Pools were enthusiastic about taking on this particular project as they were involved with the pool’s original inception 12 years ago. Although it was a lengthy process, the clients were overjoyed to see their concept come to life. There was already a pool in the yard, but its positioning made it difficult to use the space for any purpose other than the pool itself. With the backyard having much to offer, the…

In collaboration with A Total Concept, Jade Swimming Pools has created a stunning yet functional masterpiece. When selecting their pool, the homeowners wanted a design that would complement their new home while ensuring the backyard was utilised effectively. An award-winning company, Jade Swimming Pools has won numerous accolades including the SPASA 2014 Gold Medal for innovation. This particular pool is a testament to the company’s amazing ability to create pools that are both original and eye-catching. Surrounded by lush green lawn, the 9m x 4m rectangular layout of the pool is the central feature of the backyard. The designers at A Total Concept took advantage of the backyard slope by cleverly incorporating the travertine coping with integrated steps. The striking glass window in the front of the pool, partnered with…

This recently renovated Victorianperiod home in Malvern belongs to the owners of a large commercial and residential landscape business, Julian McCarthy Landscapes, with Julian being a very experienced landscape contractor. When it came time to consider their own outdoor space, they stipulated that their pool design was to complement their home and garden and capture the essence of period style. The homeowners have worked extensively with leading Australian landscape designer Paul Bangay, so Paul lent his expertise to design their pool and outdoor surrounds. Created on a flat site of 750m², the pool is a perfect example of complementarity and the effective use of space, which Dominic Schuiling of Momentum Pools believes is essential for good design. Dominic built the property’s stunning 8m x 3.3m pool, which incorporates a fully…

A water feature can be used to provide a focal point in a garden or subtly enhance the overall ambience. If you’re considering introducing a water feature into your garden, it’s important that you select one that will work with the existing landscape. To ensure any water feature is properly integrated into your garden, you need to get the proportions correct. If it’s too big for the space it will be overpowering; too small and it will be underwhelming. Getting the sight lines right is also vital. There really is a lot to consider, which is why you need a water feature specialist. Water Features Direct has been supplying water features Australia-wide for more than 10 years. The range is extensive and includes water walls, tower water features as well…

Built at the rear of a townhouse in south Sydney, this project covers many components of landscaping in a small space, according to Samuel Ward of Metropolitan Landscapes, who was responsible for its design and construction. The brief given to Samuel from the owners was to provide shelter and maximise space while creating privacy. They had put up with an uneven, old and worn-out deck and paved area with no privacy, and now wished to entertain adults alfresco and have sufficient space for their children to play outside. “I wanted to maximise the space, create a modern feel for entertaining and provide plenty of foliage and privacy,” says Samuel of his design vision. The outdoor room he created for his clients is both modern and rustic, incorporating a pergola, decking,…

Bamstone bluestone offers unsurpassed versatility and quality. This superior bluestone, which is quarried and manufactured in Australia, is used in highprofile projects across the country, including the stunning garden, dubbed Quietude, shown here. Designed by Cycas Landscape Design and Lisa Ellis Gardens, this garden won the coveted Best in Show Award at the 2015 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Bamstone bluestone is 100 per cent Australian and is the purest bluestone in the world. It is consistent in colour, texture and appearance and will stand the test of time. From its quarry and manufacturing base in Port Fairy, Victoria, Bamstone produces a broad array of bluestone products, including paving, steps and risers, cladding, pool coping, drop-down pool edges and drystone walls. Bamstone also manufactures bluestone cobblestones, honed interior floors,…

Alfresco living is now firmly part of the Australian lifestyle. After all, what’s better than having friends and family over for dinner on the deck or having lunch by the pool? And at the heart of every modern alfresco living area is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. MyAlfresco (a division of Arisit Pty Ltd) specialises in the supply of modular outdoor kitchen solutions. The company offers a wide array of top-of-the-range products, including barbecues, barbecue hoods, glass-back bar fridges, pizza ovens and even kitchen sinks and taps. MyAlfresco’s modular outdoor kitchen systems make it possible for you to design a complete package, tailored to meet your individual needs. With MyAlfresco outdoor kitchens you have a choice of four colours for the cabinetry and a vast selection of materials for the…

Waterco’s Hydroxypure water treatment system is set to make a splash in the minds of pool owners across the globe. For pool water that is completely free of odours and taste, while being soft and gentle on the skin and even eliminating the need for showering post-swim, Hydroxypure is a dream. This is fantastic news for those looking for a healthy alternative to chlorine. Endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia and approved by its Sensitive Choice program, Hydroxypure is recognised as a product that is supportive of asthma and allergy care. A pure alternative to traditional sanitisers, Hydroxypure eliminates regular consumables such as salt, chlorine and stabiliser. It also allows your family to swim in fresh, clean water. Hydroxypure is especially suited to indoor pools as the fresh water…