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Grill, then chill.

Take your flame grilling, party hosting and wine tasting to the next level with the Escea outdoor fireplace kitchen.

The wood fire comes equipped with everything you need to create a smoky meat lover’s feast, giving you the ultimate outdoor dining experience. Once the flame cooking is done, it transforms into a roaring fire where you can chill right into the small hours. www.escea.com/ek-series

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Protect your appliances with a roof or shade sail.

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For more information and stockists visit www.heatlie.com.au or email info@heatlie.com.au Ph 08 837

Contents

Contents UP FRONT 12 14 16

EDITOR’S LETTER WHAT’S HOT BEST OF

INSPIRATION 24 NOVEL CONCEPT An entertainer’s dream 30 FOR FAMILY Dine, swim or party 34 STANDOUT SPACE Full of excitement 36 THE SKY’S THE LIMIT A Melbourne rooftop 42 THE PERFECT BLEND Old meets new in this gorgeous garden 48 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT A standout courtyard 50 TAKE THE PLUNGE A compact space with a plunge pool 54 ASIAN ALLURE Natural materials and Asian-style decor 62 FAMILY AFFAIR This garden caters to all

109 42 FEATURES 70 GREEN WALLS 78 OUTDOOR ROOMS

EXPERT ADVICE 88 THINKING BIG Tips for large backyards 90 COOKING ALFRESCO Why the trend is here to stay 92 RENO MANIA Outdoor renovation case studies

REGULAR SECTIONS 97 DESIGN IDEAS 109 THE ESSENTIALS 113 INDEX

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Editor's Letter

OUTDOOR

FROM THE editor

W

hether you have a big or small space to work with, we have you covered this issue.

Green walls have been all the rage for a while now and it’s easy to see why. Not only can they add a living piece of decor to your backyard, they can also help screen things out and allow you to add greenery to a smaller space that may not have included much of a garden. Check out our green walls feature for more information.

ROOMS

Now for those lucky enough to have an expansive backyard to work with, in the expert advice section, Better Homes and Gardens presenter Jason Hodges shares his top landscaping tips for larger spaces including paving, pools and plants.

It’s that time of year that many Australians look forward to — summer is finally here. Why run back and forth to the house when you could have everything you need outdoors?

Our outdoor rooms feature covers outdoor kitchens, furniture perfect for outdoor dining and lounging, and the essential items for outdoor entertaining.

Hot on the tail of the plunge pool trend, inspiration projects this issue include a more compact space with an impressive plunge pool — ideal for those who want a pool but don’t necessarily have the room for something big. We also visit a backyard that is the perfect combination of old and new. On the must-have list were a pool, an outdoor entertaining area with a place to cook, relaxation zones for the adults, a lawn, a kids’ play area and storage.

Stay outdoors in style.

April Ossington, Editor

Image courtesy of askinteriordesign.com

Editor April Ossington Writer Stephanie Russo Contributors Jason Hodges, Matt Leacy, John Storch, Karen Booth, Terry Meehan, Georgina Martyn, Carrol Baker, Kate Wagner Designer Martha Rubazewicz Publisher Janice Williams National Sales Manager NSW, ACT, Qld & Vic Miriam Keen 0414 969 693 mkeen@umco.com.au WA Steve Wright 0455 030 726 swright@umco.com.au Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Advertising Production Alex Dalland Cover Manutti SAN outdoor daybed.

Image courtesy of Go Modern Cover Design Martha Rubazewicz

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Finance & Administration Manager James Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger Marketing & Acquisitions Manager Chelsea Peters

Subscription enquiries: 1300 303 414 Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head ofice: (02) 9805 0399 Outdoor Rooms no. 41 is published by Universal Magazines Pty Ltd, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore.

Distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Australia.

This magazine may have some content that is advertorial or promotional in nature. The opinions expressed by individual writers in Outdoor Rooms are not necessarily those of the publishers. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers.

The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this efect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act, 1974. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. *Recommended retail price ISSN 1836-3717/1448-5001 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXVIII ACN 003 026 944 umco.com.au Please pass on or recycle this magazine.

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WHAT'S hot News, tips and inspiration

DESIGNER HOSES

GO WEST The brief for the renovation of the Best Western Haven Hotel in Glebe, Sydney, was that it must be unique, encourage people to venture out of their room and engage in the hotel’s services and facilities. The goal was to encourage these guests to use the outdoor space for all their needs — working, socialising and relaxing.

Smaller break-out seating was added, which enables smaller groups to come together and engage. Power was installed into the area for battery charging, and lighting allows guests to use the space well into the night. In the design, the soft geometric shapes of the concrete pads tie in with the sculptural trees as they balance each other and create pockets of usable space. The standout feature is definitely the Organic pod shelter, which adds vertical interest and another place to lie back and relax. outhousedesign.com.au

Who said garden hoses have to be boring? With a focus on creating beautiful, functional products, Sydney design duo Christo and Johanna Everingham have launched a new company, Lepaar. One of the company’s products, Gardenlust, is a glamorous hose collection that doesn’t compromise on quality or durability. The hose is made from an agricultural-grade, UV-protected material and high-tensile-reinforced yarn. During the manufacturing process, its solid-brass universal tap connectors are vertically crimped with a hydraulic machine, providing extra durability. This fashion-forward hose is available in three modern colours: ivory, lavender and slate. lepaar.com

UNDER MY UMBRELLA Before its makeover, this garden in Paddington, Sydney, sufered from privacy issues due to a neighbouring apartment block. The now unique and inviting garden features a natural alternative to the common umbrella. Known for its round shape and dense foliage, Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’ was planted in the left corner of the backyard against the retaining wall. With a maximum height of 1.8m, it creates an umbrella-like canopy that blocks enough of the neighbouring balcony without compromising on views. scenicbluedesign.com.au

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What's Hot

TRES CHIC Made in France, the cutting-edge Kara barbecue brasero from Cesarré is a contemporary sculpture and barbecue rolled into one. A combination of wood and charcoal and an Argentine stainless-steel grid ensures food is cooked to perfection on this modern grill. Including multipurpose pieces in your backyard allows you to add style and save space, which is particularly useful for a small courtyard or balcony. Aussie fans will be happy to know the company delivers to Australia as well. Kara will definitely be a talking point with friends and family at the next barbecue. cesarre.com

OPTICAL ILLUSION A cleverly positioned mirror can transform a small or awkward backyard, creating the illusion of more space and even tricking the eye into thinking it’s a diferent shape. An efective way of making a space seem brighter, a garden mirror can also be used in a dark area to obtain the reflection of light. Additionally, it’s a nifty way of extending and enhancing a pleasant view and covering up or drawing the eye away from an unpleasant one. rivasdesign.com.au

GROWING FURNITURE When it comes to greenery in your backyard, why stop at your garden bed? Constructed of concrete, the Harvest table in Raw comes with real, live wheatgrass that can be planted in the centre, although it’s not just for wheatgrass. Perhaps you would prefer to have fresh herbs at your fingertips during your meals? concretebenchtops.com

GREEN CARPET Love the look of wide, green spaces but hate mowing lawns? Courtyard Magic propagates a select range of alternative lawns and decorative ground covers for smaller areas. The company’s Living Tiles range is grown and delivered in custom-designed, shallow trays, with air-pruned roots that bind the media together to produce tiles that can be cut to shape and quickly and easily installed to create an instant, spectacular efect. Pictured is Dichondra repens, which features lily pad leaves and stems for a magical efect. This variety is weather-resilient and not afected by frost, but is only suitable for light trafic. It acts as a green substitute to mulch as well. If you are looking for something that can stand a bit more trafic, Irish moss will create a lush green carpet. courtyardmagic.com

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BEST of

We take a look at what’s hot in outdoor rooms Edited by Stephanie Russo

HAPPY HOUR Nothing says summer time like outdoor entertaining. Truly embrace outdoor living and opt to install an alfresco bar.

More than just a bar, the Luxe Lodge enjoys an outdoor space like no other.

From a fire sculpture to breathtaking views and an array of natural building materials, it is a true outdoor oasis.

Cocktail, anyone? Photos by Fred McKie. ultraspace.com.au

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We lov e

the bar’s magn ific views of Queen ent sland’s Glass House Mountains

Best Of

We lov e

rn sofa the mode eryone s ev that invite a seat to take

WHITE ON WHITE Whether you have a luscious, expansive garden, a small urban courtyard or something in-between, the approach to creating an outdoor room should be just the same as when you’re decorating inside. While we aren't prone to playing favourites, there's one exterior style that makes our design hearts burst every time: an all-white palette. A white foundation can be balanced with timber and stone, creating the perfect blank canvas for a striking space that never gets old. gomodern.co.uk

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We lov e

the beautiful timber decking

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TIMBER TOWN Timber offers a unique combination of aesthetic, environmental and practical advantages for your outdoor space. With outdoor living playing such a huge part in Australian life, it's no wonder timber continues to be a popular feature. The material has a number of benefits that make it a cost-effective and viable building material. Let this epic outdoor set-up show you how it’s done‌ dedon.de

Best Of

We love the pop of lush greenery

RELAXATION TIME It’s warm and you want to go out and relax, but don’t have room for a hammock.

