16 minute read

National Concrete up to $120,000 Gold Winner – Living Style Landscapes

SPASA SPOTLIGHT LIVING STYLE LANDSCAPES

Living Style is a multi award-winning, Sunshine Coast outdoor construction company, specialising in high-end landscaping, luxury pools and structural stone masonry services. Our integrated and technical approach to the design and construction of complete outdoor living environments is what sets us apart.

With client focused design and quality craftsmanship at the core of everything we do, our distinctive outdoor landscapes are created to enhance lifestyles and inspire people to redefine what indoor-outdoor living is.

With breathtaking views, there was only one position to construct the pool for this client; on the very edge. An infinity edge, fully tiled pool with infloor cleaning was the right fit for their lifestyle. Low maintenance and good looking, providing the wow factor year-round. The elevation of this challenging site was a key part of the design. The result, complete with quality finishes, has delivered our client a lifetime of poolside enjoyment. P: 07 5478 8786 E: INFO@LIVINGSTYLECO.COM.AU W: WWW.LIVINGSTYLELANDSCAPES.COM.AU

Say hello to Daisy’s new colour range!

MATTE BLACK ROLLER PRODUCTS

Daisy brings modern and sleek design to its most popular range of roller models. With the exciting new trends emerging in Australian pool design and landscaping, Daisy is following suit with the new release of matte black roller products.

The new matte black range is what more of our customers wanted, so we made it happen. This means more opportunity to integrate Daisy’s popular pool roller innovation into the aesthetic of your pool area.

Manufactured to the same five-star standard as the original white model, the matte black option is available across three existing roller models, including the A75, ST and MKII.

ANODIC GREY ROLLER PRODUCTS

Daisy continues to grow its suite of roller products to ensure Australian pool owners have more choice when it comes to finding the perfect Daisy solution.

Daisy is proud to be the first to release a new anodic grey colour to the range of pool rollers, extending the range to ensure we have all colours to suit all customers’ needs.

With the new release of the anodic grey roller, you can now purchase the A75, ST and MKII models in this striking new colour. It’s the ultimate solution for pool owners looking for a roller with the same look and feel of complete anodised aluminium or stainless steel rollers.

The anodic grey roller works well with modern pool designs and provides design flexibility for those wanting to explore a metallic look for their pool cover roller.

DAISY POOL COVERS

P: 1300 551 811 E: HELLO@DAISYPOOLCOVERS.COM.AU W: WWW.DAISYPOOLCOVERS.COM.AU

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LIFE OF THE PARTY

Easy entertaining ideas

SOMETIMES ALL YOU WANT FROM LIFE IS TO KICK BACK WITH A COOL DRINK, WHILE THE DELICIOUS AROMAS OF A BARBECUE WAFT BY… ENJOYING THE QUINTESSENTIAL AUSTRALIAN SUMMER VIBE.

Summer is all about having fun — spending time with friends and family and enjoying the good life. If you’re looking for some entertaining ideas, we’ve got you covered with barbecue marinades and rubs guaranteed to keep them coming back for more. Wash it down with our delicious summer cocktails and mocktails for an instant party.

DRY RUBS, WEB RUBS & MARINADES

Dry rub, wet rub or marinade? Ask 10 people what they think, you’ll get 10 different answers. Barbecuing is a weirdly personal thing and people have their ways… and their secrets. They won’t be afraid to tell you when they think you’re doing it wrong, either. The trick to a successful barbie is to pick your lane and stick to it. Do what you want to do, act with conviction and never falter in the face of questions.

Luckily, we’re here to help. If you don’t know your wet rubs from your dry rubs or marinades, read on for everything you need to know, including how and when to use them. We’ve even included some tasty recipes to get you going.

DRY RUBS

Dry rubs are used to season and flavour meat while sealing the juices on the inside. As the name suggests, these rubs use only dry ingredients: salt, sugar, spices, seasonings and dried herbs.

Dry rubs work best when you are cooking with dry heat — like smoking or using a kettle-style BBQ. Start with a basic recipe like the one below and tweak it to suit your own tastebuds. If you’re adding dried herbs, stick to quick cook cuts, like chicken pieces, steaks, chops and veges.

For slow-and-low-style cooking — larger, fattier cuts like brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder or ribs — leave the herbs out, as the delicate flavour will probably get lost. Up the ante on the stronger flavours and include some dried chilli flakes or ground coriander.

WET RUBS

Wet rubs sit between dry rubs and marinades. The addition of a little liquid makes it stick to the meat, adding deep flavour whether you are barbecuing, smoking, grilling, roasting or slow cooking. This rub works well on just about anything — beef, pork, chicken or prawns — and the chipotle powder adds a nice kick. Leave it out if you aren’t a fan of too much heat.

