Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #10 2019 i Best Homes

Established since 1980 WINNERS of over 30 MBA and HIA awards Aspect Designs is a multidisciplinary practice with a team of experienced and passionate individuals which allows us to provide a unique and comprehensive service. Translating our client’s vision & self-expression into reality with this integrated approach & innovative design solutions has produced award-winning projects which have become a benchmark for the industry. M 0418 460 714 aspectdesigns.com.au EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN + PROJECT MANAGEMENT This passion flows into our project management service where our high standards, attention to detail and construction expertise provides the client the peace of mind in knowing that their project is being created and managed professionally. Contact us for your free no obligation discussion about your vision. Aspect offers multi award winning, experienced, personalised and cost…

When the time came to rejuvenate a home he had recently acquired, John Storch, principal of A Total Concept, a Sydney-based company specialising in landscape architecture and pool design, decided to take on the renovation project himself, bringing his decades of design and construction experience to bear. The scope of the project included the design, approvals, tender and project management for all alterations and additions to the property, including the outside areas. “The goal for the design was to redevelop the house into a comfortable traditional family home, and to do so economically. Having worked on hundreds of clients’ residences for more than 30 years, I was able to put into practice what I have professed to others for so long,” says John. The house, built in the early 1900s,…

Old meets new in this rustic yet refined kitchen. Elements of the surrounding countryside were brought into this gorgeous space to create a high-end finish to this newly-built home. Exposed recycled brick walls and polished concrete floors were chosen to mimic the farm buildings one might find in a rural setting and provide a rustic canvas for this beautiful, American oak, painted kitchen — a kitchen that glows with a welcoming country vibe, full of rich textures and colours. Reminiscent of farmhouses long past, this is a hard-working family kitchen that doubles as a communal space for entertaining or drawing the family together. The myriad textures are included with purpose, such as the brick walls that extend beneath the stone mantle to support the heavy structure and the load-bearing piers…

An active family equals a hungry family, and a hungry family equals a busy kitchen. This stunning openplan kitchen is large and robust enough to cater to a bustling domestic life and looks sensational to boot. The kitchen exudes a modern Hamptons’ vibe that complements the wider aesthetic of the renovated home. Storage and functionality were key design motivators for this family known to dabble in entertaining. An indigo island bench takes centre stage and adds drama to the otherwise classic kitchen. Bespoke joinery, including corner panelling on the island bench and a custom-designed traditional-style rangehood, commands your attention and transforms practical elements into architectural pieces of art. From squished and sad to big and beautiful, the reimagined kitchen keeps clutter at bay with Wingline pantry and appliance cabinets, and…

This stunning kitchen was part of a knockdown-rebuild project by architectural practice Chrofi. For the redesign of the home’s 50-year-old kitchen, the homeowners requested an open-plan, minimalist space that would be functional and suitable for entertaining. They wanted an extra-long showpiece island benchtop that could house two dishwashers, a bar fridge and storage drawers, without any join lines on the benchtop. This was a challenge as the chosen natural stone slabs came in a maximum size of 3m. The solution was a cantilevered top, to offset the wider base on the island. The benchtop was so big and heavy it could not be carried into the house by hand as usual, so was lowered into the property by crane from the street. Matching stone was chosen for the splashback to…

In operation since 1972, Cass Brothers is one of Sydney’s longest-serving bathroom companies, an authority on bathroom style, and the provider of exceptional customer service and technical product knowledge. Respected by architects, interior designers and professionals in the bathroom industry, Cass Brothers offers stylish, premium quality bathroom products that reflect the latest worldwide trends — all at competitive prices. Experienced team members help customers select quality products to suit their needs from a huge range of world-renowned brands. When it comes to outfitting bathrooms, Cass Brothers offers an extensive range of baths and spas, showers, toilets, basins, vanities and bathroom furniture, tapware, floor-standing bath mixers and shower screens. There’s also an impressive collection of kitchen tapware, sinks and tubs as well as food waste disposers and filtered and chilled water…

