Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #11 2019 i Best Homes

From the spacious living areas and multipurpose media room to the inviting swimming pool flanked by a well-equipped cabana, this is a home designed for easy living. Light-filled and airy, it is home to a professional couple with two young girls and a testament to the design skills of Michael Sasso, director of Aspect Designs, as well as the construction expertise of Chris Earle, managing director of Building Excellence Australia. The family had purchased a site in Bella Vista, an outer, north-western suburb of Sydney, but the shape of the land made it difficult for them to proceed with their original plan, which was to adapt a project home design. They soon realised this approach wasn’t going to work, so they decided the only solution was a custom design. Explains…

This award-winning project involved a major renovation of an old house by the beach, part of which was once a burger shop where locals would gather to talk and eat. In reinventing this dwelling, the owner wanted to create a home in which family and friends would feel just as welcome to visit, sharing good food and good conversation. The owners looked to Gartner Trovato Architects to design the renovation and Bangalley Building to give it form. The property enjoys a beachfront location at The Basin, Mona Vale, north of Sydney, and while the sea views are to be envied, having a home which sits on a sand dune presented a host of very real challenges. It was imperative that the engineering design ensured the proposed renovation would satisfy the…

McLachlan Homes has been proudly designing and building stunning, liveable homes for more than two decades. With a long-standing history of unique, awardwinning projects, the latest of which is The Nadia, this design brings flair and coastal chic to one of the most sought-after locales in Queensland, the Harmony estate in Palmview on the Sunshine Coast. With the trend towards smaller blocks in up-and-coming areas, the challenge is to design and construct homes without compromising on the open, airy design style and outdoor connection that Australians crave. Enter The Nadia, an intelligently designed one-storey, small-lot home that perfectly fits Queensland’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. You enter the home through a gatehouse to the right of which is a grand alfresco boasting an exquisite travertine-tiled feature wall. This space, which overlooks a beautifully…

We’re always urged to “put our best foot forward” and remember that “you only get one chance to make a good first impression”. These adages pertain just as much to the facade of your home as they do to making your way through life. The facade (front) of your home is your greeting card to the world. It says something about your personal style, hints at the look and feel of the interior spaces hidden behind the front door and gives your home a sense of place, ensuring it fits comfortably into the streetscape and wider environs. “Choosing the facade is a very important decision, but too often it is the last decision people make,” says Jeremy Hope, Stroud Homes’ marketing manager. “When you decide to build a new home,…

A modern classic nestled within the quiet streets of Avalon, a highly sought-after northern Sydney beachside suburb, this home is a standout in its bold use of geometry and off-form concrete. It’s also a demonstration of the construction expertise of Peninsula Projects who took an old fibro home, the original dwelling on the site, and reworked it into a stunning family home. The front two bedrooms were retained and a new contemporary structure attached at the rear of the home. This leads out to a large pool area and entertaining retreat and ensures a flawless indoor-outdoor flow. The extensive use of glazing means the entire home is flooded with natural light, which makes the interior feel more spacious and highlights the bold use of colour, dark joinery and stained-black cedar…

Where once stood a 1940s singlestorey two-bedroom house and carport, now stands a bespoke double-brick two-storey home thanks to an independent, family-owned building company, Nigro Constructions. In fact, the end result was so outstanding, it won a Merit in the Contract Houses $1million-$1.2 million category in the 2019 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards. The newly-built architect-designed home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore boasts five bedrooms, three ensuites, a main bathroom, a home office and an internal lift as well as a swimming pool and double garage. To achieve such a high-quality result, the homeowners worked closely with the builder. This is a home that makes a compelling first impression as soon as you step through the unique front door and spy the internal glass-walled lift. The contrast between the…

Depending on the area in which you build, a duplex can be a canny investment — and it’s becoming a popular choice for knockdownrebuild projects, especially in older suburbs where land is at a premium. When building for investment potential, or with an eye on optimising potential resale value, you need to get expert advice before choosing a design or drawing up plans — and you need to know what the local market wants and be completely across zoning laws, subdivision requirements and local council restrictions. That’s why you need a builder with duplex experience to guide you. In this instance, Citywide Maintenance & Constructions was called upon to build a three-storey duplex in Rydalmere, an established suburb in Sydney’s North West. To make the most of the site, rock…

