4 minute read
STEP OUTSIDE
from S2022
by nustobaydo
Buying local, saving the planet, and COVID-19 are driving trends in outdoor living spaces, writes Rami Moorosi
Summer Place Spas
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T
he pandemic has made us realise what is important in our lives. More than ever, we are looking for solutions that bring comfort, flexibility and a deeper connection to nature. This has changed how we treat our outdoor living spaces.
GOING EVEN GREENER
“There is a move towards using sustainable building materials like Bamboo Composite Decking for pool decks and fire pit bomas as well as Bamboo Composite Slatted Wall Cladding for adding interesting detail on feature walls and ceilings,” explains Pierre Joubert from Bamboo Warehouse.
We are also seeing composite materials being used for pergola and screening solutions. “With little to no maintenance, this suits the modern individual due to their fast-paced lifestyles. No oiling is required with wood plastic composite, it deals with our climate superbly,” says Nigel Potgieter from Deck-it.
Glenn Varrie from Summer Place Spas and Baths and NewTechWood Africa explains that the rise in composite decking options is due to technological advancements and the green credentials of these products. This has resulted in a move from a timber dominated space to greater use of composite alternatives. “Composite decking and cladding products are manufactured from sawmill waste as well as recycled plastic. The massive improvements to the technology in this space has allowed manufacturers to offer lengthy warranty terms where natural timber products don’t carry any warranty,” adds Glenn.
WHAT’S COOKING
As we spend more time entertaining at home, many of us are looking for beautiful, unique products that are stylish and easy to use to make spending time with friends and family even more special. For Judi Hazel from Chad-OChef Lifestyle Products, “Forno does all of that, it is a perfect addition to any home!” The Morsø Forno is an outdoor oven that will up your outdoor cooking game. It allows you to make just about any dish, from crispy pizzas to lamb chops and prawns.
“Another trend we have noticed is that more home owners and hospitality companies are increasingly conscious of buying local products.” – Megan Rankin,
Macalli Outdoor Furniture.
Macalli Outdoor Furniture
FURNITURE
Nothing beats a comfortable sofa set for your patio that creates a second living area for the family, teens or general entertaining. When it comes to furniture, clean comfortable lines with natural tones that create a seamless flow of bringing the outdoors in are in vogue. Hot right now are “finishes that are durable and comfortable and sourced locally in warm, monochromatic natural colours. Mixing aluminium with timber gives you the ideal mix of natural durability,” adds Megan Rankin, marketing manager of Macalli Outdoor Furniture. >
CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS
Outdoor fabric should be UV-resistant and have mildew, water, oil and soil repellent qualities. Use hardwood timber and a powder-coated aluminium frame to avoid any rust. Choose furniture that suits your lifestyle and your style; there are many beautiful products available.
– Megan Rankin, Macalli Outdoor Furniture.
ParcHaus ParcHaus
POOL COVERS
A beautifully covered pool in a tranquil garden really adds value to one’s life in many ways.
“In terms of pool design, simple smaller pools with pool covers are the trend. Covers are installed either for child and pet safety or because the home owner is conscious of the environment and understands that a pool can be more sustainable with very little effort,” explains Caryn Formby of PowerPlastics Pool Covers.
“Water restrictions have contributed to a rise in the change from natural grass and plants to artificial grass and plants.” –
Macalli Outdoor Furniture
Plaisir du Jardin Artifi cial Grass Wholesalers
EXPERT ADVICE
“One needs to plan carefully when including a fire pit into a composite deck due to the plastic component in the decking material. A concrete or paved apron around the fire pit normally solves the problem.” – Glenn Varrie, Summer Place
Spas and Baths and NewTechWood Africa.
Chad-O-Chef Lifestyle Products
According to Braam Du Plessis, managing director of Pool Cover Pro, automatic safety pool covers are on-trend. These include automatic slatted pool covers and automatic vinyl pool covers. “The automated slatted covers for pools are specifically designed to reduce maintenance costs up to 60% for both outdoor and indoor swimming pools,” explains du Plessis. Automatic pool covers have various options to choose from including wall-mounted keypads or switches and remote control operated and home automation. Q