Founded on the design principle of innovation, BORA has taken the world by storm with its revolutionary downdraft rangehood systems that offer you greater functionality, freedom and extraordinary design possibilities. The company is an award-winning German brand specialising in high-end cooktop extractor systems and corresponding cooktop ranges that include surface induction, teppanyaki, induction wok and gas. The latest models of the three ranges — BORA Basic, Classic and Professional — are on display at the company’s beautiful modern showroom in Drummoyne, Sydney. Led by a team of experienced staff members, each with an industry background, BORA prides itself on an exemplary level of customer service from beginning to end. Besides giving professional advice on choosing the right system and appliances, the company works alongside architects, builders and cabinetmakers to optimise…

With its considered combination of formal planting and hard landscaping, the elegant front garden is the perfect foil to the home’s contemporary, clean-lined facade. The garden, which was constructed by Eloquent Landscapes, working to a design by Myles Baldwin Design, has a sense of grandeur about it yet is decidedly modern. “The client wanted a contemporary, formal garden to complement his impressive new home, and he wanted us to use advanced plants to ensure the garden had a well-established look from the outset,” explains Ziggy Kabbout, owner of Eloquent Landscapes. In the main front garden, the carefully thought-out planting scheme includes Buxus ‘Japonica’ (clipped into balls) and three 500-litre Pyrus ‘Burgundy Snow’. The vibrant green of the plants is offset by the sophisticated grey of the bluestone paving and the…

With the top priorities for their new pool design being entertainment, relaxation and enjoyment, the owners of this property in Victoria engaged Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Landscapes & Pools, to create their dream outdoor space following the construction of their contemporary new home. Their architecturally designed house wraps around a central courtyard and the spectacular 12m-long pool has become the main focal point of the home. The striking, fully-tiled pool with elevated spa, which is surrounded by frameless glass fencing and bluestone paving, can be viewed from every room in the house — this provides the homeowners with a visual treat whenever they look outside. The completed project shows what magic can happen when the design of a house, pool and outdoor area all work together…

The lush green NSW Sapphire Coast has been a favourite holiday spot for this family of four for many years. Their sloping 10-hectare site, with a new home and infinity-edge pool, is now a place where the couple and their two children, both in their 20s, can truly indulge. “We have been visiting the region since childhood and stay at our adjacent family farm several times a year,” says the homeowner. “We are interested in hiking, beach runs on soft sand, keeping fit, and we swim multiple times a day — either in the ocean or pool. A great day is when you don’t get out of your togs or board shorts!” They requested a rectangular-shaped pool that takes advantage of their enviable beach views and interacts well with their…

We all love to relax and entertain outside, and we want to do it with the same level of style and comfort we demand of our indoor living areas. Depending on the location of our alfresco spaces, referencing the decor inside the home may also be a priority. Offering expert advice and an ever-evolving collection of designer outdoor furniture and accessories, Cosh Living is ideally placed to help you create beautiful, envy-inspiring spaces. New to Cosh Living is the modular Senja sofa by Tribu, designed by Studio Segers. The highly flexible design invites you to combine one-, two- or three-seater modules with either high or low arms to create your ideal seating configuration — and to integrate teak or glazed lava stone tables, keeping everything you need within easy reach.…

Set in the pretty coastal town of Port Willunga, south of Adelaide, this beach house is a fine example of sustainable design. Most notably, it uses passive solar control strategies to reduce the use of mechanical air-conditioning and heating systems. Passive design strategies minimise unwanted solar gains during summer while maximising solar gains in winter. Shading glazed areas during summer, yet allowing sunlight exposure during winter, is a key element and with retractable shade systems is easily accomplished. The entertaining deck of this home, built by Catalyst Homes, uses vertical sliding timber screens and two Shaderunner® Retractable Sail Systems to make it a comfortable space, even on the hottest days. As well as providing thermal comfort to the outdoor space, this combined approach protects the windows from the sun when…