Swinging chairs are a great alternative, giving you that relaxing motion without taking up tons of space. And if you don’t have a tree or structure to hang one on, there are plenty that come with a stand. We love the beautiful design of the Point Weave garden swing chair that will definitely do the trick, as well as give your space a stylish makeover. gomodern.co.uk

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GET FLOORED If you think indoor flooring is a challenge, outdoor flooring can be much more complicated. There are additional factors to take into account such as temperature, weather and other natural elements. Plus it has to visually suit the facade of the house. Natural timber-look porcelain tiles will be sure to delight and add the perfect modern touch to your exterior. Amber Tiles ofers a range of options that add a new style dimension to outdoor residential and commercial projects. ambertiles.com.au

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We lov e

the interesting at accessories th ect create the perf ambience

Best Of

TAKE A SEAT Unlike a decade ago, when most outdoor seating was wrought iron, companies now offer chairs to suit virtually every style, and recent innovations in weatherproof materials have been game-changing. MBRACE by Sebastian Herkner takes an unconventional approach to outdoor furniture, bringing DEDON fibre seating and a solid teak base together for the very first time. All you have to do is sip on some wine, light a fire, and you’re ready for your most memorable open-air dinner. dedon.de

We lov e

the addition of ti that bring elega les nce the outdoor spa to ce

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Inspiration Get some pointers from the latest outdoor projects from Australia and around the globe

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Specialising in authentic Italian style Brick Oven kits, PreCast Pizza Ovens and refractory materials for the construction of Wood Fired Ovens and Fireplaces. p. 03 9703 1758 www.melbourneÂłrebricks.com.au

BEFORE

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Inspiration

NOVEL concept

A premium outdoor area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining Words John Storch

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S

haun Wright, senior designer of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, was commissioned to design then manage the construction of the extensive external areas of this home on Sydney’s lower north shore. The stunning property incorporates a swimming pool, poolside cabana, lawns and gardens for relaxing and socialising.

“The council area that this project is in has restrictions on cabanas being built on the boundary, so externally we utilised the shell of a superfluous existing double garage, opening it up and extending it slightly, ensuring enough of the existing structure was retained to allow us to gain approval for the cabana to be positioned hard up on a boundary fence to maximise space,” says Shaun.

The poolside cabana is surrounded by a new sizeable timber deck, large enough

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for a generous table for entertaining. The cabana is set within lawn and garden areas that feature a large swimming pool, also designed by A Total Concept. The necessary height difference between pool and cabana is well linked and integrated by broad steps that are used for sitting and relaxing by the children of the family.

The traditional style of the poolside cabana ensures the overall project is in keeping with the home, and new contemporary materials have been incorporated on the home itself, the cabana and pool to link them all together and create a fresh and new impression.

A wall-mounted television, traditional lounge and built-in kitchenette incorporating glass splashbacks, Caesarstone benchtop, under-mount sink, large fridge and dishwasher, and a fully furnished bathroom facility with shower, WC and basin were designed by Shaun to ensure entertaining was fully catered for.

Inspiration

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Inspiration

At night time the poolside cabana is well lit with both concealed strip lighting and LED downlighting in the ceiling for functional purposes, which, together with lights in the swimming pool and energyefficient LED lighting throughout the garden areas, creates mood effects with washes of light and dancing shadows.

A quality sound system as well as all electrical components such as garden lights, irrigation plus swimming pool heater, lights and spa jets have all been linked to the cabana’s and residence’s automatic control system.

The sparkling blue water of the understated glass-tile-surfaced swimming pool contrasts beautifully with the crosscut half-filled travertine paving of the pool entertaining areas, timber decking and timber

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cabana floor, which have been designed to blend with the dappled, shaded greens of the gardens and lawns.

Some plants incorporated into the gardens include accent plants of Buxus japonica (Japanese box), Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine) and Camellia japonica (camellia), plus Cerastium tomentosum (snow-in-summer), Viburnum odoratissimum (viburnum), Viola hederacea (native violets), Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow White’ (white snow) and scented Gardenia florida (florist's gardenia).

The before shot shows what an underutilised space this was, and the after shots show the end result designed and managed by A Total Concept as a beautifully integrated lifestyle and entertaining complex for the owners of this property. atotalconcept.com.au

For FAMILY Whether dining, swimming or partying is on the agenda, this is the ideal family entertainment area Words Karen Booth Photos Patrick Redmond

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Inspiration

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W

hen designing this outdoor living space, Brenton Stokes from Intrinsic Landscapes took inspiration from the bold, hip gardens you find in South Florida to give the Melbourne garden a vibrant feel and more than a dash of Miami chic.

“The owners wanted something that would be visually interesting and dynamic, so I gave them a look that is cool, confident and sexy. The use of electric colours adds to the vibrancy of the space, yet the overall impression is of a stylish and sophisticated setting for outdoor living,” explains Brenton.

Providing a place for family-friendly, transseasonal entertaining was imperative, hence the inclusion of a covered outdoor room at

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the end of the garden. To make preparing and cooking meals easy, the feature of the space is a fully customised outdoor kitchen with an under-counter fridge, a barbecue and wok burner, an oven, a rangehood, plenty of cupboards and bench space, a dishwasher and a sink.

Adding to the comfort and functionality of the space, there are electric strip outdoor heaters, ceiling lights and a modern dining table with matching benches. To make the space more fun to use, there is a wallmounted outdoor television.

Although the owners didn’t want any plants, mainly because they wanted the garden to be as low maintenance as possible, they did want to evoke a tropical feel, which has been achieved with the laser-cut,

back-lit screens that were attached to the walls alongside the swimming pool. These stunning 2.4m screens, supplied by Prompt Sheet Metal and featuring a bamboo with birds design, turn the rear garden into a truly vibrant space at night.

The pool, with its raised integrated spa, makes the garden ideal for a family and a great venue for summer entertaining. It is flanked on two side by frameless glass fencing, ensuring unobstructed views from the back of the house to the outdoor room, and there is an alfresco shower just a few steps away, tucked up against the partial wall of the outdoor room.

The lighting in the pool and behind the feature screens can be programmed to change colours (either one solid colour or multiple colours) or flash, which is a great feature when entertaining. For ease of use, the lighting is remote-controlled.

Bluestone 600mm x 300mm pavers were used in a brick bond pattern in the outdoor room and for the pool surrounds. These are complemented by square-edge bluestone coping tiles around pool. The sophisticated grey tones of the paving are contrasted by the warm hues of the 140mm merbau decking.

“The rear garden was modernised because the owners, who had called the property home for more than 20 years, were renovating in preparation for putting the house on the market,” says Brenton. “The owners and their family were meant to relocate to a triplestorey warehouse with city views, but their teenage kids wouldn’t let them move after the landscape was completed!” intrinsiclandscapes.com.au

Inspiration

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Standout SPACE The owners of this Brisbane property wanted an exciting landscape design ... and they got it Words Karen Booth | Photos Dan Lewin

T

he house, which sits on a sloping block, had been a typical post-war dwelling before it was bought by a builder and tastefully renovated. It is now very modern with an exterior boasting a mix of weatherboard, rendered block, glass and fibre-cement sheeting. As part of the renovation, a smallish concrete swimming pool was built at the rear of the home. This stands 1.2m out of the ground. The brief from the homeowners to Aaron Worth of Utopia

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Landscape Design was to work with these elements and “do something exciting”.

Their wish list included a sense of seclusion and interesting visual elements throughout. It was decided that the interesting visuals would be driven by the use of various materials, such as the lasercut resin panels from Axolotl. These have a white acrylic backing and were treated with a bronze/graphite coating.

In the rear garden, grey granite pavers are surrounded by pebbles and in one section,

Corten steel edging. Contrasting with the paving and picking up on the warmth of the timber decking, the garden boasts a colourful planting palette. Species include native gardenia trees, Croton ‘Mammy’, Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’, Cordyline ‘Negra’, variegated Chinese star jasmine and variegated dwarf mondo grass.

Perhaps the most radical element of the outdoor design was the decision to cut the side out of the existing pool and install a window. Apart from the focal point that

Inspiration

it creates, the decision was also about lengthening the view from the lounge room beyond the pool wall. By doing this, it gives the impression of greater space.

The owners are proud of their new garden and enjoy it every day. The judges of the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers 2013 Landscape Design Awards seemed to be equally impressed, with the project taking out gold in the Residential $150,000 category. utopialandscapedesign.com.au

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Inspiration

THE SKY'S THE limit With views to die for, this Melbourne rooftop backyard takes high-rise living to a whole new level Words Carrol Baker | Photos Dylan Lark

Outdoor Rooms |

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I

magine sitting under a scattering of stars, cool drink in hand while you watch the city lights dancing across the night sky. When you get tired of that view, from another vantage point you can watch majestic ships rolling into the harbour. All from the comfort of your own rooftop garden.

This is the everyday reality for one family, who, along with a generous helping hand from the experts, have created the ultimate in relaxed family living outdoors that can be enjoyed all year round.

Before the transformation, Stephanie Laurin from ASK Interior Design says the area was a bereft expanse of space that couldn’t be utilised. “Literally it was an open shell when built and virtually unusable, with timber floors attracting heat and grit and with no shade opportunities,” she says. “It had very hard edges, painted walls and no greenery.”

The final result, a series of rooftop garden rooms, wasn’t the original plan however.