Simple dry rub recipe

2 tablespoons sea salt flakes 3 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar 1½ tablespoons paprika 1½ teaspoons garlic powder 1½ teaspoons dry mustard 1½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper The method couldn’t be simpler: just add the ingredients together and stir till well mixed. This rub works well with beef, pork, chicken or vegetables. Sprinkle an even layer of the rub on all sides of the meat and massage in. Any extra rub should keep for a couple of months in a cool, dark place, provided it is in an airtight container.

Simple wet rub recipe

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon chipotle powder ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Combine all ingredients and stir until they form a thick paste. Spoon over meat or seafood and spread evenly. You can refrigerate for a little while to let the flavours develop or head straight for the barbecue and get things cooking.

Simple lemon & yoghurt marinade

1 cup Greek yoghurt ¼ cup olive oil 5 cloves garlic 1 large lemon, juiced 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons chopped oregano leaves 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Handful chopped flat parsley for serving Combine all the ingredients except the parsley in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and cover (or zip). Refrigerate for at least an hour — preferably three or four. Honestly, the longer, the better here. Let the yoghurt get in to do its thing, tenderising the meat for the most succulent result.

MARINADES

The best thing about a marinade is that it can take you to any corner of the globe. Choose ingredients from your favourite cuisine for just about any type of meat or seafood you can imagine: Thai, Moroccan, Indian, Korean, Brazilian, Japanese, Greek, Turkish… you get the picture.

Marinades usually include one or more similar starter ingredients to rubs, but also incorporate a liquid that helps tenderise the meat. They often use fresh garlic, rather than garlic and onion powder, and usually some fresh herbs as well.

This simple yoghurt and lemon marinade is great on chicken, but would also work well with lamb kebabs, chops or cutlets.

DRINKS

It wouldn’t be a party without some refreshments. Hot weather calls for drinks that keep you cool, without packing too much of a punch. These classic summer cocktails and mocktails are just what the doctor ordered.

Spritz — Aperol or otherwise

Ah, the ubiquitous spritz is always a crowd pleaser… delicious and summery without being too fruity or sweet, thanks to the use of bitter Italian liqueurs like Aperol and Campari. 3 parts prosecco 2 parts Aperol or Campari 1 part soda water or sparkling mineral water Ice 1 orange slice Drop some ice in a glass, pour in the prosecco, add the Aperol and top up with sparkling water. Serve with an orange slice. Serves 1.

No-alcohol version

You can easily make a ‘virgin’ version of everyone’s favourite summer drink replacing the prosecco with nonalcoholic sparkling wine and using Lyre’s Italian Spritz instead of Aperol or Campari.

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Mojito

Another popular summer choice, the humble mojito is the ultimate holiday drink. A perfect blend of sweet and sour, topped off with refreshing soda water and plenty of ice. 60 mL white rum 20 mL lime juice 1½ teaspoons sugar Handful fresh mint sprigs Soda water to top Ice Lime wedge to garnish You’ll need a tall, heavy-bottomed glass for this one. Add the sugar and about three-quarters of the mint sprigs and muddle together until you can smell the mint (you can use a clean wooden spoon if you don’t have a muddler). Pour in the rum and lime juice, then stir to dissolve the sugar. Fill with ice and top with soda water. Give it a good stir to let the flavours combine. Add the lime wedge and remaining mint spring to garnish. Serves 1.

Variation

For a tasty variation, cut up some watermelon cubes, throw in the blender and blend till smooth. Strain to catch the pips and excess pulp. In this version of the drink, add the lime juice with the sugar and mint and muddle together, then add the watermelon juice when adding the rum.

No-alcohol version

For an alcohol-free mojito, just skip the rum. There’s still enough flavour for the perfect party drink, thanks to the rest of the ingredients.

The trick to a successful barbie is to pick your lane and stick to it.”

Hugo

The Hugo is like a cousin of the spritz — part of the same family but just different enough to be interesting. 120 mL prosecco 25 mL gin 20 mL elderflower cordial 25 mL soda water Ice Handful of mint leaves + a sprig of mint to garnish Scrunch the mint leaves to bruise them and add to the bottom of a glass. Pour in the cordial and gin, allowing the ingredients to meld and infuse for a few minutes. Fill with ice, add the prosecco and top with soda water. Finish with the mint sprig. Serves 1.

No-alcohol version

Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine instead of prosecco. The gin replacement is a bit trickier, as it has a truly unique flavour. A splash of tonic water will help bring another layer of complexity to this refreshing drink.

Isn’t it time you started swimming Naked?

Naked Pools is Australia’s most popular and trusted freshwater pool system provider for many reasons.

Our NKD-R Freshwater System creates crystal clear water and is easier on swimmers, pool surrounds and the environment, making it a better long-term investment.

Naked Pools’ all-new 12-month Customer Care Plan continues our commitment to creating the best swimming and pool ownership experience possible.

When you choose a Naked freshwater pool system, you can do so with absolute confidence that you will be well supported during the installation and handover process and beyond.

The Naked 12-Month Customer Care Plan provides a personalised check-in to familiarise you with the system, as well as access to ongoing support and online resources. The easy-to-use Naked App makes pool maintenance and troubleshooting a breeze. Isn’t it time you started swimming Naked?