Urban Design Systems (UDS) creates its own unique range of decorative laser-cut concepts, which includes screens and sculptures. UDS lasercut concepts can be applied in many forms for both commercial and residential projects and the company works either in consultation with architects, designers and developers or direct with residential clients. UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create products that can add intrinsic value to any outdoor or home project. It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes, which means you can add colour to your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth and texture of timber-grained Weathertex, or appreciate the earthy and rustic elegance of weathered steel. SCREENING AND FENCING Laser-cut screening offers a creative alternative to conventional fencing and can be used for…

Inspired by the luxury homes that dot the southern shores of Long Island in New York — better known as The Hamptons — the architect-designed Boston 36 from Clarendon Homes is an abode of superlative style. Not only does it boast four bedrooms and three bathrooms, making it ideal for the larger family, its sympathetic but edgy approach to employing Hamptons-inspired materials and detailing ensures the Boston 36 stands out against its competitors. First impressions really do count and from the moment you spy the facade, with its well-considered complementary mix of materials in a colour palette of soft white and grey, a feeling of relaxation washes over you. The sensation is enhanced when you step into the entry, where detailed timber ceilings provide visual warmth and a feeling of…

All homes that strive to make a bold statement instead of simply following the status quo are our favourite kinds. This was the case with a family of four’s daring new home in Killarney Heights, a suburb of northern Sydney situated on Middle Harbour. The owners enlisted the help of Starr Constructions to build their forever home and the result is one that delights the family and welcomes visitors with its breathtaking beauty. There was a meeting of minds between Starr Constructions and the homeowners, which meant the project was completed with few challenges and those that presented themselves were easily overcome. 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…

With the stunning Hayman 39, you won’t need to wait until vacation time to enjoy the full island paradise experience. Featuring a lavish resort-style master suite with a private balcony for mum and dad, and a relaxing Bahamas-inspired interior, this home makes every day feel like a holiday. Designed by Porter Davis’ expert team, and with a focus on family living, this house allows you to leave behind all the stresses and pressures of modern life and enjoy sundrenched living spaces and luxurious indoor-outdoor entertaining zones. The Hayman 39, which is only available in Queensland, is spread over two levels, with plenty of living space for those who love to have family and friends over. Smartly designed with free-flowing open-plan living spaces, it includes a luxe kitchen with a galley…

Lena Gatti, Principal Interior Designer and Founder of Gatti Design Gatti Design is an interdisciplinary practice working across Interior Design, Building Design, Interior Decorating and Furniture Design on local and interstate projects. Lena Gatti is a Qualified Interior Designer and is the founder of Gatti Design. Her ability to complete innovative designs and her well-rounded approach to client briefs have established her reputation in the design industry to one of high standing in technical and creative work. She thinks outside the square, is a problem solver and enjoys working on complex designs. Lena’s most prestigious projects are recognised in the field by her ability to mix styles and influences, producing sophisticated detailed and timeless interiors "We are forward thinkers and ensure our spaces are designed with the ever-changing world in…

Perched on the side of a hill in the quiet seaside town of Lewisham, a 40-minute drive from Hobart, a new tiny house is getting lots of attention. From the road it would be easy to pass by this gem, but the simple dark exterior conceals a gorgeous hideaway. A wealth of high-end design and curated materials deliver warmth, while an outside-in philosophy brings the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s seascape into the well-considered palette. The space is small, just 9m in length, but it has serious impact. Proving that well-designed tiny houses can deliver everything needed for luxurious living, this home, designed by JAWS Architects, is an exemplar of innovative thinking. It’s no wonder it features in this year’s Grand Designs TV series. The owner, writer Alice Hansen, wanted to…