Engineers determined the rooftop rumpus room extension, that the owners originally intended to use for the space, would need expensive structural retrofitting, so the plan was nixed.

Going back to the drawing board proved to be a serendipitous masterstroke. Instead of just a rumpus room, the entire rooftop has morphed into a series of stylish outdoor living spaces that cover myriad multi-use zones, all of which can take advantage of the breathtaking views.

Stephanie says one of the key requirements of the project was to maximise aspect and view lines to the cityscape and ships in port.

“The area is undergoing significant change, so pushing the front of the roof terrace to the existing parapet edge would ensure distant views and improve floor area,” she says.

The rooftop was extended 12sqm to the front of the house, which also added further protection from the elements to the existing balcony downstairs. Now there’s ample room underneath to store firewood for the indoor living rooms and house a barbecue.

One of the key elements of the design brief was to create an outdoor space that promoted healthy living. The designer has delivered a project that definitely ticks the box on that, and far more.

Stephanie describes the project as “rooms within a room” and indeed it is — with ample living spaces including a contemporary alfresco dining setting for six, nearby festoon lights creating a festive air.

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Inspiration

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There’s an outdoor kitchen, complete with sink, cooker and a drinks fridge, a cosy lounge space with TV that’s perfect for family movie nights under the stars, and a bar area. At the other end of the rooftop

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garden is a roomy cedar hot tub, outdoor shower and infrared sauna.

One of the key spaces to take advantage of the expansive view is the outdoor bar area; from the elevated position, the

homeowners can relax and enjoy views to the north and south.

For the designer, one of the standout features of the outdoor garden space is the outdoor kitchen. “Being narrow, the space

Inspiration

was perfect for a galley-style kitchen and has made this previously wasted throughzone space one of the most used and special parts of the roof,” she says. The kitchen area features a retractable roof, offering

protection from scorching summer heat on the western side. Its inclusion has an added benefit, says Stephanie. “It can also maximise winter light and heat gain inside the house,” she says.

With so much liveability and versatile outdoor spaces packed into 60sqm, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy — all with little ongoing care required.

The garden areas are virtually selfmaintained. With a simple touch of a keypad, the watering system is controlled online and automatically adjusted with seasonal watering requirements.

There’s a weeping cherry tree, and mature olive trees in oversized planters bring a touch of European flavour to the design. Most of the plants are edibles, including lemon and kafir lime, along with herb pots and some seasonal vegetables.

Underfoot is robust, synthetic grass which can take a lot of wear and tear. “The grass doesn’t heat up in summer and unlike decking boards, dust does not collect so it remains clean,” says Stephanie. “Rainwater is collected below the grass/decking boards via a metal deck roof on a one-per-cent fall.”

The design draws on some clever and interesting elements, including the Corten steel, which ages to an earthy rustic patina.

It serves many functions — it’s an artistic backdrop, screens areas, and it’s a trellis for some climbers.

Cedar cladding was used to the west balustrade for warmth in lieu of a rendered finish, so there’s continuity with the cedar hot tub and sauna materials.

There are many delightful elements to this design; they flow together to create a cohesive mastery of style, practicality and, above all, liveability. What was once an unused space is now the hub of this family home. askinteriordesign.com

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Inspiration

THE PERFECT blend Old meets new in a harmonious way and the end result is simply spectacular Words Karen Booth | Photos Joel Barbitta

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A

ccording to designer Denise Staffa of Outside In, “This outdoor space is definitely the perfect mix of old and new; the ideal blend of modern and traditional. So should we call it ‘moditional’?

I think so.”

When designing the garden, taking into account the property’s heritage listing was paramount (hence the need to blend the “old”); so, too, was finding a way to take the steeply sloping, near-unusable garden and create something much better suited to the lifestyle needs of a contemporary family.

To do this, Denise had the existing poorly placed or overgrown garden elements removed so she could start from scratch.

“Maintaining the heritage look while bringing it into the now was important, but the owners also wanted a functional backyard space — and with such a huge backyard, we had more than enough room to play with,” says Denise. “A pool, an outdoor entertaining area with a place to cook, relaxation zones for the adults, a lawn, a kids’ play area and storage were all on the must-have list.”

The plan was to create two functional levels: a lawn and kiddie play area leading

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directly from the back door of the home, and a place for the pool and alfresco entertaining area. Before this could happen, however, approximately 280m³ of excess soil had to be excavated and some major structural works undertaken. “To install the pool, we had to prop all the fences

and shore up all the banks of existing soil because of the significant level change.

Once the pool was installed, major footings went in and the brick walls went up to retain all the levels,” explains Denise.

Next phase was the alfresco entertaining area, the ceiling of which is clad in Cooldek,

Inspiration

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an insulated roofing panel. The flooring is timber decking and easy access to the main entertaining area was provided in the form of large platform-style deck steps. “Spotted gum was used and the tones of this timber work beautifully,” says Denise. “The same timber was used for the curved daybed nestled into the corner of the deck steps.

This provides the perfect spot for an adult retreat, or for watching the kids play.”

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The entertaining area is well equipped with an outdoor kitchen, ceiling fans and a wallmounted television. It also has beautifully furnished dining and lounge zones. Adding some textural interest, the splashback/ feature wall behind the barbecue is clad in Otway stone from Eco Outdoor. The same natural stone was used on some of the walls around the pool, tying both areas together.

For the pool surrounds, Denise selected

Amber Grey Terrastone exposed aggregate concrete; for the pool fencing, frameless glass and custom-designed Knotwood woodgrainlook aluminium boxes in the colour Driftwood were used. “Selecting the right materials and overall style to blend seamlessly into the existing surrounds was important, as was selecting tones and textures that meld beautifully together,” says Denise.

The plants include Golden Cane palms, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’, used as a backdrop to the pool, and Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’, employed as a contrasting border. The magnolias were also used as a backdrop to the alfresco entertaining area and Manchurian pears as a feature tree to the side.

This was a substantial undertaking for Denise and the owners of the property, which is located in the inner-north Perth suburb of Mount Lawley. “The extent of the actual transformation from what it was to what it is now is truly incredible. The flow from the house to the outdoor spaces is seamless and the use of levels and layering has created areas that are practical and lovely,” says Denise. “It’s such an amazing feeling to know that the transformation has completely changed the way the owners use their backyard.” A triumph for the “moditional” approach to design, no doubt. outsidein.net.au

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Dare to BE DIFFERENT All it takes is a little daring to create a courtyard design that stands apart from the pack Words Karen Booth | Photos Jessica Cheng

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maginative, innovative, inspired … there is no shortage of adjectives to describe this design.

Making the most of a small courtyard is easy. You just need some imagination, some ingenuity and the expertise of a professional landscape designer. An experienced designer can devise savvy solutions to the most challenging of problems, from how to increase the

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perception of depth to screening the space without making it feel hemmed in.

“The original space was pretty much unusable so the owners wanted it transformed into another room of the house, one they could relax in. They also wanted to screen off an apartment block that towered over them at the rear of the property,” explains designer Andrew Sidie of Stone Lotus Landscapes, a boutique design and construction company

operating in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. “To achieve this, they wanted to use a mix of natural elements and incorporate as much greenery as possible,” he adds.

Andrew’s design has a contemporary, industrial feel. Although newly completed, it has an established air, largely due to the liberal use of recycled materials. The screen at the back of the courtyard is the main feature of the design. Built entirely using

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recycled hardwood timber, it incorporates an irrigated vertical garden that introduces the greenery the owners wanted.

“The corner bench seat is also constructed from the same recycled timber, tying both elements together. Recycled bricks also feature heavily. They were used in the construction of the bench seat, the wall beneath the timber screen and the raised planters,” says Andrew.

Adding textural interest, the two feature planters are clad in Eco Outdoor’s dry-stonestyle, natural granite Alpine walling material. For contrast, the paving is Eco Outdoor’s bluestone.

The owners wanted a low-maintenance, tropical-style planting scheme to tie in with the existing frangipani that dominated the courtyard. With this in mind, Andrew chose a limited but effective palette of plants for the raised planters that includes Heliconia ‘Red Xmas’, Strelitzia nicolai and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. For the vertical garden, the plants include Brazilian walking iris, clivia and bird’s nest ferns.

The final flourish came in the form of LED uplights, sourced from Bondi Lights, that give the courtyard a whole new personality after sundown. stonelotus.com.au

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TAKE THE plunge

Despite the limited space, this compact plunge pool and cosy outdoor seating area are a perfect fit Words Karen Booth | Photos Ross Williams

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hen space is in short supply, you don’t need to forgo the pleasure of having a pool. Nor do you need to despair if your garden is oddly shaped, because you can still create comfortable outdoor living areas. These were the challenges faced — and successfully resolved — by Matthew Gee, Phase3 Landscape Construction’s senior designer.

“The homeowners’ brief was to improve the functionality of a poorly configured existing backyard space through the inclusion of a plunge pool/spa, pergola and outdoor seating area. The resulting design was to be elegant, a combination of high-spec and rustic finishes, and responsive to the distinctive architectural characteristics of the residence and surrounding area,” explains Matthew.

“The trickiest part of the project was how to incorporate the proposed landscaping and, more specifically, the plunge pool/spa into the existing pre-turn-of-the-century, heritage-listed limestone laundry. Doing this without causing any damage to the structure itself was a real challenge — and a council requirement.”