This contemporary, minimalistic home in Sydney’s inner west, characterised by clean white walls and concrete finishes throughout, required a kitchen of equal modernity, but one that would introduce some welcome warmth and texture. ThinkDzine Interiors, under the guiding hand of director Dean Welsh, was called on to design, supply and install the kitchen, ensuring a seamless fit with both the interior and exterior spaces of the architect-designed abode. “The brief was to create a kitchen that worked with the aesthetics of the home, was a bit funky and fun, and employed natural materials in a well-considered way,” explains Dean. “Functionality was just as important as the client loves to cook and a must-have was a casual seating area that, when the large sliding doors open up, feels naturally connected to…

OUTHOUSE design believes landscape architecture can be delivered differently and that’s why it has teamed up with PO Box Designs, Australia’s leading specialist fabricators. “Together we are driving the ‘rooftop revolution’, turning hot, exposed and windswept rooftops and balconies into beacons of green,” says Steve Warner, principal designer of OUTHOUSE design. “Whether you want to create a green getaway, grow your own produce or reduce your carbon footprint to make this world a better place, we’re with you. Our highly skilled, award-winning team specialises in rooftop and balcony garden design for both residential and commercial projects. Through our site-specific approach we understand the complexities of bespoke design and are well versed in the intricacies of working with strata requirements and elevated installations. “We appreciate the idea of creating a rooftop…

Having bought an Edwardian home in Melbourne’s leafy Surrey Hills, the owners immediately embarked on a major renovation and extension program. Of course a stunning period home deserves a garden of equal splendour and the owners entrusted Erin Green from Natures Best Landscapes with the task of producing a sympathetic and timeless landscape for their newly renovated abode. “The clients wanted the garden to be well structured, formal and feature materials that would complement the home,” explains Erin. “The sound of running water outside the main bedroom was a must and as the front of the house faces east they wanted to be able to enjoy a morning coffee on the front verandah, soaking up the sun and feeling like they were embraced by the garden. For this reason, privacy…

The owners’ brief for this project was fairly simple: transform the dated pool and surrounding area into a fresh, modern space that would complement their newly renovated house. It was also important that the reinvented outdoor area would be one the children could enjoy for many years to come, and Artesian Pools was called in to assist with this dream. Located on a sloping block in the suburb of Maroubra, NSW, the house sits on the upper level while the pool and outdoor areas reside on the level below. This split-level arrangement means the pool can be viewed and appreciated from within the home above. Lots of natural materials to tie in with the stone and timber finish have been used to modernise the outdoor space. The pool also includes…

Relaxing with family and friends while enjoying the pool that forms the hub of your backyard oasis is something you’ve dreamed of for ages. Why not make your life even easier by talking to your pool builder about a self-cleaning pool? A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time enjoying life while your pool cleans itself. Your pool will also be more efficient to operate and more enjoyable to swim in because of the increased circulation benefits. Owning a pool has never been this easy. That said, not all self-cleaning pools are the same. The QuikClean range of in-floor cleaning systems has advanced technology, is developed for Australian conditions and is proven in the most demanding situations. The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all…

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 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, an Australian company specialising in lowvoltage (12-volt)…

As the pace of life increases, so does the desire for a space in which we can relax and enjoy some quality time. Open your doors to a timeless, beautiful outdoor space where your furniture sets the mood, just the way you like it. Cosh Living’s outdoor furniture collections are designed to look and feel just as elegant and comfortable as the most luxurious indoor furniture. Made using only the very best materials to ensure they withstand the harsh Australian elements, Cosh’s designer outdoor furniture will encourage you and your loved ones to spend more quality time outdoors. One of the latest collections is Mbrace by Dedon. Designed by Sebastian Herkner, and inspired by the gesture of embracing someone, it combines multi-coloured Dedon fibre with a solid teak base. The…