While the overall look of this new kitchen is down to the architect, it was Beth Paron of Smith & Smith Kitchens who was called on to design the finer details of how it would be manufactured and function. As it is an open-plan layout, a seamless flow into the living area and cabinetry that matched was essential to the design. Despite the dramatic contrast of the cabinetry and island, there is a sense of tranquillity and openness in the space. An informal dining spot also had to be incorporated into the design, along with a computer nook and organisational space for appointments and invitations. The cantilevered benchtop allows for family and guests to sit on both sides for casual eating and entertaining. The design, at its core, is functional,…

It’s been scientifically proven that a well-lit room impacts your overall mood for the better. With that in mind, it makes sense to ensure your kitchen is bright and beautiful, just like this one from Better Bathrooms & Kitchens. This renovation saw a window added to increase the natural light supply in the room. This was then complemented by the right amount of overhead lighting, coupled with internal cabinet lights to the glass-fronted units and over-bench lighting, resulting in a space that truly has the feel-good factor. The featured green enhances the brightness of the room, while mirroring the natural shades of the garden. Of course, a kitchen is more than just good looks, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to functionality. There are drawers in the…

255 Military Road Cremorne NSW 2090 P 02 9953 0611 F 02 9953 0729 E info@thekitchenhouse.com.au www.thekitchenhouse.com.au The Kitchen House is an Australian owned and operated business that has been designing and manufacturing luxurious custom-made kitchens and joinery for over 30 years. Our philosophy at The Kitchen House is to work closely with you, one-on-one in the design process, to create a unique, functional kitchen to fit in with your busy lifestyle. To transform your vision into a reality. We believe that your kitchen is the most important room in the house… the hub. It is there we surround ourselves with family and friends to share in good times, great food and the odd glass of something chilled. Conveniently located in Cremorne Junction, we are able to serve the Sydney…

Multitap3N1™ is a high-end, Italian-designed and -manufactured range of tapware for those who want style and convenience. A standard kitchen mixer tap with the added functionality of steaming hot water, the Multitap3N1™ comes in matte black, chrome and brushed finishes. The brushed finish comes in two shapes, the matte black and chrome in three shapes. The tank boasts a revolutionary design, which means that all the heat it generates is released through the tap itself. Another standout feature is the safety lock mechanism on the steaming hot water lever. Offering the convenience of instant steaming hot water at the flick of a lever, the Multitap3N1™ can be used for endless applications that will save you time in the kitchen. These include: • Making tea and coffee• Blanching vegetables• Preparing noodles•…

A compelling blend of European and Australian influences, infused with distinct Mediterranean and Italian flavours, this highly evocative courtyard garden was, quite literally, the star of the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Dubbed The Loggia, it swept the field winning four awards — the City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show, a Gold Show Garden award, the Horticultural Media Association for Best Use of Plant Life award and the Mark Bence Construction Award — an impressive feat. Designed by Tract Consultants and built by PTA Landscapes, under the guidance of directors Dion Loncar and Andrew Wilson, the garden was a response to the innate human need to connect with nature. The walls of the outdoor room (loggia) provided a level of comfort and structure to…

There are two keys to creating a successful garden: a clearly defined, well balanced structure and the generous use of a select number of materials, shapes and colours. The proof of this philosophy can be found in the pleasingly proportioned outdoor spaces that wrap around this newly built home on Sydney’s Upper North Shore The design brief given to Justin Dibble at Fluid Design was to create a modern yet classic, stylish yet relaxed vibe for the pool and garden areas. Equally important was establishing a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. Justin’s clean-lined, contemporary design is both stylish and family friendly. Throughout, the emphasis is on quality finishes and the use of greenery to soften the hardscaping elements. With the design finalised, the exterior works were undertaken by…

In Sydney’s inner west, space is definitely at a premium and room for a swimming pool is extremely difficult to come by. This client had a very limited space in which to build a pool and, as a result, came up with a dual-purpose concept that makes the most of every available centimetre. The result is a zone for pure relaxation — a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Studio Annandale designed the rectangular spa/plunge pool, known as the Annandale Balinese Retreat due to its Balinese villa inspiration, to fit perfectly in the compact front courtyard of the townhouse. “There was very limited space,” explains Zeb Rodrigues of Artesian Pools. “As a result, all excavation for the plunge pool had to be done by hand.” The…