The concrete plunge pool/spa, with its

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poly-glass wall and travertine-tiled interior, is the showpiece of this contemporary design. The plunge pool/spa has been built at pool barrier height to both enhance the visual impact of the water volume within, and negate the need for unsightly pool fencing where space is at a premium.

“The custom steel and timber screening adjacent to the pool and stairs acts as a pool barrier, but it also conceals the entry point to the pool area and gives it a sense of privacy,” says Matthew. “The screening is also a key vertical compositional feature which provides balance and helps to define volume in a small space.”

Of the “floating” concrete stairs, Matthew says: “The concrete finish was left off-form to maintain the honesty of the material — and this was a concept that was repeated as a key theme throughout the design with other elements.”

Across from the plunge pool/spa there is a cosy area featuring fixed furniture and an arbour. To build the arbour, Phase3 sourced large-format recycled timbers which add character to the space and complement the eclectic charm of the property. Recycled timber battens were used to construct the

in-situ seating element. For the paved areas, Phase3 used recycled concrete slabs and red clay bricks, reinforcing the overall aesthetic. Adding further textural interest, Ord River stone mulch was used on the garden bed, which boasts a feature planting of a Dracaena marginata, underplanted with succulents.

While the emphasis was on preserving the old-world charm, there are many modern elements, ranging from the custom perforated aluminium screen used as the arbour roof to the pool equipment and landscape lighting. The latter includes directional spotlights on the arbour and soft LED backlighting behind the timber screen adjacent the plunge pool/spa.

Phase3 has the capability to deliver all aspects of landscape design construction and thrives on delivering unique and challenging projects. Phase3 is a complete package landscaping company, offering a comprehensive service that includes landscape design and construction, concrete pool design and construction, an in-house custom steel and timber fabrication workshop, as well as landscape maintenance. phasethree.net.au

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ASIAN allure

A confident mix of natural materials and Asian-style decor creates a picture of tranquillity Words Terry Meehan | Photos Patrick Redmond

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f it’s an alfresco lifestyle you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.

This new outdoor living zone, designed around a recently constructed house, has it all. There’s a large outdoor entertainment area that flows from the interior of the house through two sets of bifolding doors. This hardwood deck area has an outdoor kitchen complete with stone benchtops, abundant storage, a built-in barbecue and, of course, a mini bar loaded with ice-cold refreshments for those balmy summer evenings.

Providing an outlook for the outdoor entertainment area are two stacked-stone feature walls set into a hardwood timber screen that stretches along one section of the boundary wall. Sitting between the two feature walls is a bench seat, made from the same stacked-stone and hardwood timber.

On either side of the bench is a square stone water bowl, each with a bubble jet that sends water spilling over the sides

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of the bowl into the pond below. At night, reflections cast by the pond lighting create a rippling effect across the stacked-stone walls and timber screen.

An essential part of the design brief was to find the perfect spot to place an authentic full-size terracotta warrior statue imported from the Xi’an province of China. The owners had spent the previous five years living and working throughout Asia and had brought home many Asian furnishings and artefacts to decorate the interior of their home, so they wanted the exterior design to also have a distinctly Asian feel, and the terracotta warrior was to be a key focal point.

The statue was positioned close to the outdoor entertainment area where it could be enjoyed while outdoors, as well as from various vantage points within the house.

The warrior is flanked by lush plantings of Rhapis excelsa (which hails from southern China and is also known as lady palm),

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liriope and Agave attenuata. A hardwood timber screen forms a backdrop for the statue. To add interest without drawing focus away from the artwork, the screen is built of timber pieces of varying sizes.

The Asian influence continues in the planting scheme chosen for the front garden. Here, the feature trees are Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ (a Japanese maple with striking pink-red stems) with underplantings of Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’ and Liriope ‘Monroe White’. Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’ (dwarf mondo grass) was used between the large stepping stones to soften the impact of the hard surfaces and add to the oriental ambience.

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One of the subtle features of this design that helps connect one space to the next is the use of the same materials throughout the landscape. While this creates a sense of harmony, it hasn’t prevented the creation of different effects. Note how the hardwood decking timber in the entertainment area is also used as a screen in the rear and as fencing for the front garden, and how the concrete pavers from the front garden are used, albeit in a larger format, as stepping stones in front of the terracotta warrior.

The kids, too, are not forgotten in this garden. While the adults are sitting back and relaxing on the lounge in the entertainment area, the kids can enjoy the large lawn adjacent to the outdoor kitchen. There’s even an area of synthetic grass designed as a space for shooting hoops or for use as a putting green. Now with all the hard work done, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the alfresco lifestyle.

Terry Meehan is a Melbourne-based landscape designer and founder of the multiple-awardwinning design company, Seasons Landscape. seasonslandscape.com.au

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Family AFFAIR From front to back, this garden is designed for every member of the family to enjoy Words Georgina Martyn | Photos Patrick Redmond

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hen the owners of this Williamstown residence in Melbourne set out to create their garden, they wanted it to be beautiful, family-friendly and fun for themselves and their three children. At the same time, they wanted a garden that offered practical opportunities to grow fruit and vegetables and cook outdoors.

The entrance to the house is hidden around the side, so family and visitors have to walk along the drive to access the front door. Because of this, it was important to create a driveway that was interesting and appealing, considering both the view from the street and the need to mark the entrance to the house.

The drive, which is made from exposed aggregate and Australian sawn bluestone paving, has a river pattern running through it. At the entrance, the pattern changes with granite blocks to establish the front

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door. The children spend hours outside riding bikes, driving kiddy cars and taking scooters up and down the long driveway.

A curved steel arbour at the entrance is covered with red climbing roses and welcomes people to the home. Opposite the entrance in the driveway garden bed is a sculpture composed of red circles. It ties in with the colour of the red front door and is a contemporary version of the family tree, representing the five members of the family.

The entire garden is designed to be family oriented and offer wonderful play spaces for the children and their friends.

In the rear garden, a curved stone seat surrounds a central circular lawn. The seat is designed to be wide enough to lie down on and is cool to sit on during hot summer days. It also doubles as an outdoor play desk for the children, where they like to sit and paint or draw.

The owners’ eldest daughter likes to perform gymnastics on the grass, while their

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eldest son uses it as an area for football. The garden also works very well for play dates for the youngest child, where parents can sit on the stone seat chatting while the young children play on the lawn and in the sandpit.

The sandpit is positioned under the shade of two Manchurian pear trees that were already present and are now cleverly integrated into the design.

Raised vegetable beds radiate from the centre of the lawn and are the perfect height and size for growing produce. When they’re not helping dad plant cucumbers, tomatoes or

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their favourite popping corn, the children also like to use the walls of the vegetable garden as a balancing beam. Behind the raised beds on the fence line you will spy espaliered fruit trees, with a lemon at one end, a lime at the other and an apple tree in the middle.

In a sunny spot in the garden, flowers bloom and surround a timber seat accessed by bluestone stepping stones, making it a perfect place to sit and read a book or the weekend paper. Directly outside the front door a timber deck provides the perfect place for the family to sit under the shade of a vine-clad pergola.

Nearby is a woodfired pizza oven providing delicious home-cooked pizzas and adding ambience when entertaining.

This Williamstown garden is both beautiful and practical. It’s a family-friendly garden that meets everybody’s needs. There are places to sit or play in the winter sun and summer shade, and areas where the family can come together to simply enjoy each other’s company.

Georgina Martyn is a Melbourne-based landscape designer and founder of BoldSimplicity. boldsimplicity.com.au

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Outdoor SOLUTIONS

Tips for creating an attractive and fully functioning outdoor room

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Photo: Nicholas Watt

Landscape design by Secret Gardens. secretgardens.com.au

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Green Walls The art of espaliering is timeless.

GROWING up

Looking to screen a space, grow your own veggies, or create a green living area with a tiny footprint? Install a vertical garden Words Carrol Baker

With backyards diminishing in size and apartment life on the increase, many people seek out a touch of green for their living spaces. With little need for lots of room, vertical gardens can ofer the ideal solution. Some vertical gardens are freestanding, while others are fixed to a permanent structure such as a fence or wall.

There’s a diverse range of styles, types and kits you can buy with everything you need, including integrated watering systems and drip feeders so just the right amount of moisture reaches the plant. Or you can DIY your own unique take on a vertical garden by hanging unusual pots and

objects, like wooden pallets or bottles, in an outdoor space.

So what can you grow in a vertical garden? Just about anything that will grow in a container garden or pot will do well, although vertical gardens aren’t designed for very large plants.

Landscape designer and horticulturalist, Tim Rioseco, from Dry River Gardens, says when planning a vertical garden, placement for adequate sunlight is something to consider. “Plants or vegetables generally need four hours of sunlight per day,” he says. “It gives the plants enough photosynthesis to carry through to the shadier times of the day.”

Pockets of Produce is a vertical twist on a classic herb garden

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Photo: Tim Rioseco from Dry River Gardens

LEFT The right lighting can complement a vertical garden ABOVE Create a pea teepee and watch your productive garden flourish. mylands.com BELOW LEFT Take a pre-loved tyre, a lick of paint and a splash of colour with some flowers and you have a unique vertical garden

What to grow plants in?

