ideasoutside Go on, it’s the weekend, so get your hands dirty
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A paved, open rooftop is transformed into a divine entertaining space and chill-out zone
Sun smart When decorating an outdoor space that gets all-day sun, it’s important to use fabrics made with UV filters. Turn the page for more. Arabesque Mosaic floor cushion (80cm), $560, Tait Outdoor. Crushable sun hat, $59.95, Country Road. real living
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summerzones
Faced with a large blank space, garden designer Adam Robinson turned a Sydney rooftop garden into the perfect outdoor entertaining & chill-out area. Here’s how he did it‌
writer natalie walton | photography maree homer | styling adam robinson; adam@adamrobinsondesign.com
Design approach Just like in an open-plan space indoors, Adam created different zones with varying functions on the rooftop. Bowen dining table, $1299; for similar chairs, try Zuma dining chairs, $399 each; for sunloungers, try Nullica day beds, $1699 each; and for side table, try Barwon side table, $199, Eco Outdoor. For similar white box planters, try 900 Narrow Low troughs in White, $446 each, Quatro Design.
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ideasoutside IN A SIMILAR WAY that large, open-plan living spaces can seem empty and uninviting, so too can gardens – whether they’re out the front or back, on the roof, or a terrace or a courtyard. And that was the problem that faced homeowners Linda and Rob. The couple had bought an apartment in Sydney’s Cremorne – and it came with a rooftop garden. At first this seemed a wonderful bonus. But then they wondered what on earth to do with it! After all, it was large – at 75 sq m – and exposed to the elements. Determined to not let their valuable piece of real estate go to waste, the couple called in Adam Robinson from Green Rooms Gardens & Landscapes (Greenrooms.com.au; Adam now has his own company, Adam Robinson Design). Adam was not deterred. In fact, he saw
how to: |
Gardens that can withstand the elements
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Plants When planting a rooftop garden, or any space that gets full sun, consider the following hardy plants: herbs such as basil, coriander and parsley; bougainvillea; succulents; wisteria; and citrus trees in pots. 2 Outdoor decor Decorating a space that’s exposed to the elements requires that you pay more attention to materials and fabrics that are specifically designed for the outdoors. After all, most good-quality exterior fabrics feature UV-resistance properties and are antimicrobial, and mildew and stain-resistant. As for materials, timbers are often finished in exterior paints or varnishes, which are also designed to repel UV rays.
Space saver Adam, pictured, designed generous bench seats to provide plenty of seating for guests and also handy storage inside. on bench Seat cushion covers custom-made from Deck Stripe outdoor fabric in French Navy, about $158 a m, Unique Fabrics. Florence Broadhurst “Curly Swirls” cushion in Salmon (Adam holding), and Hessian cushion in Gypsy, $108 each, Signature Prints. ON TABLE from left Domani ceramic pots, from $75 each, Parterre. Glass tumbler in Orange, $39.95 for 4, and acrylic pitcher in Waratah, $24.95, SunnyLife. Henley rectangular earthenware platter (holding fruit), $49.95, Country Road.
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ideasoutside Bright spot The vibrant yellow barbed-wire ball adds a fun, sculptural element to the garden. Barbed-wire ball, from $290, Eco Outdoor. Candle spikes with candles (in large pots), $32 each, Tait Outdoor. ON LOUNGERS JR Blue Medallion decorative pillow (at left), $233.20, and JR Mosaic decorative pillow, $253, Pure And General.
the space as a great opportunity. “It’s always a joy starting with a clean slate,” he says. “You don’t have other design features to work around and you can put whatever spin on the site you like.” After talking to the homeowners about what they wanted – “a space suitable for entertaining and relaxing” – Adam set about turning the rooftop into a stylish outdoor retreat, a design that could be applied to any open, paved outdoor space. “Rooftop gardens are a fabulous space to spend time in, but there are considerations that must be taken into account,” he says. “The biggest being the exposure to the elements. If these issues aren’t dealt with the area simply won’t get used.” Adam’s first decision was to break the area into more intimate pockets. “This, straight off the bat, creates a cosiness in each zone and, as each has a strong relation to the other, it all ebbs and flows.” He created built-in timber seats to “anchor” the dining space. Cleverly, these also provide storage. Considering how the area would be used, he placed the cooking zone next to the dining table so conversation could flow easily. “Having the backless, built-in bench seat allows seating to double into this space and keeps the chef Cookin’ corner (below) Painting the wall behind the barbecue in a similar colour allows it to recede into the background. Weber “Genesis” E310 gas barbecue, from $1699, Weber. Provence linen apron in Natural (on wall), $242, and French Grey lantern (on floor), $137.50, Pure And General. For similar basket, try Original French market basket, $39, The Market Basket Co. on barbecue Glass pitcher in Blue, $29.95, SunnyLife. Tapas bread plate, $12.95, Paulo large breadboard, $59.95, and Jac tea towel, $29.95 for 3, Country Road.
Fun feature (right) An oversized steel rabbit, designed specifically for the outdoors, adds playful humour to the space. Peter Mclisky powdercoated steel rabbit in Lace (90cm high), $590, Tait Outdoor. Moroccan palm knotted basket with leather strap, $77, Pure And General.
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sheltered spot for cooking
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tall olive trees = natural screening device
General store (right) Even on a rooftop garden, it’s important to have a space to store tools and supplies. Something streamlined that blends in well with the surroundings works best.
contact | Garden designer Adam Robinson can be contacted via email at adam@adamrobinsondesign.com. Check out his website at Adamrobinsondesign.com.au
Block out (above) Tall-growing trees, such as these olive trees (Olea europaea) will not only provide great shade, but privacy from nearby buildings, too. Galvanised watering can, $295, Parterre. Arabesque Mosaic floor cushion, $560, Tait Outdoor. Straw hat, $25 from market. For stockists, see page 183. Eye-catching display (left) The structured form of the prehistoric-looking “tree aloe” (Aloe barberae) creates a strong backdrop to the space, and works well in a contemporary garden.
in the midst of the conversation,” he adds. Nearby, Adam has created an area where Linda and Rob, or their guests, can relax on sunloungers. Automatic retractable shade sails also provide muchneeded protection from the elements, and can cover the entire area. “When it came to the plant selection, it was crucial that the palette would be very tough and hold up against the harsh conditions,” he explains. The plants selected had to be able to withstand all-day sun and winds. “And an automatic drip-irrigation system ensures they receive an adequate amount of water to keep them looking lush.” The result is a stylish and low-maintenance space, which is perfect for both entertaining and relaxing. Exactly what the owners wanted!