EnduroShield easy-clean glass protection has been used to great effect on this stunning property in the tropical holiday location of Port Douglas, Queensland. Sands Villa is located across the road from Port Douglas’ famous Four Mile Beach and is only a 10-minute stroll from the vibrant town centre. EnduroShield proved to be the natural choice to coat the glass in and around this idyllic property. Its easy-clean properties will protect the glass from permanent staining for many years to come, while simultaneously benefiting the environment. EnduroShield is an eco-friendly product, eliminating the need to use harsh toxic cleaning chemicals which drain into our waterways; it also reduces water usage as coated surfaces require less frequent cleaning. Applied on-site by Platinum Property Services Group, Port Douglas’ premier boutique property management company,…

When the weather cools, it might be tempting to retreat indoors — but you don’t have to. Bring inside comfort outside with the new HEATSTRIP range of portable and fixed outdoor heaters. This range comprises a newlook Intense White electric heater, an upgraded Portable LPG heater, and an upgraded wallmounted natural gas heater. The new Electric HEATSTRIP (THYW) Intense White heater comes in two sizes: there is a 2200-watt heater suitable for simple DIY installation and a 3200-watt heater which must be installed by a licensed electrician. These sleek, slimline heaters, which are IPX5 rated (meaning they’re built to prevent water ingress), are ideal for spot heating outdoor dining tables, alfresco areas, balconies, patios, entertainment areas or work stations. These heaters are permanent fixtures, either attached to the ceiling or…

For an outdoor living space you can use year-round, you need the experts from Outrigger Awnings & Sails. Outrigger specialises in the creation of high-quality custom-designed shade and rainproof fabric structures for all domestic and commercial applications. Designs include retracting, batten and cantilevered awnings, awnings for carports and pergolas, as well as shade sails and outdoor blinds. Designed for both strength and longevity, Outrigger’s impressive awnings are the ideal choice when you want year-round coverage in a high-wind area. Outrigger retracting awnings can withstand winds up to 100km/h while the company’s fixed awnings are rated for winds up to 140km/h. All awnings are custom-designed and are engineered and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be perfectly tailored to the specific requirements…

Dowell ALFRESCO DOORS AND SERVERY WINDOWS One of our fastest growing trends in residential markets is outdoor living. With homeowners adding outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, state of the art BBQ’s, contemporary furniture and even large screen TV’s to the rear outdoor area of their homes - this is the new “hang out”. Separated by Dowell Alfresco doors, the living room flows invitingly through to the outdoor. Dowell Alfresco Corner Stacking, Sliding and Bi-Fold doors not only create the perfect alfresco environment, but also provide the award winning security, quality and protection that you have come to expect from one of Australia’s leading windows and doors suppliers - Dowell. Dowell has taken Alfresco Living one-step better, with the introduction of its beautifully designed Dowell bi-fold servery window. The Dowell bi-fold servery window is…

Form and functionality combine in the Mosman 56 to provide discerning families with the style and flexibility they demand, not to mention a raft of lifestyle-enhancing features. Modern families expect a lot, and this offering from Clarendon Homes, on display at the Parklea Super Centre in Stanhope Gardens, north-west of Sydney, exceeds expectations. “The Mosman 56 displays an adaptable open floor plan that is perfectly configured for family entertaining. It boasts generously proportioned rooms and multiple living areas that flow effortlessly throughout the home, leading to a strategically placed luxury alfresco,” says Carolyn Piggot, group interior designer for Clarendon Homes. “With its intelligent layout and stylish contemporary design, it’s a home ideally suited to large, growing families or multigenerational living.” To cater for in-laws or grandparents who regularly come to…