Vertical gardens can be either individual pockets, pods or pots; some are individual segments, others are interlocking modular systems. Tim says felt is a popular option for those who want to DIY. “It’s very accessible, inexpensive, easy to set up, and it’s lightweight,” he says. “Conversely, felt pockets do run through quite a lot of water, so more frequent watering is required.”

If you choose felt, opt for a quality product to increase the longevity of the pouch.

Pots, of course, are another popular option. They can be easily replaced if needed and may be more waterefective than felt pockets. They do vary in quality, and Tim’s advice is to avoid pots that are too small. “With some of the smaller kits with pots, I’m always asked by people why their plants aren’t looking very happy,” he says. “You need a pot space of at least 100mL square so there’s enough space for the roots to take hold.”

The root of the matter When planting into a vertical garden, the planting material needs to be lightweight and free-draining.

“Plants will do better in a light mix substrate of vermiculite, perlite and potting mix, with a small amount of organic matter,” says Tim. “The light mix allows plants to take root quite quickly — it’s the water that’s passing the nutrients and the soil biodiversity through to the

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Make it easy

A vertical garden near the barbecue makes it easy to grab some herbs to add to your cooking. holmanindustries.com.au

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Of course, we know the importance of water, and it’s just as necessary for vertical gardens. “Water is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a vibrant and healthy vertical garden,” says Ashley Hazelwood from Holman Industries. “For us as a brand, we are always trying to find solutions for customers to make their experience in the garden more enjoyable. Our products are designed and engineered in Australia and we were the first to pioneer a vertical garden DIY product. All of our products have an inbuilt watering system.

“Our primary product is our GreenWall vertical planting kit. It’s a modular kit with a watering system included in the back plate of the panel, allowing customers or installers to extend that vertically or horizontally. Within that panel system there is a dripper that individually waters each pot. It’s adjustable so you can control the amount of water, and when it's combined with a tap timer, you can really manage the water flow to your vertical garden.

For example, based on seasonal needs, you can increase watering to four or five times a day. Because of the size of the pot, you don’t want to be running water for too long; ideally you want short one- to two-minute cycles of water.

“We also recognise that not everyone wants to install a garden permanently on a wall, so we have a mobile vertical garden kit. You can reposition it closer to the barbecue if growing herbs, or move it around outside from full sun to part shade if it’s really hot and you are concerned about your plants and vegetables perishing,” adds Ashley.

Photo: Manuel Rodriguez

Vertical gardens can make a clever design statement. meganpflugdesigns.com; onekingslane.com

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Petite gardens

Going vertical is easy — even in small spaces. design-3000.com

If you have a balcony or courtyard, there’s limited space to grow vegetables or plants. But with vertical gardening, you can go up! As well as giving you privacy and blocking unattractive views, creating a vertical garden in a courtyard space can buffer strong winds and give you a sense of connectedness to the outdoors. It can also bring colour, delicate fragrance and texture to an outdoor courtyard or balcony. Keep the design simple and don’t overcrowd the space — select plants that can withstand the buffeting effects of wind and hot sun or shade depending on the position.

There are many new looks in compact vertical gardens. Hanging glass terrarium planters look striking with an array of hardy succulents.

Hang several in a row, at different heights. Frame a patio space with a pretty vertical garden. Bring an artwork to life with succulents in a frame. Repurpose packing crates for a fresh new look. Or create a contemporary garden with metal pots on a metal frame. Vertical gardens are blooming all over the place. Imagine the possibilities.

plant that helps it grow and thrive,” he says. Without dense nutrient-rich soil, plants need a regular nutrient boost. “You can use a seaweed concentrate and fish emulsion concentrate and, depending on how your plants are responding and how hot it is, apply weekly or fortnightly,” suggests Tim. The easiest way to ensure your plants get the right amount of water is to set up an irrigation system — with a timer. It’s a low-maintenance option that gives you more time to relax and enjoy your vertical garden rather than spending time hand watering it. If you do hand water, you’ll need to do it frequently as vertical gardens do dry out far more quickly than other gardens.

What will grow well?

According to Tim, vertical gardens tend to look better when they are well filled out. “If you are happy to

Pick of the crop Tempt your tastebuds with a themed vertical garden.

Enjoy a taste of Italy with flat-leaf parsley, oregano, rosemary and chives, or spice up your culinary fare with an Asian-inspired green wall: plant Thai basil, peppermint, dill and lemon mint.

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There are many kits you can buy to create a vertical garden. design-3000.com

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The right mix of plants in a vertical garden becomes a piece of living art. holmanindustries.com.au

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Screen scene If you’d like to segment spaces in your garden, green some fencing or create private zones in your backyard, why not go vertical? The concept of vertical gardening suits a multitude of garden styles, whether you prefer a rustic naturalistic garden, a more provincial or Hamptons-style greenspace, or an ultra-modern arid garden.

The right screening plays with garden light and shadows, it brings a new dimension to a space rather than just acting as a cover-up, and it allows you to get creative in the garden.

experiment and are able to aford swapping plants more often, you can get systems with pots and can have pots waiting to be swapped over that are already established, so the grow wall can be more dynamic,” says Tim. Here are some of his suggestions to create your own signature vertical wall. You might be surprised at what you can grow: • Rockery or arid garden: most succulents especially hanging, Rhipsalis, Sedum, Senecio.

• Edible gardens: leafy greens and herbs.

• Softer planting: Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, liriope, smaller fern varieties, nandina and philodendrons.

strawberries picked right from the garden wall, a handful of fresh basil with al dente pasta, or crisp greens to give a signature salad the right crunch. With vertical gardens, fresh wholesome food is at your fingertips.

Growing vegetables vertically saves space too, and it’s kinder on knees when you garden. It’s easier to spot garden pests, and just as you would in a regular vegetable patch, Tim advocates companion planting to attract the right kind of insects to the garden and help to get rid of garden pests. “Plant things like marigolds and nasturtium, comfrey and borage — these invite positive insects to assist in the micro eco-system,” he says.

Growing vertical veggies There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing and harvesting fresh produce from your own patch. Sweet succulent

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Trellis planting for vegetables As well as growing vegetables in pods or pots along a wall, you can also have plants grow

upwards on trellises. There are, of course, naturally vining vegetables like beans and snow peas — tame them along a trellis fixed to a fence. Locate your trellis in a sunny spot and carefully secure it to the ground or fence as the added weight of your harvest will require a sturdy framework.

Espaliered fruit trees These can look fabulous in a garden, they take up a lot less room than other trees, and you can eat the fruits of you labour.

Basically, espaliering is growing against a flat surface, like a fence line, to green the space, or along a driveway to define the space. It involves clipping and training the branches of the tree to the right shape.

Lemon, orange, apples, kaffir lime, olives and pears can work well.

Green Walls

A mix of diferent types of plants creates texture on a green wall. tdl.com.au

LEFT A water-wise succulent vertical garden. houseofbamboo.com.au TOP A garden on the move — some vertical garden systems allow you to position the garden where you like. holmanindustries.com.au ABOVE A pretty-as-a-picture vertical garden brings life to a bare wall. holmanindustries.com.au

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OUTDOOR oasis Why run back and forth to the house when you could have everything you need outdoors?

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Design by Sublime Architectural Interiors.

Photo by Steve Ryan. sublimegroup.com.au

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Getting

HOT IN HERE

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If you can't stand the heat, take the kitchen outside 1 Barbecue, POA, lifestylebbqs.com 2 Wildcat Industries pizza oven, POA, mypizzaoven.com.au 3 Barbecue tong and spatula set in Fiesta Red, $69.95, sunnylife.com.au 4 Sunco rangehood, $1599, alfrescoaustralia.com.au 5 Stainless-steel hooded Spartan spit roaster, $1295, bbqspitrotisseries.com. au 6 BeefEater 49924 Bugg barbecue with trolley in Amber, $699, beefeaterbbq.com 7 Sunbeam HG3200 Flip & Grill, $139, sunbeam.com.au 8 Marble cutting board, $49, urbanoutfitters. com 9 Tilt outdoor kitchen by Urban Commons, from $12,225, madebytait.com.au 10 North bowl in red aluminium, $149, boconcept.com 11 Standalone grill, POA, kamadojoe.com 11

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Image courtesy of limetreealfresco.com.au

Nodi chair by TribĂš. coshliving.com.au

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TAKE A seat

Whether you're dining or lounging, we've got the perfect outdoor furniture

1 Ida dining chair, $498, ecooutdoor.com.au 2 Place your outdoor furniture near the pool so you’ve got a great view while you get together with friends, outsidein.net.au 3 Palm Tree outdoor cushion, $79.95, escapetoparadise.com.au 4 Kettal Maia bar stool by Patricia Urquiola, POA, mobilia.com.au 5 Falster/Innamo dining set, $459, ikea.com.au 6 Palace six-piece setting, $5999, zanui.com.au 7 Pacific modular sofa, $7499, interiorsonline.com.au 8 An open-plan outdoor kitchen and dining area, such as this one from MyAlfresco, is the only way to enjoy summer, myalfresco.com

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Outdoor Rooms

Design by Mr. Waller. mrwaller.com

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Let me

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ENTERTAIN YOU Create an inviting environment with dazzling decor 1 Nesting plates with gold rims, POA, claybird.co.nz 2 Faceted bulb string lights, $38, urbanoutfitters.com 3 Pop & Scott black-dipped pot, $145, huntingforgeorge.com 4 Eva Solo self-watering orchid pot, $140, hardtofind.com.au 5 Memphis bib apron, $29.95, zanui.com.au 6 Cloud fireplace, POA, brownjordanfires.com 7 Bluetooth speaker in black, $119.95, greenwithenvy.co.nz 8 Noir V20 wine cabinet and beverage centre pair, POA, vintec.com.au 9 Menu fire basket, $425, timwebberdesign.com 10 Davis & Waddell Fresh mesh food cover in white, $9.50, petersofkensington.com.au

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Inspiration room by room Hundreds of images, ideas and information to get your home project done

OUTDOORS, POOLS & SPAS

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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Expert ADVICE

Up-to-date advice from industry professionals

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Jason Hod ges

THINKING big

Landscaping tips for large outdoor spaces Words Jason Hodges

With shrinking land sizes across the country, it’s no surprise the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in a small space. However, the value of good planning and design is just as important in larger backyards, where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to the home.

