Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #44 2023 i Outdoor Design

We’re now enjoying some cool weather so it’s the perfect time to consider how we can best heat our outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Of course, outdoor heating isn’t just about keeping the family toasty-warm in winter or taking the chill out of the air on a crisp autumn evening. With our decks, pergolas and alfresco entertaining spaces now being designed as outdoor rooms, good looks and ambience are as important as functionality, maintenance and running costs. We look at the myriad ways we can heat our outdoor living spaces, from wood-burning fire pits to fireplaces fuelled by either gas or bioethanol and sleek electric radiant heaters. Gardens that have won an award for their design can be a wellspring of inspiration when you’re in the process of planning a…

There are many things you need to consider when designing a garden or outdoor entertaining area, but one of the most critical elements is scale. Get it right and the design will be a success, but if you get it wrong, the garden will look and feel unbalanced, sounding a loud, jarring note. The finer details Scale plays a role in the broader design as well as the finer details of individual spaces. It can be expressed in many ways, such as understanding how large a paved area you need so that when you pull back a chair from the dining table you don’t lose the back legs in a garden bed. Or the amount of space required so you can stand at the barbecue or woodfired oven without having…

Do it once, do it right — it makes sense but do we always put this into practice? With the pressure of increasing interest rates and the escalating cost of materials, you may feel the urge to cut corners when developing your garden. But it’s important to ask yourself what you want from your outdoor space and whether investing in an experienced landscape designer might be the most cost-effective approach in the long run. An experienced landscape designer won’t just ensure you make the most of the space, coming up with ideas you might never have considered. They will be able to suggest alternative materials and put you in touch with reliable tradespeople, all of which saves you time and money. The benefits can really be felt when designing trickier…

A versatile swim spa, encircled by plants and cosily nestled into a corner, is the focus of the modern rear-garden retreat in this home in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. It’s somewhere the family can cool down in summer or simply hang out with friends any time of the year, enjoying the soothing spa jets. Just as importantly, its a means of getting in a little exercise thanks to the powerful swim jets that provide sufficient resistance to make swimming in place possible. When not in use, the swim spa serves as a large, pond-like water feature, an effect enhanced when the decorative jets are turned on, sending arcs of water into the air. Being able to entertain in comfort was important for the family, explains Darren Willmott, director of DJ Landscapes…

This is a unique garden offering something new to engage the eye at every twist and turn. Matt McMahon, owner of McMahon Earth Solutions, designed the one-of-kind garden drawing inspiration from the owners of the acreage property. “They wanted an outdoor space they could meander through, and they wanted to be able to sit and relax in the garden, gathering with friends and family around a fire pit,” explains Matt. Matt surveyed the tapered corner of the sprawling site where the garden was to go, contemplated the flat, sparsely turfed expanse and the ideas began to flow. He conceived a design he describes as “industrial and arid juxtaposed with natural appeal and a hint of subtropical elements”. He imagined a circular fire pit area defined by a curved wall of…

Embraced by large, leafy tropical plants, this stunning swimming pool and inviting alfresco area provide the perfect spaces for relaxed entertaining. “The clients wanted a new concrete pool and outdoor entertaining space. In particular, they wanted the materials and design to reference their Italian and Japanese heritages while capturing a modern, tropical Queensland feel,” says Troy Douglas, director of Contemporary Landscaping. With its fully beaded interior and Italian travertine surrounds, the 8m x 4m pool is the centrepiece of the design by Jamie Bacon of Temple Outdoor Design & Living. The focal point of the pool is the water feature, comprised of three spill-over bowls that sit atop a travertine-tiled feature wall. The same travertine was used to clad the floating steps that connect the deck and pool area on…

This cool-climate garden wasn’t always the inviting oasis it is today. When the owners moved in it was overgrown and neglected. “What they wanted was an eye-catching landscape with grand street appeal,” says Shannon Decker, managing director of Now & Zen Landscapes. The elevation of the house meant many steps and level changes would be required to optimise the space so Shannon turned this into a design opportunity, incorporating landings, sitting areas and directional shifts. To bring interest to these differing spaces, focal points were introduced. “To add vertical interest to the cobbled courtyard sitting area located at the front of the house, one of our team members, who is an experienced stone mason, used local ironstone dug up on the project to create a sculptured stone cairn,” says Shannon.…