When adult children finally leave the nest, it can trigger major changes. Such was the case here when the parents decided to sell the old family home, buy this one in the leafy suburb of Pymble, nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Upper North Shore, and find a builder who could transform it into their ideal abode. The builder they chose was Brett Blandin de Chalain of BDC Buildings Services, winner of Young Builder of the Year in the 2013 Master Builders NSW Excellence in Housing Awards. Brett worked closely with architect Sally Morgan to reinvent the residence and Pool Plans by Design who designed the pool renovation. While the owners didn’t want to change the streetscape view of their home as they felt the facade perfectly complemented the traditional…

In a well-established Bayside suburb in Melbourne, a character-filled four-bedroom, two-bathroom Victorian gabled traditional residence from Harkaway Homes looks like it has been in situ for more than a century. The 232sqm home, however, was only recently built by proud owner-builders Toby and Kirsten. The couple had serendipitously chanced upon the Harkaway Homes’ website more than 10 years ago and from that point on aspired to own one of Harkaway’s beautiful traditional homes. “I’ve always had a dream to build my own home,” states Toby, “and Harkaway Homes offered me the opportunity to create the residence I had long visualised for myself and my family, namely a traditional house with a charming classic exterior and a highly functional modern interior.” A few years ago, when the family was looking at…

Knockdown-rebuild projects provide homeowners with the opportunity to create a home that is perfectly tailored to their individual needs and for many, this includes state-of-the-art home automation. Such was the case here in this stunning new home built in the sought-after Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Following the demolition of the previous residence, a large new executive home was built on the site, a sloping block of more than 1000sqm. The newly-built home takes in views across picturesque Hermit Bay to Sydney Harbour beyond — and it is an excellent example of a modern, fully automated home. In fact, the project is so impressive, it made it into the finals of the CEDIA 2019 Asia Pacific Awards for Best Integrated Home Asia Pacific. The home automation was managed and designed by…

With a one-way around-the-world ticket tucked firmly in his pocket, Jordan Hill, founder of Splendour in Stone, embarked on a journey that would change his life. His wanderlust took him to far-flung exotic places, and he was captivated by the history and raw beauty of the countries he visited. “I immersed myself in places such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the pyramids of Giza. I was intrigued by the architecture, the detail of the craftsmanship and their history and culture,” he says. Jordan’s travels ignited a passion in him to learn about ancient explorers and master stonemasons. He was both humbled and awed by the craftsmanship of stone structures from the ancient world. “I threw myself into this world of history and creativity and discovered a sense of belonging.…

Dramatic indigo cabinetry is a defining feature in this sumptuous master bathroom and matching powder room, both of which have a classic Hamptons look with modern twist. In the powder room, a round leather-framed mirror vies for attention and complements the vanity’s open shelving, where curated items and towels can be displayed and easily accessed. Sconce lighting provides a nod to the Hamptons while the Calacatta marble feature wall, laid in an oversized herringbone pattern, sees the bathroom’s luxury rating skyrocket. The herringbone wall resembles something found in a lavish five-star hotel and certainly provides the wow factor. Bespoke joinery is a welcome and elegant addition to this functional space, which was once dull and devoid of character or any discernible design style. The joinery is finished with scooped proud…

This charming traditional-style kitchen shines with a myriad of special little details, quality furnishings and space-enhancing inclusions. Designed for many cooks, the kitchen offers abundant island bench space so all family members can work cohesively. The working space is zoned organically by the layout, from cleaning and preparation through to cooking and serving, with each area designed to give users all the space and functionality they need. The biggest design consideration for Magic Kitchens, Bathrooms & Furniture was the wall between the sink and cooking station. The aim was to work with this layout to create a harmonious space perfect for entertaining and day-to-day family dining. The wall created a sort of pseudo butler’s pantry that still allowed easy accessibility, but confined the mess of cooking to a separate space.…