According to the 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey, 56 per cent of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening. Often, large backyards are

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under-appreciated and left without love or landscaping, resulting in big, boring spaces that don't add value to this key area of the family home.

With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening. The backyard should be versatile and meet family needs. Big backyards provide a brilliant blank canvas to exhibit some creative flair by designing what could be the most used space in the home.

Whether you’re creating a zoned garden where children can play in a safe environment

or building an upmarket entertainer, the key is to value your land like the banks do and make smart decisions that respect the value it brings to your home. Here are some suggestions for how to utilise space in a large backyard.

SET THE SCENE Arguably the most important part of a beautiful landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it — usually this is the paved courtyard or patio area. In many instances, the patio will come directly of the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical,

Expert Advice LARGE BACKYARDS

large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative. If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the “focus” away from the home by having a path of the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space.

This draws attention away from the home and shows of the size and depth of your yard. Pavers are a great choice for landscaping stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement. While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area which can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbecue equipment.

Adbri Masonry’s Euro pavers are a good starting point as they allow homeowners to play with colour, size and texture, with many options available to suit any home. Concrete pavers are great for use outdoors as they are designed for the harsh climate, are hardwearing and require minimal maintenance.

BUILD A CHILDREN’S RETREAT If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create an outdoor place where kids can play safely, so take advantage and start planning your kidfriendly yard. Section of a corner and create the ultimate children’s playground. According to the 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey, a veggie garden, cubby house, play set and sandpit were among the top picks for a perfect kid-friendly backyard.

Try building a cubby house or teepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter. I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.

A NATION OF ENTERTAINERS There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends.

A large backyard is the perfect canvas to get started. “There is a growing desire for functional outdoor entertaining spaces that act as an extension of the indoor dining and entertainment areas,” says Stephen Thompson, managing director of Allworth Homes.

Incorporate a dining area with built-in seating to help give the spot structure and make use of available space. You can achieve this using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall blocks,

which create vertical retaining and garden walls while doubling as bench seating.

Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front-cover shots of real estate listings and signboards — this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family.

In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment, dining settings, as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature firepit.

BIG POINTS FOR BIG PLANTS

CHANGE LEVELS WITH A SUNKEN PATIO

BEAT THE HEAT WITH A PLUNGE POOL

Add depth and dimension to your backyard with a sunken patio that will become a mini private retreat. Whether your backyard is flat or slightly sloped, you can create a sunken patio — either DIY or with the help of a professional landscaper.

The great thing about a sunken patio is that it adds a level change to your yard. While I don’t recommend excavating specifically to create step changes, if you have a large backyard that slopes away at any point, consider this a perfect spot for a sunken patio.

Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intricacy of a space.

Often in small yards level changes are hard to achieve, so make the most of bigger areas by introducing steps and garden walls, terraced retaining walls, or go the other way to create sunken entertaining areas.

A large backyard is a great canvas for a pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it — whether it’s sunbaking, entertaining or relaxing. Avoid dominating the area with a large pool; try taking your cue from the Island of Gods with a Baliinspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped. Pave the boundary with Adbri Masonry’s Euro Classic or Euro Stone — this will give your pool a sleek finish while providing a safe, slip-resistant surface.

One of the greatest benefits of a big backyard comes into play during tree and plant selection. The additional space available in larger yards significantly increases planting potential — this is because there is room for more mature plants that can become the focal point of the garden. In bigger yards, the risk of larger feature trees dominating the area and creating an excess of unwanted shade is reduced. You can also use larger hedging and plants to block out fencing without it feeling like you’re boxed into your space.

Jason Hodges is a celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes & Gardens.

Jason is also a brand ambassador for Adbri Masonry and is a four-time Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Gold medallist. adbrimasonry.com.au

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Matt Leacy

COOKING alfresco

The growing outdoor kitchen trend and why it’s here to stay Words Matt Leacy

Traditionally, kitchens have been an indoor property feature for most homeowners and investors. Nowadays, however, more and more Australians are looking to maximise their outdoor space for cooking, dining and entertaining — paving the way for an increase in the popularity of outdoor kitchens. So what is an outdoor kitchen and how can homeowners maximise their value?

Here are my top tips for creating a kitchen outdoors, from what features to include to how to install them for your individual outdoor space and aesthetic.

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EXPECTATIONS ARE CHANGING The outdoor kitchen, in particular, is a feature that is increasingly becoming an expectation rather than a want for homebuyers and homeowners alike. People are now saying, “Yeah, we expect that for sure,” whereas in the past they probably would have been happy with a moveable or more makeshift barbecue set-up.

For a while now I’ve been advocating the idea that we should treat our outdoor spaces the same as our indoor areas in terms of creating diferent zones and functional dynamics. The

same way that you have a kitchen, dining area, casual lounge and a playroom indoors, you can create equivalent spots outdoors that serve the same purposes and help you unlock the potential of your space.

LOOK BEYOND THE BARBECUE You can do much more outside food-wise than simply cooking on a barbecue. An outdoor kitchen can have cupboards, a fridge, sink and more — or it could be as simple as some cupboard space and a barbecue with a nice servery. If you wanted

Expert Advice OUTDOOR KITCHENS

to do a bit more, you could look at installing a breakfast bar with some stools around it to make it more social and to create a casual space for breakfast, a cup of tea or reading the paper. Add to that a more formal dining area with seating and lounge space and you have the makings of the perfect outdoor living and entertaining space.

It depends on the size and layout of your outdoor area. If you’ve got a small courtyard, you might consider an outdoor kitchen and benchtop with stools for dining so you don’t have to clog up the space with a dining table as well as a servery.

If you have a bigger spot, you could have a fullblown kitchen with a sink, fridge, wok burner, dishwasher and cupboard space.

Co-founder of Landart Landscapes, Matt Leacy is a qualified structural landscaper, designer, horticulturalist and current board member of the LNA Master Landscapers Association. Matt co-hosted

Channel Nine’s Garden Gurus and three seasons of Domestic Blitz, as well as recently featuring on ABC TV’s Dream Gardens and Channel 10’s Studio 10. landart.com.au

CLEARING THE AIR For foodies who love to cook but don’t have great airflow throug their property, it can be a challenge to keep the kitchen from stinking out the rest of the house.

An outdoor kitchen can be the perfect solution for those who love cooking fragrant food without the long-term smell — ensuring that everything from Sunday roasts and barbecued meats to curries can be cooked outdoors without odours lingering inside for days.

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John Storch

RENO mania

We take a look at some case studies that are a renovator’s dream Words John Storch Looking only at designers' plans, many of us find it very dificult to visualise how our project will look once completed. 3D visualisations are also costly to undertake and often inaccurate. Unfortunately, as a result, many homeowners often make uninformed decisions due to the designer helping them with their project.

A Total Concept Landscape Architects is an award-winning practice that specialises in the integration of beautiful and functional pools,

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gardens and cabanas and even the residence itself for projects ranging from simple family homes to elaborate residential properties. I believe the proof is in the pudding. Before and after shots leave no room for a designer to hide.

Over the next few issues of Outdoor Rooms we’ll be looking at the renovations of a range of specific projects including outdoor rooms, pools and gardens, with lots of before and after images to help you realise what is possible and what a designer can visualise

long before their clients are able to do so.

Whether you have just purchased a property with an existing pool and outdoor space and you wish to renovate to suit your lifestyle and taste, or your current property has a tired old pool and garden and you’re planning a muchneeded makeover with extras, we have some useful examples and advice for you. Through the following case studies, I will outline what you should consider when transforming your outdoor space.

Expert Advice OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS

(RUMBLE) BEFORE

(RUMBLE) AFTER

CASE STUDY 1. (RUMBLE) A MAJOR FACELIFT Our clients owned this property for some time and wished to give the external areas a major facelift. We initially undertook designs, then obtained council approval, prepared specifications, provided builder recommendations and then managed the construction of the project. To the rear, we proposed to renovate the swimming pool and install new plants, lawn, irrigation and garden lighting throughout.

We planned to extend the length of the pool to make it more functional for the teenage children. This tired pool was disjointed from the house and a lower lawn, so we also planned to integrate all areas using generous broad steps and replace the existing heavy timber and steel safety fencing with frameless glass on the far side of the pool, as well as remove fencing altogether on the house-side of the pool.