Port Londsale on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula is a place of immense natural beauty, which is why it is such a drawcard for those seeking a relaxed by-the-beach lifestyle. Boasting beautifully landscaped spaces, The Point is a residential community with an abundance of open space that offers residents the ultimate coastal living experience. The landscape was designed by Tract Consultants for the developer, Moremac Property Group, and UDL Group was charged with the construction of the project which is widely regarded as setting a new benchmark for sustainability. “The scope for this project involved the entire residential estate, which included the streetscapes, a town park space, and the creation of a wetland area,” says Gavin Lowe, CEO, UDL Group. “The emphasis was on sustainability and this is evident in so many…

Some form of outdoor heating is now de rigueur but what you choose and where you place it depends on how you plan to use your garden and outdoor entertaining areas. If you want to spark lively conversation, a fire pit encircled by stools might be ideal but if you want a quiet space in which to relax after a meal, a built-in fireplace might better suit. It’s not just where you want the heat, though; it’s how much you want and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do. Electric, gas and bioethanol heaters can be turned on and offer with the flick of a switch while those that burn wood need to have that fuel source constantly replenished then the ash and cold embers cleared away afterwards. As for…

Stoked Stainless offers a high-quality range of elegant and durable made-to-order cedar tub, spa pool and plunge spa pool products designed to turn any outdoor space or garden into a place of retreat — somewhere you can relax no matter what the time of year. Handmade in New Zealand by skilled artisans, but available through the company’s Australian warehouse, the products include woodfired hot tubs, woodfired outdoor bathtubs, electric bathtubs for use inside the home, a woodfired and electric hybrid spa pool, an electrically-heated square spa pool and plunge spa pools, also electrically-heated, such as the one featured here. This plunge spa pool is the focal point of a lush Melbourne garden designed by Alison Watson of Outdoor Designs. “The design focus was to enable the plunge spa pool to…

Swimming pool, spa, or water feature … tiling adds the finishing flourish, creating a look that is elegant and timeless. To achieve a flawless result, you need quality tiles and an expert tiler using premium adhesives, grouts and waterproofing membranes. For this home, all the pieces came together. The project features large-format marble from SNB Stone and glass mosaics from Trend Mosaics. The tiler, Sam Gardener, used LATICRETE products to tile the water feature, spa and lap pool. To achieve such an impressive result, there were challenges to overcome. To begin with, the pool was located on the second level above the main bedroom, which meant ensuring it would be watertight was of the utmost importance. Another challenge was posed by the Perspex that was to be used in the…

The challenges presented by gardening in dry, lifeless soils can seem endless — and incredibly frustrating. It can almost put us off gardening all together. Plants struggle to grow and no matter how much we water and fertilise, the garden doesn’t seem to come good. We regularly add products but our gardens still have trouble coping, especially when really dry weather hits. We can blame the weather but the reason why the soil is dry is because it is lifeless and that is down to our own gardening practices, such as the use of fertiiser. In fact, some people have begun to ask if adding fertiliser is necessary or beneficial; after all, plants grow in the forest without it. “In the forest, up to 90 per cent of all the…

Australians have always loved the outdoor lifestyle and the expression of that has become more sophisticated over time. Today, all new homes feature an alfresco entertaining area which will, in all probability, incorporate an outdoor kitchen. Or at the very least, a barbecue or woodfired oven. And every home or garden renovation project will include, as a priority, an alfresco entertaining space if one doesn’t already exist. The goal of this project, designed by Dean Herald of Rolling Stone Landscapes, was to take an existing landscape and give the family a lifestyle upgrade. “The brief was to develop an outdoor entertaining space with good connection to the existing elements of the home and swimming pool. This was to include a well-thought-out covered cooking space and dining area,” says Dean. Renovating…