NAKED POOLS

P: 1800 625 331 E: SALES@NAKED-POOLS.COM W: WWW.NAKED-POOLS.COM

MADE IN THE SHADE Umbrellas and shade structures

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HEAT AND SUN WITH THESE COOL SHADE IDEAS.

There’s no denying the Australian sun can be harsh — on you and your guests, your pets and your garden — so part of creating your backyard oasis should be providing shelter from the elements. Don’t let an otherwise perfect day by the pool end in sunburn when there are so many creative ways to add respite from the heat.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

A well-placed umbrella or shade structure can completely transform your backyard instantly. Think about how you and your family use your space, so you can determine which areas will benefit the most. • Adding a little shade to dining and entertaining areas means everyone

can relax and enjoy the outdoors while still staying nice and cool… bring on the long lunch! • Adding shade beside poolside chairs and lounges gives off an instant resort vibe. • If your pool is exposed to sun all day, part shading over a section offers relief from the sun for swimmers — especially the little ones. It can also deliver added benefit, like reducing evaporation and limiting problems with debris. • If you’re growing delicate flowering plants, fruits or vegetables, they might like a little reprieve from the midday sun as well. • Think about how the sun moves during the day, so you can plan for shade when it’s needed the most — during the hottest hours when the sun is high.

SHADE OPTIONS

There are plenty of options to choose from, for every budget and requirement.

MARKET UMBRELLAS

Market umbrellas are available in an almost limitless range of designs, colours and material choices. They are an economical and portable shade option and can be easily moved and angled to offer protection wherever it is required, at any time of day. They can also be folded and stored when not required.

These umbrellas will vary greatly in price based on the materials used in construction — this includes the centre post, the ribs, the stand and the umbrella fabric itself. Look for sturdy construction from materials that can stand harsh outdoor conditions. You’ll want an umbrella with fabric that can withstand UV rays, and think about a vented option if your space is prone to wind.

CANTILEVER UMBRELLAS

Cantilever umbrellas can be freestanding or fixed and are intended to cover larger areas. The cantilever design means that you can easily reposition, rotate and change the angle to suit, without the need to move the entire umbrella. You’ll generally have 360-degree rotation with a generous shade proportion, allowing you to cover several large areas throughout the course of the day.

SHADE SAILS

Shade sails are a great choice for pools, decks and patios. They consist of a flexible canopy that is tied to multiple anchor points, which are generally on permanently installed posts. Shade sails are available in a range of materials, but you’ll need one that offers protection from UV radiation. They are a customisable option that can be easily tailored to suit your needs and have the added bonus of being removable when not required, so you can take them down in winter and let more sunlight in.

GAZEBOS AND PERGOLAS

A more permanent solution, gazebos and pergolas work well if you want to create a distinct entertaining area or extend your living area and create a wall-less outdoor room.

Strictly speaking, gazebos are constructed with a solid roof, whereas pergolas feature a slatted roof that allows light and air to flow in. You can easily train a vine to grow across the roofline, providing shade without trapping heat.

BLINDS, AWNINGS AND CANOPIES

Outdoor blinds are a great option for gazebos and pergolas, or any area that can accommodate them, including decks and patios. They can help protect furniture and block the hot afternoon sun in specific areas, letting you enjoy more of the day without needing to retreat inside.

Awnings and canopies can be freestanding or permanent. Many options feature remote control functionality and can also include automated retraction in certain conditions like high wind.

There are so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming. Seek out pool landscape designers and outdoor suppliers, along with shade structure specialists, so you find the best advice on every available option and uncover the ultimate solution for your needs.

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© Stock.Adobe.com/au/Allison

Get ready for the best pool experience

Nothing beats coming home from a long day at work and jumping into a pool full of clean, healthy, swimmable water. To make that dream a reality every time, look no further than the new Lifeguard Wi-Fi enabled pool chemistry controller from Davey.

Lifeguard offers simple pool water management, right from your phone. Sanitisation, pH and acid dosing — even the water temperature — can all be automated. The app will let you know if you’re running low on salt or minerals and when it’s time to check the acid drum. No more nasty surprises when you hit the water for a swim.

The Lifeguard integrates with our compact Chloromatic Nipper saltwater chlorinator and is available either as part of the set or as a standalone for pool owners looking to upgrade.

The controller communicates easily with other Davey pool equipment and is connected via plug connection or Wi-Fi. It is suitable for pools up to 175,000 litres and can be used for salt or mineral chlorination.

WHY CHOOSE DAVEY?

We’ve been delivering innovative pool products to Australian home owners for almost ninety years. From heat pumps to chlorinators and a range of heavy-duty pool pumps that suit the needs of every pool, big or small, if you are looking for a trusted brand to deliver the best possible pool experience, look no further than Davey.

DAVEY WATER PRODUCTS

P: 1300 2 DAVEY E: SALES@DAVEY.COM.AU WWW.DAVEYWATER.COM

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