A progressive Queensland-based company has taken a cost-effective and creative approach to building this townhouse development in Ocean Shores, a seaside location on the North Coast of NSW. The company was engaged to build a series of one-bedroom townhouses, which had been sold off the plan to both investors and owner-occupiers. Built over two stages, the townhouses sit high on the side of a hill and take in views of the coastline just north of the Brunswick River and south of New Brighton Beach. The Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve is on the other side of the road and just a further 200m away, as the crow flies, the Pacific Ocean laps the golden sand. It’s a prime location, but one that catches a lot of wind, salt, sun and sand.…

Remember the many happy hours you spent as a child, bouncing on the backyard trampoline? Why not let your children — and grandchildren — experience the same unbridled fun. “At MrTrampoline we’re in the business of supplying fun, fun, fun — 365 days a year. We do this by manufacturing the best trampolines available,” says Adam Richards, director of MrTrampoline. “Our trampoline frames are made from all-Australian steel. We fabricate, modify and weld the components and then send them off to be hot-dip galvanised. This gives the frame decades of serviceability over our nearest rivals,” he explains. The springs are made from high-tensile galvanised wire according to MrTrampoline’s specific design, delivering a longer, smoother bounce and decades of performance. “The bounce bed is the pièce de résistance,” continues Adam. “We…

Panorama House, perched on a sandstone escarpment high over Bronte Beach in Sydney’s east, addresses the coast like a sculpture atop a plinth. Oriented north, it responds to its dramatic site with modelled specificity, rising confidently from its place and capturing the spectacular beach views from almost every room. Designed by Richard Cole Architecture, the home, which was constructed by Jeff Towler Building, is an exploration of opening. Awareness of place and opportunities for harboured prospect evoke primordial associations of shelter. Privacy is preserved and neighbouring views maintained through the home’s carefully manipulated form. The battle-axe block is accessed via a long driveway at the end of which the building provides a compelling reveal. The home was designed so that it interacts with the broader landscape rather than the street,…

Len Wallis Audio was given the opportunity to manage the audiovisual installation of this unique Sydney residence in Hunters Hill as part of extensive renovations carried out by the owner. With a flair for design and an eye for function and quality, the Len Wallis Audio team took on the challenging task of turning dreams into functional reality. This residence exudes a special presence. The main entry is via a bespoke bronze front door that might look at home in an ancient Aztec temple. Once inside, you find yourself mesmerised by the gallery-style entry hall which utilises Niles high-resolution ceiling speakers. Continuing on from the remarkable entrance into the main living area, the stylish space caters for both high-quality hi-fiplayback and an immersive surround-sound experience for movie viewing. At the…

Since its inception in 1995, Axolotl has advanced the design and architecture worlds in myriad ways. Initially, with the ability to create bespoke metal products and then through the introduction of exclusive products that offer limitless design possibilities for an array of surfaces, including stone, concrete, terracotta, timber and glass. One impressive example of Axolotl’s ability to innovate is Axolotl Metal, a world first. Offering the beauty of solid metal but without any of the constraints, this is a unique liquid application comprised of semi-precious metals that can be used on the surface of any substrate, inside and outside of the home. At its core, Axolotl sees itself as a leading innovation and ideas business, constantly testing the paradigms of how materials can be manipulated and enhanced to deliver exceptional…

A freestanding 1940s original brick beach cottage in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, now dubbed CC House, has been masterfully renovated by Peninsula Projects working to a design by Rachel Hudson Architecture. The result? An ample, light-filled family home that perfectly complements its enviable coastal location. Built for year-round comfort and maximum functionality, the newly-renovated abode offers generous family living spaces coupled with private enclaves for when family members need a little alone time. What’s more, a perfectly balanced mix of open-plan living and welldesigned entertaining areas enable this stunning family home to embrace the best of laid-back beachside living. The brief for the family home was to maintain a classic beach-style aesthetic with the use of bespoke and high-end joinery, which Peninsula Projects’ director Beau Jones and his highly-experienced construction team…