We proposed to square the ends and install a swimout to take advantage of the views over Sydney Harbour. The old interior of the pool and surrounding concrete paving were replaced with multi-hued Spanish mosaic tiles, blond travertine paving and a richly coloured timber deck to create a contemporary look more in line with the residence.

The timber deck and barbecue facilities were constructed to create a large entertaining area that the property was otherwise lacking. Deck, lawn and gardens were well lit and eight lights were incorporated into the pool to create a stunning feature by night, from the elevated residence to the swimming pool and gardens.

As our practice’s name, A Total Concept, implies, we believe a swimming pool renovation cannot be designed in isolation —

the entire property needs to be considered as a whole and developed, taking into account the client’s lifestyle, uses and budget.

As a side note, these homeowners looked at two financial options: one to renovate as designed, the other to sell and purchase a property with all the desired inclusions. In 30 years I have never had a situation where it has been more cost-efective to buy and move to a new home that has all the mod-cons rather than to stay and renovate a tired home to incorporate all the new components!

These before-and-after images show the ability of a designer to visualise the future look of the property.

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CASE STUDY 2. (BROWN)

These images show the ability of the designer to see what the owners couldn’t

THINKING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE: A CABANA RENOVATION WITH A NEW POOL Cabanas are in! Whether associated with a pool, tennis court or stand-alone, cabanas provide a diversity of uses, ranging from a family entertaining space for weekend

(BROWN) BEFORE

(BROWN) AFTER

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barbecues, a guest bedroom for teenage sleepovers or a gym, to a study or home ofice.

“For decades we have been requested to design cabanas integrated into the overall outdoor package and they are becoming even more popular,” says Shaun Wright, senior designer of A Total Concept Landscape Architects.

“This project had an existing double-car garage and horse stable dating from the early 1900s. The horse stable was superfluous,” adds Shaun, “but we were able to obtain approval through council for the cabana as an alteration to the stable. This was a win for our clients because the hard and soft calculations would not have otherwise allowed the project to go forward. Thinking outside the square got this project approved for our clients.”

The cabana holds a daybed and wallmounted television which, together with kitchen and bathroom facilities, means the cabana can also double as a guest room for visitors. The swimming pool has been designed by Shaun with submerged seating bays adjacent to the cabana to further integrate the space.

The formal lawn and gardens have an intentionally simple palette of glossy foliated screening plants that do not detract from the main features and were also designed

by A Total Concept.

The before-and-after images show the ability of the designer to see what the owners couldn’t. They were able to think outside the square to get an approval and the best outcome for the homeowners.

Expert Advice OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS

(WILLIAMS) BEFORE

CASE STUDY 3. (WILLIAMS) PROBLEM SOLVING “Often we undertake consultations simply to troubleshoot problems,” says Shaun.

Sometimes identifying and resolving one issue will bring to light other hidden problems, and from a cost point of view it's best to undertake them together rather than piecemeal. On this project we were called out to look at stains in the pool floor and walls. We ascertained that the stains were indicative of a larger problem — concrete cancer — where the steel was installed too close to the surface and had rusted due to moisture. We also noticed horizontal cracks through the waterline tiles, which indicated the pool was originally poured out of level and the topping course used to level it had delaminated. The surrounding paving had therefore moved away from the pool and dropped, indicating a shift in the ground due to inadequate backfilling around the pool.

Several contractors had promised they could fix the rust problem for a minimal charge and in isolation. Obviously, because more rectification work was required than was originally envisaged, this was not great news. However,

had our clients proceeded with the quick fix, all issues would have become apparent during the works and our client would have been charged a premium variation sum for the rectification of these necessary additional items. Thankfully, as independent consultants, we were able to provide unbiased advice so our client knew what was required up front.

In addition to the rectification work, we recommended to refinish the pool interior and adjust and repave the exterior areas.

Changing the interior of your pool to a bright, lively blue and the paving to a clean contrasting colour can instantly invigorate the external space cost-efectively.

As can be seen in the following images, we were able to save our client money in the long term by addressing all the problems together rather than piecemeal. By renovating the interior and surrounds, the finished product adds immeasurably to the amenity and value of the property.

A good designer should be able to discuss what renovation works will provide best value for the dollar to suit your lifestyle, and advise you on the variety of options available. This can range from the basics, including paving,

(WILLIAMS) AFTER

fencing and resurfacing, to the complete redesign of the external areas of your home.

Once you feel confident that you are in good hands, you can leave it to the experts, knowing the end result will enhance both the quality of your lifestyle and add value to the property.

John Storch is principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers, a multi-award-winning practice he established in 1993. John specialises in the integration of external areas for projects ranging from family homes to boutique and resort-style developments in Australia and overseas. atotalconcept.com.au

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DESIGN ideas

Outdoor kitchens, heating, furniture and more...

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Design Ideas ECC LIGHTING+FURNITURE

AFFORDABLE luxury

Create an outdoor living space that will be the envy of your friends ECC Furniture+Lighting specialises in quality European furniture and lighting. Representing many of the most sought-after designers in the world, the company brings the finest European lighting and furniture design to Australia. Every item in its showroom has been personally selected with a focus on the unique and original, something the team at ECC have a true passion for.

ECC is excited to announce that it will be stocking the HOUE outdoor furniture range.

Founded in 2007, HOUE is a Danish design house that combines great comfort and cutting-edge design. The company puts a lot of efort into its product development, striving to meet a high standard of craftsmanship.

HOUE’s products are manufactured in well-

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established factories with whom they have worked closely for several years. Its products are not mass-produced — every detail, joint or component in the furniture is thoroughly chosen or invented by the experienced HOUE team to make a unique product.

HOUE is driven by afordable luxury as a philosophy. This is made possible by choosing the right materials and solutions. The company draws from a proud heritage of Scandinavian design and craftsmanship with mass appeal. HOUE ofers both an outdoor and indoor collection, always meeting the company’s high standards in terms of design, price and quality.

ECC Lighting+Furniture continually searches the world for innovative designs

and inventive solutions for increasingly demanding lighting and design requirements.

The team are skilled in sourcing products from every market to meet project briefs, from small refits to major landmarks.

ECC is proud to have established successful relationships with architects, designers, and clients throughout Australia and New Zealand.

WANT MORE INFO? ECC Lighting+Furniture P (02) 9427 0300 E hello@ecc.com.au W ecc.com.au

Design Ideas MAWSONS

TURN TO stone

By using the right stone, you can turn a gabion wall or garden feature into a design focal point Rock-filled gabions are quickly becoming a must-have in residential gardens. They’re being used to build retaining and garden walls, and they’re being incorporated into myriad design elements, ranging from seating and water features to planters and firepits. Often they’re teamed with garden beds mulched with pebbles or gravel-topped paths, ensuring a coordinated look and giving the garden an appealing natural feel.

A company with an enviable reputation as a specialist supplier of feature rock and river pebbles, Mawsons has branched into the gabion market, providing 60/100mm pebble and 150mm spall feature stone for use inside gabions. Mawsons can also supply the metal baskets (gabions) with a range of sizes available, including 300mm x 300mm x

1000mm and 500mm x 500mm x 1000mm.

Mawsons owns a variety of quarries from which it sources its feature rock, gabion stone and pebbles. This enables the company to produce a wide range of products and ensures consistency of supply and quality.

The pebbles, which range from 7mm to 100mm-plus and come in a plethora of colours, are a great addition to a drought-tolerant garden and can be used in many decorative ways, such as the creation of a dry creek bed or as mulch on a garden bed or in a planter. Mawsons also supplies its own range of pathway toppings, which are another practical and attractive addition to a water-wise garden.

Mawsons operates eight landscape product supply centres in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, and supplies

its river pebbles to numerous retail outlets throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The company also owns more than 30 concrete plants, producing specialised exposed aggregate and polished concrete mixes.

As a business of more than 100 years’ standing and the owner of multiple hardrock quarries and premixed concrete plants, Mawsons has the expertise and resources to cater for all your hard landscaping needs.

WANT MORE INFO? E.B. Mawson & Sons Pty Ltd P 1800 423 456 E enquiries@mawsons.com.au W mawsons.com.au

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BRICK BY brick

Make outdoor cooking an experience with an authentic wood-fire oven Succulent roasts, crusty breads, delicious desserts, mouth-watering pizzas … what more could you want? You can cook almost anything in a wood-fired oven and the taste it creates is second to none. Not only does a wood-fired oven create incredible food, it also doubles as a centrepiece for your backyard. When the oven burns, it becomes a people magnet, especially in winter. There’s something about a real wood-burning fire that is just mesmerising and it often becomes a place for guests to gather. Even when it’s not burning, it acts as an interesting feature in your alfresco area.

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Australia’s premier wood-fired oven specialist, The Melbourne Fire Brick Company, ofers the eager home entertainer and avid cook several options. The company’s flagship item, the PreCut Brick Oven Kit, caters to those seeking an authentic Italian-style brick oven, minus the work. Many people find the idea of cutting bricks, making formwork and designing an oven from scratch to be too challenging, so this is the ideal solution. The kit comes with bricks carefully cut to size, formwork and specially designed tools to make building easy. To guide you through the process, it also comes with

easy-to-follow written and video instructions.

As an alternative, The Melbourne Fire Brick Company also ofers a complete wood-fired oven installation service.

The installation arm of the business has been steadily growing, and for good reason.