The key to the success of this project in Mosman on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is that the swimming pool and landscape were designed and installed in tandem with the new Hamptons-style home, ensuring total integration. “The landscape and pool finishes were designed to match that of the luxury home,” explains Adrian Swain, director of ecodesign, The Other Side Landscapes and Aeon Pools. “To achieve this, we worked closely with the architect to ensure the materials ran seamlessly from the interior to the exterior.” The homeowners, a young professional couple with four school-aged children, envisaged an outdoor space where they could spend time together and create memories. This meant a home with a large alfresco entertaining area and a garden with a pool, cabana, fire pit zone and sitting walls.…

This modern tropical Balinese-style garden brings a touch of the exotic to the suburban location while uplifting the spirits and soothing the senses. The swimming pool, decking and timber hut were already in place when multi-award-winning landscaper and designer Noel Brown, founder of Bioscapes Gold Coast, a personal friend of the homeowner, began to discuss the creation of a poolside focal point. They talked of a central feature to be located at the far end of the pool. Something to complement the existing elements and engender a calming and peaceful ambience. After much reflection, the concept of an Angel Garden shrine took form. At the heart of the shrine sits a green stone statue on top of a plinth. This shrine, and all the hardscapes, were designed and constructed by…

A professionally-drawn landscape plan gives you a defined version of the finished product so you will know exactly how your garden is going to look — what plants will be used and in what location, the positioning of structural and decorative features, what paving materials will be used and where. If you’re having the project professionally constructed, a comprehensive plan is essential so when you’re obtaining quotes for the work, each will be based on exactly the same design and specifications (plants, materials, structural elements, etc). A detailed plan also ensures you know what permits are required and issues (such as access or the positioning of pipes) need to be addressed before work starts. Taking it step by step The first step is an initial consultation with a landscape designer,…

Recent world events have created a greater awareness of how a well-designed landscape can significantly enhance our lifestyle and enjoyment of the outdoors, and the importance of protecting our green space. As a result, landscape design has become a key part of the planning, design and approval process for building or renovation projects. A great landscape starts with great design. A great design starts with a designer. A qualified landscape designer draws on a wide knowledge and skill set, combining technical, horticultural and design expertise to help you create the outdoor space you desire. Designers offer a range of services, including on-site advice and consultations, advice on plant and material selections, and product sourcing. They may guide you through the development process — from concepts, design and approvals, to overseeing…

This alpine-inspired home in the Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast sits comfortably in its undulating natural surrounds thanks to a sympathetic landscape design by Michael Creighton and Scott Godfredson of NEST Landscape Design. NEST was engaged to design and build a garden that would reference the materials used in the home’s facade and draw on the location to give the property a genuine sense of place. As a result, there is an emphasis on native plants and bush elements, such as feature rocks, for a naturalistic look while curved lines, organic shapes and sweeping vistas soften the feel of the garden. “Plant selections and materials connect the landscape to the house, with the latter including the crazy paving which was run vertically up the house walls. Basalt field boulders,…

The existing backyard was sloping, overgrown and unusable but the owners saw its potential, envisaging a swimming pool, spaces to relax alfresco and a level area of lawn where the kids could play. A complete backyard renovation was called for and the owners turned to David Wright of Viewpoint Landscapes to design and build their dream family garden. “As it is a compact backyard, the design and construction had to be carefully considered to address all aspects of the brief and to create a seamless transition from the house and existing rear deck to the newly-created pool area,” says David. “In terms of style, the homeowners wanted a contemporary garden to suit the modern beach-themed house, so that meant extending the clean lines of the architecture into the garden.” The…

If you live on the Sunshine Coast you want to make the most of the enviable weather and all the simple outdoor pleasures living in such a sought-after location brings. For most people, that means a swimming pool, somewhere shady to relax and alfresco spaces where you can entertain. This home in Battery Hill, a coastal town, offers all of this thanks to the construction expertise of Outdoor Oasis Landscapes and the design savvy of director Matt Harding. The owners had commissioned a design from Cameron Leth Aquatecture and were very happy with it but, says Matt, “It needed a few tweaks to make it more user-friendly and not so over-the-top extravagant.” “I would describe the design as modern with a Queensland feel and the goal was to create multifunctional…