Perched high on a sandstone cliff in an exclusive pocket of Potts Point, this penthouse combines the grace of a bygone era with the distinctive style and comfort of contemporary Sydney living. From its elevated position atop an elegant terrace, it captures stunning views of Sydney Harbour as well as a raft of other iconic Sydney landmarks. Sitting within a boutique development, IDA, designed by WMK Architecture, developed by IPM Property and built by Reform Projects, the penthouse features only the best materials. Internally, this includes travertine floors, European oak timber flooring, Bianco Romano benchtops, Elba marble feature walls and fluted bamboo joinery. Externally, the penthouse is wrapped in non-combustible metal cladding. The development’s clever design has seen the adaptation of a former 1970s timberframed heritage building into a village…

As the heart of the home, the kitchen needs to be designed with great care and attention. When the owners of this Mid-Century home in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe decided it was time to create a kitchen that would cater for a modern lifestyle, they turned to Magic Kitchens & Furniture. While a contemporary look and enhanced efficiency were key, so was ensuring the new kitchen would be in keeping with the character of the home. The kitchen is large and positioned in the midst of the expansive open living room, making it the family’s favourite place to gather and entertain. The focal point of the kitchen is the 6000mm-long island bench boasting a Caesarstone top, black shadowline, a solid blackbutt frame and 32mm blackbutt side panels either side…

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…

When your outdoor space is small but your wish list large, you need not despair. With a clever, space-maximising design and an experienced construction team, you can have a multi-functional garden that meets your every need. In this bijou Melbourne backyard, Garden Constructions, under the expert guidance of managing director Ben Wilson, has given the homeowners a private modern garden with a relaxed tropical resort feel. “The family’s goal was to fit a pool and spa into their smallish backyard, create an inviting outdoor entertaining area and ensure all parts of the garden were easy to access,” explains Ben. Landscape designers Out From The Blue, who also built the pool, teamed up with Garden Constructions who brought the design to life with meticulous construction from their expert team. “The construction…

Hidden in a small valley in the inner western suburbs of Brisbane is this architectural gem. You wouldn’t know it, but there are neighbours all around, none of whom can see into this secret subtropical retreat. However, it wasn’t always like this. The site has undergone a significant transformation under the guiding hand of Will Marcus, principal of ARGO. “It was a steeply sloping, dry, rocky piece of land that fed into a dry gully,” says Will of the site when he first saw it. “Mature eucalypts covered the property and their phyto-toxins had effectively poisoned the soil, which prevented anything other than sparse grasses and brambles from growing.” Needless to say, it was uninviting and barren — a vast contradiction to how the site appears now. The owner of…

Space-efficient plunge pools are, according to Everlast Pools & Spas, a popular design choice for many inner-city residents and tick many boxes. “Built in East Geelong, Victoria, this pool is not only compact, easy to look after and keep clean, it is also economical to heat, used for entertaining throughout the year and allows the owners to keep fit and healthy thanks to a swim jet,” explains Javen Nawodycz, owner of Everlast Pools & Spas. Homeowners Cameron and Martine have four older children and are interested in fitness, their pets, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Fortunately, their small, flat site did not limit their imagination or creativity. “Their vision was for a space-efficient plunge pool that could be used year-round and could accommodate both exercise and relaxation,”…

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…

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…

To build their client’s dream house, the directors of Starr Constructions, Jon Vithoulka and Nino Sanzari, needed to draw on their extensive experience. The site wasn’t easy to work with as it had a significant slope and a dated cottage which needed to go, but once the old dwelling was removed and extensive excavation carried out to create a workable environment, the site was ready for building. The client requested lots of space as well as accommodation for family and guests, so plans for this home included a large body of work. A grand footprint incorporated five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a theatre room, dining room, family room, large garage with extra storage, a lounge patio/barbecue area, and an in-ground pool that can be seen from the kitchen, dining and family…

