Expert guides

LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT

Selecting a designer for your pool, cabana or new landscape

Words: John Storch

As properties become smaller and homeowners expect more from their external areas, you need to consider the design of your home and garden holistically. If you engage a designer, you can ensure your dreams come true within your budget. To get the design process right, follow these five steps.

Step 1: Research the designer

There is a very broad range of landscape architectural designers. Most can design a holistic garden but few also have an intricate knowledge of pools and cabanas. You wouldn ’t get an architectural designer to design your home without checking on their expertise, would you? The same rules apply for external design and often the truth is they may simply be salesmen. Ask to see their portfolios. When you are shown a beautiful image, ask what they specifically designed.

A few simple questions in the first phone call to a designer will quickly show you how knowledgeable they are. For pools, you can ask questions like,

“Tell me about ionisors and ozonators?” (both are sanitation systems), or, “What are the typical depths of a family pool?” (answer is 900mm to 1800mm). For cabanas, ask, “What is the minimum habitable ceiling height?” (answer is 2400mm), or, “What’ s the ideal size for a cabana?” This is a trick question: the answer depends on whether it is to have a kitchen or bathroom and what it will be used for.

After Before

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and have considered your needs and wishes, you ’ll be able to decide what it is you want from your outdoor areas. When you convey this to your designer, they should be able to let you know what is feasible given the size of your property and authority regulations, and provide a broad range of costs.

It’ s often difficult to put ideas into words, especially when you need to agree with a partner! Images give your partner and your designer a good sense of what you ’ re interested in for the pool or cabana design and how you see the surrounding areas.

Step 3: Organise a consultation

An initial consultation with a landscape architectural designer is worth the expense. They will sit down with you and ask about your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and requirements for your external area. A good designer should listen to your ideas and try to integrate them into a design. If they think your ideas are not suitable, they should also be confident enough to say so, give reasons why and then give alternative ideas. They shouldn ’t simply just dictate their own taste to you.

A designer can help you by making suggestions as to what would suit your external area and ensure that how you intend to use the space will work. They may also give you a better understanding of the approval process. At the end of the consultation, the designer would normally provide you with a fee structure.

When you meet the designer, ask to look at before and after images of projects. These shots are visual proof of ability.

Step 4: Develop a budget

Decide what you want to spend on your project. Speak with your designer to get a sense of what your project will cost and if you have a realistic budget. It’ s best to know up front as you may have to adjust your expectations or stage your project as funds become available. If so, the order in which works are done is crucial and an experienced designer should be able to help you with scheduling so areas don ’t need to be reworked or items are forgotten.

Step 5: Obtain approvals

Your landscape architectural designer should have a good working knowledge of the various approval processes and be able to guide you through them. Your designer should also be able to recommend suitable local contractors for the work.

Having gone through all five steps, the result should be a good design that adds monetary and lifestyle value to the property. Spend the money on a professional landscape architect to ensure your space is designed correctly the first time and that there is a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor areas and all the components.

When great flow, layout and materials combine to make your outdoor living space an extension of your home, you and your family will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the great Australian outdoors.

John Storch is a landscape architect, swimming pool designer, cababa specialist and principal of the award-winning, Sydney-based practice, A Total Concept. atotalconcept.com.au

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OUTSIDE FAVOURITES

With an outdoor room you can entertain in style and comfort

Words: Georgia Harper

Today, houses have more open areas and most are designed to flow to outdoor living spaces. To maximise these alfresco areas and give yourself an additional entertaining space, an outdoor room may be the answer.

Room-like spaces and structures work in any style of home garden, but it’ s important to ensure that any new outdoor living area or construction is in keeping with that style. For example, you could install a Balinese hut as your main structure in a tropical garden, or a recycled timber and galvanised iron structure in an Australian bushland-style garden.

Spoiled for choice

An outdoor lounge area is a flexible solution as it will suit all members of the household. Lounge-style spaces are great for reading the Sunday paper, a casual lunch, an after-dinner gathering or use as a teenage hangout. A lounge area can be as comfy as you like and you can build in seating, or there are some terrific outdoor lounge systems and outdoor cushions that make it easy to relax. You might also want to add a fireplace or an outdoor TV. Dining areas are a great idea if you

’ re a regular outdoor entertainer and love to cook. They may or may not incorporate outdoor kitchens, but they ’ll at least have a barbecue area. Add interesting light fittings, cushions, potted plants and table decoration and you have a lovely entertaining spot.

A poolside pavilion can really ramp up the glamour and make a pool area a special destination. It can incorporate space for dining, lounging or cooking. Depending on how far away it is from the house, you might also include a small kitchen, wet bar and fridge — even a powder room.

Staged approached

You may find the best course of action is to plan long-term but build in stages as the needs of your family change. You can add elements like kitchens later if necessary. Whatever your approach, it’ s important to remember that built structures may need permits and must be constructed by a builder or landscaper who is registered to build structural works. Your local landscaping association is a great place to start your search for qualified and insured people for the job.

Of course, an outdoor room doesn ’t have to be a fully structured space, but as it will be a focal point, it needs to have a clear function in the greater scheme of things. Done well, it can revolutionise your outdoor experience and enhance your quality of life.