The luxuriant gardens to the side and rear of this Adelaide home aren’t just a source of joy for the owners. They provide the littlest member of the family — Max the Frug (a French Bulldog-Pug mix) — with places to explore and shady spots to snooze in. When the homeowners approached landscape architect Peter Adley, director of Yardstick Landscapes, and Nick Scaife, fellow director and construction coordinator, they had a clear vision. “They wanted a structured rear garden with clean lines and green-on-green foliage. For the side garden, they wanted a relaxed, shaded space which would provide a stunning view from the large opening window and window seat,” says Peter. Peter’s approach to the design was restrained and ordered, yet softened with foliage. The look is timeless and the…

The fringes of the landscaped spaces that embrace this Mid-Century-inspired home in the Blue Mountains, a favoured treechange destination for Sydneysiders, seamlessly merge with the surrounding bushland, ensuring a strong sense of place. Carved into distinct yet connected garden zones, the landscape has been developed over several years by Shannon Decker, managing director of Now & Zen Landscapes, working with the owners. Rather than diving straight into the design process, the owners wanted to experience all aspects of the property for a few years. “This has proven to be a massive advantage because, as the seasons came and went, we identified a variety of issues, such as leaching and areas of high wind, enabling us to design the evolving landscape with these conditions in mind,” says Shannon. “The driveway garden…

One of Melbourne’s finest period homes, Invergowrie, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1851 and sits within an established parkland-style, meticulously-maintained garden. The residence, which claims one of the highest points in Hawthorn, has long been a local landmark, admired for its architectural grandeur. Today, it is equally admired for the landscaped grounds that envelop it. As with any garden of great age, it has evolved over the years with each new owner and landscaper shaping its progress and adding their own touch. For the past five years, Hendrik van Leeuwen, managing director of Van Leeuwen Green Horticultural Services, has been at the helm, overseeing the weekly maintenance program and working closely with his team of consultants, landscape architects and heritage advisors to plan for the…

Futurewood supplies a premium-quality range of environmentally friendly, timber-alternative building and outdoor products that includes timber-look composite screening, cladding and decking. As well as supplying its standard range of low-maintenance products, Futurewood can work with you to devise solutions that will ensure your deck perfectly fits your needs. For big projects, this might mean custom-made decking in a non-standard length, width or colour. Or if you have an ugly old concrete patio and you want to build a deck over it, the solution might come in the guise of an ultra-low aluminium subframe. Often these concreted spaces have a low step and doors that open out onto to them, creating a maximum height problem should you want to install a deck on top. Futurewood’s subrame offers a flexible solution allowing…

Abeautiful garden is top of most people’s wish list — a place to entertain and relax with friends and family; a retreat the kids can enjoy while spending time in nature; an asset that will increase the resale value of the home (for the more hard-headed among us). A Mr Trampoline tramp ticks all the boxes. It’s a durable, attractively designed addition to your garden; you can use it year-round; and it’s enormous fun. As for the kids, it reduces their screen time plus — bonus — it wears them out. Hand-made and hand-painted, this is a premium product that is completely made in Australia. The sturdy frames are constructed from all-Australian steel and galvanised through a hot-dip process that gives each frame many more decades of serviceability compared to…

01 DINING DELIGHTS Vincent Sheppard outdoor furniture adds character and comfort to any alfresco area — take the stunning Mona dining chair, with its soft curved back and sleek teak frame, as an example. The bold lines draw attention to the beautiful back and armrest, which is skilfully crafted in one piece. The tactile resin weave adds texture to the elegant silhouette and is available in three colours: Black, Old Lace and Mocca. Here the chairs are teamed with a Volta table. Explore the latest Vincent Sheppard dining chairs at exclusive importers, Cotswold Furniture. cotswoldfurniture.com.au 02 FEELING EDGY FormBoss™ is easy to install, streamlining your projects and keeping costs low while looking fantastic — and with this edging, you can create ‘architecturally designed’ gardens incorporating a variety of shapes and…

Perfectly positioned to ensure an easy flow from inside to out, the lavish outdoor room offers the family everything they need to entertain — day or night, summer or winter. It forms part of an extensive outdoor entertaining zone encompassing a swimming pool and garden areas, all designed with meticulous attention to detail by A Total Concept. “The outdoor entertaining room was set immediately adjacent to the house, right outside the home’s indoor lounge area and kitchen,” explains John Storch, landscape architect and founder of A Total Concept. “It runs the full width of the property and was designed as a broad, sunken area. “Developed for a large family that often entertains large numbers, the outdoor room includes a fireplace, kitchenette, a wall-mounted LCD television and separate spaces for dining…