A true visionary is how one could describe Melissa Leenman, the proud owner of Belle Heath, a guest house located an hour’s drive north-west of Sydney in the magnificent Hawkesbury region. An adults-only retreat, Belle Heath has proven a great success, as a guest house and an events venue. “We knew we could run a guest house,” explains Melissa, “but we are very happy that it has become busier and that it is expanding into different areas. It fulfils the creative in me.” And creative she certainly is. Belle Heath, known for Melissa’s signature style — namely, lots of white, pretty backdrops and an overarching sense of simplicity — is now a popular photo shoot location for upmarket fashion, furniture and homewares companies. Also on offer are small day-only events…

A celebration of form and simplicity, award-winning Extruded House flawlessly fuses traditional and contemporary elements. Working to a design by MCK Architects and Interiors, Toki Construction set about transforming a two-storey Federation house through a meticulously planned and executed program of alterations, which included a remarkable modern extension. Toki Construction is a Sydney-based, medium-sized construction company founded by Sean McAneney and Adam Smith and this striking project perfectly showcases Toki’s craftsmanship, carpentry skills and unwavering eye for detail. In particular, it highlights the excellence of the company’s off-form concrete works, an area of specialty. “This is a great example of how well contemporary and period architecture can be integrated and what can be achieved with some impressive engineering design. Where possible, we restored the original fabric of the existing building…

Not sure what a facade is? Well, there’s no need to be embarrassed because you’re not alone. “Most people that are new to building a home have no idea what that weird word ‘facade’ means,” says Jeremy Home, Stroud Homes’ marketing manager. “Pronounced ‘Fa’saad’, simply put it means the appearance of the front of your home.” Now we’ve all heard people say you should never judge a book by its cover but when it comes to building a new home, how it looks on the outside is very important. “The street appeal of your new home can add considerably to its value and as a home is the biggest investment most people will make, a standout facade will ensure the home will be more appealing to buyers and therefore easier…

Claiming a highly sought-after location in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, this three-storey home so impressed the judges of the 2019 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards, they named it winner of the Contract Houses $10 million-$15 million category. Designed by architectural firm KA Design Studio, the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom abode was built by Horizon, a custom builder with more than 30 years’ experience. Horizon drew on all of its know-how to deliver this remarkable home which features multiple living spaces, a pool and spa, a gym and sauna, a lift, a six-car garage plus the latest in home automation and smart technology. Established in 1989 and based in Rose Bay, Horizon has earned a reputation as one of Sydney’s leading luxury home building firms. “Horizon offers a unique mix of expertise and…

Set on a corner block in Riverview on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, this eye-catching two-storey home consists of five bedrooms, a study, three bathrooms and two living areas. The greatest challenge faced on this build arose when the old bungalow that had sat on the site was demolished and piles of asbestos were found under the existing concrete slab. The site was classified as contaminated and special procedures put in place to rectify this, adding significantly to the cost of the build. This initial issue resolved, work began on the home which boasts a number of special features, including the structural-steel frames used to create ceilings that exceed seven metres in height. The vast ceiling heights made scheduling tricky as work had to be completed from the top down, and…

Hutch & Hutch by tqm design & construct is a highly desirable boutique residential development located in what was once the industrial northern edge of the inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills. Built partially within an existing factory building, the development inhabits the shell of its predecessor, with apartments spiralling from a central core. As the building rises, the interplay of new and old gives way to a glass and metal volume, topped with intimate roof gardens looking over Surry Hills towards the city. Surrounded by a variety of remnant warehouse buildings and small terraces, and itself incorporating an old industrial building, the proposal is highly considered in its use of materiality and form in responding to its architectural context. Various types and textures of brickwork are used to integrate the…

A striking marriage of timber and stone informs the design of this family kitchen in Sydney’s North Bondi. The expansive island dominates the space, while American oak timber slices through the opulent granite benchtop to form a breakfast bar where family and friends can gather. Timber panelling on the kitchen ceiling, in the living area and within the outdoor kitchen echoes the natural aesthetic and links the different spaces. Rich, black-painted glass forms the front of the cabinetry, juxtaposing the organic grain of the timber to dramatic effect. At first glance, the design seems deceptively simple with clean lines accentuated by a monotone colour palette; however, storage is cleverly hidden throughout the space. There’s even a pantry and laundry room with an extra sink and fridge. This kitchen has been…