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Photo courtesy of COS Design, cosdesign.com.au. Highlyte Photography

SEEING THE LIGHT

Bring your garden to life at night with the creative use of quality, strategically positioned outdoor lighting

Words: Sarah Liacos

Transform your garden at night and extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space after the sun goes down with the introduction of lighting. Whether you ’ re designing for an inner-city courtyard, country garden or coastal escape, you should not underestimate what lighting can do for your landscape.

Incorporating a few simple lighting techniques with the correct selection of light fittings will help achieve the perfect balance between safety and practicality, delivering an outdoor space that exudes ambience and style.

Start planning early

Whether you

’ re lighting for a specific task or for safety, your light fittings and lighting techniques will vary according to your requirements or desired effect. It is important to know that while some tasks require direct light, others may require a reflected light from surrounding surfaces.

Start by asking yourself how you will be using the space. You may have an alfresco dining, barbecue or services area that requires lighting. Knowing the angle at which your light needs to be directed and the distance from the object or feature are important considerations. Understanding the surface your lights will be mounted on and, similarly, where your lights will be controlled from, will help you understand your requirements and any accessories needed for easy installation.

Make it fit for purpose

Lighting can also help guide how you move throughout your outdoor space. Knowing the layout of your paths and any changes in levels will help to determine the number of fittings required as well as where the lights need to be placed to provide a safe environment for family and guests at night.

To create a soft atmosphere for your entertaining and dining areas, select glare-free lighting. Also make note of the elevation of your pergola or dining area and consider how your guests will move around so lights are installed at optimal height.

Add definition and drama

Now that you

’ ve identified your essential requirements, consider how lighting could enhance features within your space. Lighting boundaries and perimeters can help to create a sense of added depth and space while lowlevel lighting under benches and steps can bathe a space in warm and inviting light.

Reverse the effects of daylight and create contrasts between light and shadow with these simple techniques. Accent lights can be used to emphasise a sculpture or define depth of field for boundary trees. The lights can be adjusted as the plants mature, highlighting changing colours and seasons.

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night. Jason Edwards Photography

A feature tree can be silhouetted by lighting its backdrop at night. In reverse, casting a shadow of a tree onto a surface can create a dramatic effect. A textured wall can be highlighted by ‘ grazing ’ its surface with the use of in-ground lights, and underwater lighting can create a playful effect in moving water. Linear lighting can also help to define a curved bench seat or edging.

Unleash your creativity

Whatever the size or style of your garden, you can achieve spectacular results when you creatively light your space at night. Always speak with a lighting expert if you require assistance and by using quality noncorrosive fittings, you can be confident your garden lighting will provide a lifetime of use and enjoyment once the sun sets.

This article was written by Sarah Liacos from Gardens at Night (gan.com.au) on behalf of Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers (landscapingvictoria.com.au)

Photo courtesy of Ian Barker Gardens, landscape.net.au. Erik Holt Photography

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night. Patrick Redmond Photography

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night. Patrick Redmond Photography

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Photo courtesy of Principal Landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Mondo Landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Tim Davies Landscaping.

ANART FORM

How to use plants to paint a living picture in your garden

Words: Matthew Lunn

Designing gardens has been a big part of my life. As an apprentice horticulturist some 35 years ago, while training with the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK, I had the immense honour of meeting one of the UK’ s great garden designers, Christopher Lloyd, at his Edwin Lutyens home at Great Dixter, East Sussex. It was here, during a visit to his famous garden, that my understanding of plant design deepened.

To the novice gardener, plants are very often seen as “just” plants, but when you begin to understand their structure, texture and what they offer, you learn to appreciate that planting really is an art form.

Plant knowledge is key

So how can you achieve a great planting plan for your garden? Landscapers who have been professionally trained should have a sound plant knowledge and some of the larger landscape practices may even have a dedicated staff member for dealing with the softscape components.

A successful planting design is always built around planning. From my experience, spending time on the detail can elevate a landscape to a whole new level with the use of colour, texture and well-thought-out drama. As a garden designer, you work with your clients to reach common ground on what style and planting palette will work best, but it’ s not just about aesthetics. You need to consider what will grow on the site and this is where a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable landscaper is worth his or her weight in gold.

Create a cohesive scheme

A planting scheme is where you group plants to create a cohesive living picture. Often, to make this easier, you may have a keynote plant that acts as the signature to the design. For example, in a formal Mediterranean-style garden where hedging is employed, the same plant species will be repeated in different areas to create a sense of uniformity.

Above all else, the planting style or theme should generate harmony. Plants grouped together should look as if they

Photo courtesy of Landscapes WA.

there naturally and a good landscaper will know how to replicate the way in which nature would have placed those plants.

Once a scheme has been created, plant selection can begin. This involves an understanding of the local climate as well as the orientation of the site to determine which areas are in shade, semi-shade or full-sun conditions. Plant selection should take into account seasonal interest so that for nearly 52 weeks of the year there is something to enjoy and make your garden pop.

This article was written by Matthew Lunn, Executive Officer, Landscape Industries Association WA. landscaping.net.au

Engage a Professional Landscape Designer to create your own stunning outdoor space

Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers

THE NATIONAL STANDARD IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Designed by COS Design – Residential Landscape Design of the Year 2020

To find a qualified Landscape Designer in your area visit www.aildm.com.au/find-a-designer

AILDM

NATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS 2020

Hosted annually by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM), the AILDM National Landscape Design Awards celebrate design excellence. Here we look at some of the 2020 winners