Although a well-designed garden will look as if its creation was virtually effortless, considerable knowledge and expertise is required to create a garden that is practical and aesthetically pleasing. For the best result — a garden that will suit your family’s needs now and in the future — you need the guidance of a landscape designer. Georgia Harper, a multi-award-winning designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design, brought her extensive experience to bear when designing this lush and inviting, family-friendly garden that frames a new home in a seaside suburb on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. “The clients love good design and were keen to make the most of the sprawling block, but they wanted to do so without going overboard on costs” says Georgia. “Their wish list included a swimming…

When the time comes to build your dream home, or embark on a major home renovation, the process starts with searching for an architect or building designer and, possibly, an interior designer. You’ll also no doubt be thinking about your garden, pool and outdoor living areas but with all the things you need to consider when building a house or organising a reno — council compliance, engineering requirements, building permits, interior selections — it can leave your head spinning. Feeling overwhelmed, discussions about the outdoor spaces can take a back seat. Ignoring the landscape elements early on is common. It is viewed by many as the last thing to happen so it can be the last aspect to address, but this can prove to be a false assumption and, therefore,…

Imagine turning your outdoor space into your personal oasis — a place of escape from the hectic pace of daily life. Now imagine if that space could instantly transform from a place of solitude to every entertainer’s dream. A cabana can be the ideal way to deliver this lifestyle flexibility. A cabana might incorporate luxurious bathroom amenities and a well-equipped kitchenette; maybe a bar for poolside drinks, daybeds for relaxation, or lounges where guests can gather when entertaining. You can even take things a step further by fitting out the cabana so it can double as an extra bedroom for visitors, a work study or a hangout space for the teenagers or young adults of the family and their friends. Add a little luxury If you decide a cabana is…

Getting up close and personal with nature, growing food for the family and enjoying time outdoors were the goals that inspired the creation of this garden that adjoins a character home in Sydney’s Inner West. Featuring a large lawn for sports (and cartwheels!), a stone pizza oven and a thriving veggie garden, this beautiful backyard ticks all the boxes. “This family had a passion for growing their own produce and connecting with nature, as well as having fun in the garden, so our design needed to encourage a life outside for the complete family to enjoy,” says Steve Warner, principal designer and founder of OUTHOUSE design. “We needed to create a space for them to come together, while still having different activity zones and, of course, a trampoline. Creating a…

Small and outdated, the time had come for this courtyard to be transformed into a contemporary, low-maintenance outdoor living space befitting its enviable Noosaville location and the relaxed Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Troy Douglas and the team from Contemporary Landscaping were entrusted with this significant renovation project. The clients wanted the existing sunken spa removed and replaced with a plunge pool, and new composite decking and privacy screening installed. The overall look was to be clean, contemporary and classy. The centrepiece of the design, by Jamie Bacon of Temple Outdoor Design & Living, is the new concrete plunge pool with its distinctive curved corner. “The pool features natural limestone coping complemented by a large limestone stepper that leads across the water to a composite deck that is spacious enough to accommodate…

This remarkable property, located in Ascot, one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs, shows how a sympathetically-designed, expertly-built landscape can complement — even elevate — great architecture. “Situated in arguably Brisbane’s most prestigious tree-lined avenue, this beautiful estate boasts grand architecture and a level of craftsmanship and elegance rarely seen. It was therefore essential that the landscape be equally breathtaking, complementary to the architectural design intent, and the construction meticulous,” says Tim Stafford, director of Scapex Landscapes. “When we were approached, the owners had purchased the adjoining property and while the neighbouring house was to remain freestanding, one of the major landscaping goals was to make both properties feel as one and, in the process, create a private and luxurious outdoor oasis. “They wanted a garden that would be in harmony…