At the heart of every home is the kitchen, and at the heart of the kitchen is the benchtop. Needless to say, choosing the right surface for your benchtop is paramount. WK Quantum Quartz surfaces offer you maximum design flexibility, with more than 40 inspirational colours to choose from. It is the premium choice when looking for low maintenance, durability and superior quality. Complete the look with a seamless QUANTUMSIX+ porcelain splashback; at just 6mm thick it’s sleek, sophisticated and available in a stunning array of natural stoneinspired colours. WK Quantum Quartz offers a wide selection of natural stone, including marble, granite, limestone and travertine, sourced globally from the world’s finest quarries, so you can be sure there is an option to suit every home. Just some of these products…

With a fully equipped outdoor entertaining pavilion, state-of-the-art pool and spa, art studio and paved terraces, this backyard really has it all. But what makes it so special is how each space flows so organically onto the next. The whole area feels unified, balanced and organised. “We designed the entire outdoor project as a whole,” explains landscape and pool designer Dean Herald from Rolling Stone Landscapes. The award-winning company was engaged to look after the entire project, from design through to construction completion (including building the pavilion and landscape and contracting pool builders Splish Splash Pools to build the pool). The result was so exceptional, the pool was recognised for its innovation and quality of workmanship by being awarded Pool of the Year at the 2017 SPASA NSW awards. When…

Winning gold at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is an honour for any designer, but when it’s for your first show garden, well, the achievement is all the more impressive. Ryan McMahon of MUSA Landscape Architecture, who designed Journey for the 2019 show, drew on bushland walks and his travels around Australia when developing the concept for the garden. He also drew inspiration from his own personal journey as a newcomer to this country who had to forge a new path, personally and professionally; also, the journey taken by friends who had struggled with depression. In essence, this bushland garden was about making connections and feeling grounded. “It’s important we all have a relaxing space to unwind in at the end of the day, so I wanted to…

Located in Sydney’s inner west where space is often at a premium, this sophisticated modern pool was designed to form part of the home’s walls. The existing house that had stood on the flat block was demolished and a new house constructed in its place, with the pool designed by the owner and architect to take advantage of the area to the side of the residence. The construction was done in conjunction with the home builder, Technique Build. “On this particular project, we were provided with the plans by the builder and worked together to achieve the finished pool to the clients’ satisfaction,” explains John Daniel of Jade Swimming Pools. The shell of the pool was concreted and then placed on hold while the house was constructed. Once the home…

Of clean, contemporary design, this striking swimming pool fits hand-in-glove with the modern home, providing for the owners the ideal space for swimming, playing pool games, relaxing or simply hanging out with friends on a sultry summer’s day. Built by Gavin Bazley and the team from Aquastone Pools & Landscapes, working to a design by Douglas Design, the pool graces a property in Sydney’s inner west. As the pool and the new home, which was built by Benchmark Homes, were designed in tandem, the flow between the two is seamless and every centimetre of space has been put to good use. Gavin, who worked in close cooperation with the home builder, says, “The pool is modern, stylish and complements the design of the new home. What’s more, the pool hugs…

Enjoying yourself without the worry of cleaning the pool is something many of us dream about, so why not talk to your pool builder and make it a reality? A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time relaxing with family and friends while your pool cleans itself. In addition, your pool will be more efficient to operate and more pleasurable to swim in because of the increased circulation benefits. Owning a pool has never been this easy. Not all self-cleaning pools are the same, however. The innovative QuikClean range of in-floor cleaning systems feature advanced technology, have been specially developed for Australian conditions and are proven in even the most demanding conditions. The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all with unique features and advantages,…

Sometimes garden lighting is a bit of an afterthought. A great deal of care goes into choosing the paving, plants and pots, but how much attention is paid to what should be illuminated and what type of fittings used? Thinking about how you will light your garden during the design stage makes all the difference to how it will look — and feel — at night. Integrating lighting into your original garden design plan means the end result will look intentional rather than like a late addition. Moreover, it can save you considerable money and hassle in the long run. Finding an exterior lighting expert with horticultural knowledge and landscape design experience is the key to success. So, too, is choosing premium-quality fittings. Castlight, a Sydney-based company specialising in lowvoltage…