A show pony pendant light can add a whole lot of ‘wow’ to a well-designed kitchen space. Professional designers know just how to find the perfect-match pendant for all kinds of kitchens, and the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) is sharing just four of its faves here. One of the most impressive examples (shown above left), is by Melbourne designer, Noni Edmunds of Style Precinct. Here, Noni has added a burst of glamour to a glorious kitchen with a white and brass caterpillar pendant. Then there is the striking LED pendant which adds symmetry and style to a classy kitchen (pictured top left), by Adelaide designer, Nathan Wundersitz. It’s not all for show, though: the pendant adds practical task lighting to a much-used bench space. A Saturn-inspired pendant (pictured…

Nestled in the foothills of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, this Upper Ferntree Gully home conceals a wonderful surprise — a split-level rear garden that is an entertainer’s delight and a haven for plant lovers. The garden, designed and constructed by award-winning PTA Landscapes, offers the owners everything they need for cooking, dining and relaxing outdoors. What’s more, it provides a luxuriant, leafy outlook, which can be enjoyed from inside the home or when gathered in the alfresco entertaining area. As Andrew Wilson, co-director of PTA Landscapes, explains, the owners had a clear vision for their sloping garden. “They wanted us to create a private, contemporary indoor-outdoor entertaining space that would have the feel of a sunken courtyard set within an ever-changing, luscious green garden. “Every element was thoroughly considered to ensure…

For a pool to be considered welldesigned, it doesn’t just need to look great, as important as that is. It needs to be functional and easy to maintain, too, according to Aquastone Pools & Landscapes’ co-owner, Gavin Bazley. “This family-friendly pool in Sydney’s Strathfield ticks all of those boxes,” he says. The owners’ brief was twofold. Having built a contemporary new abode they wanted a pool that would complement the architectural style of both the home and the covered entertaining area to the rear. And as parents of two young children, they needed the pool to have the fun factor, providing countless hours of enjoyment for the kids and their friends. “It really has something for everyone,” says Gavin. “There’s a spa that both the adults and kids can enjoy,…

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…

Picture-perfect in every way, this breathtaking pool and landscape project was designed by Justine Carlile Landscape Design and built by Coolabah Landscapes & Pools. Such a beautiful end result was not just due to the meticulous attention to detail paid during the design and construction processes, however; astute product selection was key. The natural stone paving products are a highlight of the project and work to tie the landscape together. Bluestone was chosen for the steps leading up to the outdoor entertaining area and the surrounds of the feature cobbles at the base of the stairs. From here, a path of bluestone steppers leads to a second area paved in cobbles. This space — soon to become a shaded outdoor dining area — is covered by a timber pergola over…

The Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System is ideally suited to a wide range of applications around the home, from shading outdoor entertaining spaces and patios to protecting pools and courtyards. And with a broad array of fabrics and colour options available, the Shaderunner® complements all architectural styles, including contemporary suburban homes and traditional country residences. The owners of this modern home in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs have created a series of inviting outdoor spaces comprised of a stylish entertaining area, lap pool and poolside lounge area. A great deal of thought went into maximising the use of these spaces, hence the inclusion of three fully retractable Shaderunner® shades. Now, whether they are entertaining or using the pool, the owners can have shade and UV protection on demand. The simple-to-adjust Shaderunner® Retractable Sail…

Creating an eco-friendly garden is important for each project designed by Andrew Beck, principal of Sustainable Garden Design Perth. His recent brainchild, a garden in Nedlands, a sought-after suburb west of Perth, reaches new heights of playful design. Spanning a generous 1800sqm and located close to the Swan River, this property is the family home of two doctors and their four children. The outdoor area, in keeping with the Mid-Century-inspired home, also incorporates circular islands of lawn delineated with FormBoss steel edging to create interesting geometric shapes, as well as a play space close-by to a non-pooling stream. The project was particularly challenging as a large majority of the stone existed on-site and needed to be carefully removed by hand and then reassembled like a jigsaw in its new organic…