After a morning surf or at the end of a working day, coming home is always a joyful experience for Jon and Eliza, owners of this coastal property in Sunshine Beach. The simple act of passing beneath the outstretched arms of two magnificent pandanus trees always brings a smile to their faces. Creating a front garden that would celebrate these trees was important says Scott Muzeen, owner of Ground Force Landscapes. “They wanted a garden that created an entry experience and had a sense of connection to the broader landscape and the coast,” he adds. It wasn’t just the front garden they wanted to upgrade, though. The backyard, just an expanse of grass when they bought the home, was slated for a new swimming pool, paved entertaining area and pergola.…

The leafy outdoor spaces that wrap around this Queenslander home in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra provide the family with multiple ways to make the most of the subtropical climate. They can enjoy a game of boules, take a dip in the swimming pool, fire up the pizza oven or sit in the shade of the veranda. Before Hortum Landscaping set to work, under the guiding hands of directors Hugh Hoffman and Todd Burguez, the garden was overgrown and the spaces without form or purpose, so a massive tidy up was the first step on the path to what was a major transformation. “Unfortunately, this entailed the removal of a mature poinciana tree which was in the middle of where the pool was to go and a lot of bamboo…

Afront garden has many roles to play. It settles your home into its surroundings and contributes to the overall streetscape. It reveals something about you to passers-by and, if well-designed and thoughtfully planted, it makes visitors feel welcome. This luxuriant garden, designed by Mitchell Kushturian of Exotic Living, does all of this, and more. “The brief was to take the barren front yard of a newly-built project home and give it a sense of personality,” he explains. “The owners wanted an entrance to the home they could be proud of. A space that was relaxing, tranquil and inviting so neighbours would feel welcome to pop over for a chat.” The home, located in a new housing estate, was a blank canvas, which opened up a raft of opportunities for Mitchell…

Good design is only part of the success equation. Once the plants are installed and the turf laid, the garden must be nurtured if it is to thrive. This property in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell, expertly maintained by Cameron Hainsworth and the ABCAM HORTICULTURE team, is a case in point. “We were initially approached by the owners of the home while maintaining another beautiful property located in the same street. They had concerns their garden wasn’t performing strongly and weren’t sure why so they wanted us to remedy the situation,” says Cameron. Thanks to the team’s tender ministrations, this is now a flourishing garden that fulfills its original design intent. There are the large hedging plants, such as Ficus hillii ‘Flash’ (Hill’s weeping fig) and Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’…

NATIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD — GARDENS Winner: Robyn Barlow Design Project: Fitzroy Bridge House, Vic VICTORIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD — GARDENS Winner: BWLA Project: Cliff House, Vic NATIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD — GARDENS Winner: RPS Project: TreeHouse, Qld NSW LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD — GARDENS Winner: Sophie Zaccone Landscape Architect Project: Night Sky Garden, NSW QLD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD — GARDENS Winner: Sod Design Project: North Maleny, Qld…

The prospect of entertaining or relaxing alfresco has never been so appealing with these stylish, supremely comfortable outdoor sofas, sun loungers, daybeds and more from Contemporary Classics. From breathtaking dining settings and lounge suites to stunning side tables and pod chairs, there’s a wide variety of outdoor pieces to suit every taste and the quality is second-to-none. “We specialise in outdoor furniture that has been hand-woven by artisans and made with comfort and quality in mind. We offer a diverse range of pieces with the emphasis on classic ‘forever’ designs at affordable prices, ensuring you can find something to suit any outdoor space,” says Grant Furniss, founder of Contemporary Classics. The company sources its product from Bloom-Outdoor, Sedex, Mazuvo, Skyline and Yamakawa, all well-established, international brands. As a result, customers…

Have you ever considered just how much you could enhance the beauty of your garden with the addition of lighting? Lighting specialist Pekka Uusi-Hakimo, founder of Nitetime Designs, believes that your house and garden should be admired both day and night, and a well-conceived lighting design is the key to making that possible. Garden lighting is an essential but often overlooked part of creating a beautiful outdoor space. With the proper lighting effects, your garden can become a more magical place to spend time in when the sun goes down. Just one way you can create a truly eye-catching effect is to use strategically placed spotlights to highlight special design elements in your garden, such as trees, water features and sculptures. Uplighting is another technique which you might like to…