Australians spend a lot of time on their decks or out in their backyards and they need to know that their new wood-fired oven not only looks amazing, but has also been expertly installed, ensuring maximum functionality and longevity. The experienced staf at The Melbourne Fire Brick Company can help

Design Ideas THE MELBOURNE FIRE BRICK COMPANY

you with the whole process. They can work with you to design the perfect wood-fired oven, one that will meet your lifestyle needs and perfectly complement your outdoor entertaining area. They can also help you choose the right location, lay foundations, build a solid stand and trim your wood-fired oven to give your outdoor entertaining area a fully finished, fully integrated appearance.

Whatever option you choose, whether it’s a custom design and full installation, or you prefer to go down the DIY route, there is no

denying there is something about cooking with fire that draws people in, taking us back to simpler times. It also engages people, acting as a talking and gathering point. The glow of embers at night is always a drawcard. There is also the bonus of having an additional open-flame heat source in the cooler months, completing the full sensory experience.

Did you catch the wood-fire challenge on Masterchef this year? The Melbourne Fire Brick Company team supplied the show with four wood-fired ovens and four wood-fired grills.

WANT MORE INFO? The Melbourne Fire Brick Company P (03) 9703 1758 E sales@melbournefirebricks.com.au W melbournefirebricks.com.au

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GRILL THEN chill

Take your flame grilling and party hosting to the next level with the new Escea EK Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen Fireplaces have a mesmerising quality; people just love sitting around them and watching the flames flicker. Imagine if you could combine the beauty of a fireplace with the ultimate flame grilling experience.

Well now you can.

Escea’s latest outdoor release, the EK Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen, comes equipped with everything you need to achieve a smoky meat lover’s feast — an Ember

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Generator, 13-point adjustable cooking plates, grills and meat hooks. Best of all, once your cooking is done, the cooking grills can be hidden underneath a stainlesssteel drawer, leaving you with a roaring outdoor fire to relax in front of into the small hours. It’s the ultimate focal point for your outdoor room. The EK Series features new technology that allows the fire to be attached to the home

for greater indoor-outdoor flow. The EK brings the comfort of indoors out, seamlessly blending both your living spaces to give you the best of both worlds.

Constructed from 4mm steel, this epic outdoor fire can withstand whatever you throw at it and is built to last.

The EK Series is available in three sizes: EK950, EK1250 and EK1550. When it comes to choosing which EK model is

Design Ideas ESCEA

right for your outdoor area, Escea takes a client-focused collaborative approach to working with your architect, designer and builder by providing an in-house Architectural Advisory Service to help with plans and specifications. The company’s advisory team are available for advice on which EK model is best suited to your outdoor area in terms of aesthetics, performance and function.

This will allow the Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen to become an integral part of your design from concept stage, ensuring openings and flue runs are designed into the project early in the process.

With the perfect balance of form and function, Escea makes both indoor and outdoor gas and wood fireplaces in the deep south of New Zealand the best place to test the limits of heat and efficiency.

WANT MORE INFO? Escea P 1800 460 832 W escea.com

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COLOUR pop

An uber-modern commercial-quality outdoor kitchen The owners of this cutting-edge kitchen entertain regularly due to their business and wanted an outdoor kitchen to suit some heavyduty catering. When they came to outdoor kitchen professionals Limetree Alfresco, the team were excited to start the project.

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The commercial cooking combination of Goldstein appliances included a commercial hotplate, griddle and chargrill. To line up all appliances so that the cooking surfaces were level, a stepped, stainless-steel plinth was constructed to sit on top of some

conveniently placed drawers and the efect is awesome. The stainless-steel plinth was internally lined with a fire-rated board to protect all cabinetry and benchtops from the heat generated by the cookers. A twodoor Beefeater fridge, sink and tap complete

Design Ideas LIMETREE ALFRESCO OUTDOOR KITCHENS

this amazing cooking centre. Another standout feature of this commercial-quality outdoor kitchen is the amazing Houno combi oven.

This appliance cooks just about anything — a seriously amazing unit to see in action.

At the opposite end of the alfresco space is a matching 3.3m-wide servery. If you hadn’t noticed by now, the popular steel-grey doors have been given a colour pop with an amazing orange Jafa panel to each drawer unit. The colours work well together and the 40mm Corian Raincloud benchtops complete

the package. The owner liked the Corian so much that the team at Limetree Alfresco extended it up the wall and into the servery window as a splashback, which creates a really nice efect.

This was one of the team’s favourite projects of all time, with the challenge of the commercial appliances and the colour the owner brought to the cabinetry. The result is an attractive, colourful solution to many evenings of hosting clients and family alike. Cheers!

WANT MORE INFO? LimeTree Alfresco Outdoor Kitchens P 1800 119 115 E admin@limetreealfresco.com.au W limetreealfresco.com.au

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WARM AND toasty Utilise your outdoor entertaining space all year round IXL Home is a leader and innovator in heat, light and ventilation products. Brands include Cannon gas heaters, IXL Fresco multifunctional outdoor heaters with lights, IXL firepits and IXL Tastic bathroom products.

The company has a proud and rich history as an Australian family-owned company,

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based in Geelong, Victoria, with 160 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing lighting, heating and ventilation products.

The IXL Fresco Aurora outdoor heater is one of the latest multi-purpose product oferings from IXL Home and combines infrared heat, dimmable task lighting and

mood lighting in one cleverly designed unit.

It features innovative Halo Heat™ technology, which delivers the optimal level of warmth rapidly as it’s designed to warm objects and people below it, rather than the air.

The IXL Fresco Aurora outdoor heater’s unobtrusive and stylish pendant design will

Design Ideas IXL HOME

ensure it seamlessly fits into any outdoor space. Designed to be suspended from flat or gabled roofs, this type of heater is ideal for external dining areas, verandahs and balconies. The addition of task and coloured mood lighting makes Fresco the ultimate outdoor entertaining appliance and transforms the outdoors into a perfect cosy ambient space all year round.

The Fresco Aurora is also wind-resistant due to the infrared technology that is designed to warm objects rather than the air, so it’s ideal for coastal areas. The tech-savvy Fresco Aurora can be controlled through a free app via your smart device, making it easy to set and change your heating and lighting preferences. It also features an autoof timer for extra safety and convenience.

The Fresco Aurora Outdoor Heater (RRP $1499) is now available at Harvey Norman.

WANT MORE INFO? IXL HOME P 1300 727 421 W ixlappliances.com.au I instagram.com/ixlappliances

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Flooring

THE essentials Take a look at the hottest outdoor products

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The Essentials YOUR DESIGN GUIDE

THE essentials

STARS OF THE SCREEN Size does matter. So, too, does having the maximum amount of choice, which is why Outdeco has expanded its 1800mm x 1200mm screen series with two new design options: Monsoon (pictured) and Empire. Both designs are available in Decoshield Natural Brown and Black.

This large-format screen expands the overall range to three size formats, three privacy/block-out levels and two colour options. With the same modular format but an increased array of new designs, the larger-size screen ofers greater value for surface area. outdeco.com.au

ENDLESS BENEFITS Anyone who has ever had a woodfired meal knows it has a superior taste and crispness to one that is cooked in a regular oven.

Made in Italy, Lifestyle BBQs woodfired ovens can cook virtually anything, from freshly baked breads and pasta bakes to roasted vegetables, meats and delicious fish in minutes. It is essential that the oven floor can withstand and maintain very high temperatures. The company uses volcanic lava for its woodfired oven floor, which ensures the base heats very quickly and cools slowly for incredible fuel efficiency. So what are you waiting for?

Install a woodfired oven today and reap the benefits of a truly revolutionary product. lifestylebbqs.com

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FORGET THE HARD WORK Spend less time on your deck and more time enjoying your home with family and friends.

HardieDeck is a virtually maintenance-free alternative to timber decking. It looks great in its natural state, coated with a clear sealer, but it can also be stained to look just like timber or coated almost any colour you choose. HardieDeck is durable, so it won’t split, warp or rot like timber can. Breathe new life into an old deck or use HardieDeck to create a new sundeck or entertainment area. hardiedeck.com.au

GO WITH THE FLOW A water feature can be used to provide a focal point in a garden or subtly enhance the overall ambience of an outdoor space. Water Features Direct has been supplying quality water features Australia-wide for more than 10 years. The range is extensive and includes water walls and tower water features, as well as architectural bowl and pot fountains in an array of materials and colours. You can also coordinate your new water feature with one of Water Features Direct’s stylish pots or pieces of garden art. waterfeaturesdirect.com.au

FUN FOR THE FAMILY MrTrampoline manufactures extremely high-quality trampolines.

The frame, springs and performancebounce bed are all lovingly made by MrTrampoline's staff in suburban Melbourne. The company has a rich history, with generations of families from around Australia growing up with one of its trampolines in their backyard. You can imagine the great stories about the fun that has been had. They are also used by elite athletes all over the world. For all things trampolines, MrTrampoline is where it’s at. mrtrampoline.com.au

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A Total Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cinajus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC Cosh Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Earthlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC ECC Lighting and Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 98 Escea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 102 Heatlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 IXL Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 106 Lifestyle BBQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 LimeTree Alfresco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61, 104 Mawsons Concrete & Quarries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 99 Mr Trampoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Outdeco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC The Melbourne Fire Brick Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 100 Outdoor Rooms |

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