An incredible outdoor entertaining area makeover
Our aim was to create an outdoor entertaining area appropriate for the Victorian coastal climate and to have a functional garden feature that could be enjoyed with family and friends whilst being immersed in nature.
Before:
Wind was a major consideration in the design. We needed to ensure respite from the constant southwesterly sea breeze so we decided to sink the seating area. This also created interest with variation of ground levels as well as imparting a sense of privacy and tranquility, without the use of regular retaining walls.
Before:
Drainage was of the utmost importance for this project as the sloping, clay soil had historically been waterlogged. Subsoil, there is a maze of Ag pipe and drainage pits. After the removal of dozens of cubic meters of clay soil to allow the fire pit to nestle sympathetically into the landscape, we then had to bring in dozens more cubic meters of quality garden soil. Apart from the initial clay removal (and Kikuyu grass scraping on the non-fire pit side), this was all done by hand due to access limitations.
Before:
Reinforcing the block wall was imperative as the uphill seat section retains tonnes of soil. All walls are tied with vertical and horizontal steel, as well as core filled and then waterproofed.
Before:
Once we had calculated the correct slope of the seat and seat back, we had to consider the logistics of constructing this. We used a large, hand made compass to maintain the concentric circles throughout the build which couldn’t be moved or knocked over – a small but very consequential challenge! We needed to utilize several old-school building methods throughout the project and practiced much lateral thought. Working out how to get the asymmetrical curve to the top of the seatback was achieved with conduit, clamps and a steady hand with the angle grinder.
Before:
In terms of the design overall, after deciding on the circular fire pit, we focused on the empty space’s shape (the lawn). We wanted this to be defined rather than given “leftover” space. The paths were functional, so this ultimately determined the shape of the centre bed (donned “shark fin soup”). After deciding against the use of boulders in the garden beds (logistics as well as priority given to planting space and diversity), we decided to use them in the path to act as retaining elements for the path level changes. Further boulders retain each side of the Corten steps into the pit area and we were thrilled to include this majestic rock, despite having to maneuver most of it by hand.
Before:
With site and budget constraints, we let this piece of land speak for itself and different elements became obvious as we progressed, which is what we had known would be the case from the beginning. The garden is still in its infancy, but in a couple of years, the area will be even more cocooning and immersive which was our ultimate endeavor.
After:
Check out the entire project here!
Comments (15)
PROEmily Lancuba
4 years agoRelated Discussions
In which house would love to celebrate the Melbourne Cup?
Comments (17)I love the races and I do bet, big time $1.00 each way on my fave numbers, whichever jockey is wearing purple or a horse name I like the sound of. Have been known to lash out on Melb cup day with a $10 bet, just for a bit of fun. I go to local luncheon and buy some sweeps its all in fun and most functions are in aid of a charity. you have a nice meal a couple of drinks, play some games, sometimes watch a fashion parade. Then later watch the race that stops the nation. A fun day out. Oh, also get dressed up wear your finest hat and maybe win a bottle of wine. All good fun. One day to go to the Melbourne Cup the crowds dress crazy and have a great time. I have been to Sydney's Rosehill for the Golden Slipper but nothing on the Melbourne Cup. As for the alternative a deserted island, golden sand, and calm blue ocean, laying on my hammock with a fruity cocktail sounds devine....See More1980`s house, should I keep verandahs or convert it onto living area?
Comments (42)Hi there Nick, looking at your photos you look like a modern hamptons family which is lovely, do you live in a warm climate. I did like the photo you posted of the open plan living and think that you are on the right track with interior colours I have marked out how I would like the first floor, I have moved the kitchen to the end wall to line up with BBQ outdoor kitchen, plumbing for this would have easy access via the garage below. The white tiles look lovely and hard wearing for the entrance foyer and Rumpus room, the stairs in timber due to the amount of traffic even continuing in up stairs foyer kitchen dining living, Carpet in bedrooms and downstairs theater. Kitchen in white but possibly Shaker style white doors these are very popular. Using existing sliding exterior doors if possible from kitchen.Dining to verandah, I think this ceiling would be best kept white to help reflect light back indoors, the tiles appear to be in good order but you might consider changing these along with new upstairs flooring Some where for a laundry shute would be handy, actually a Dumb Waiter so you could move the laundry with ease both up and down! The roof painted a soft colour, grey/white or off white, the verandah railing could be the same colour or you could do glass. The builder had a very different style of house to what I think you are wanting. Your photo...See MoreBefore & after: a Roseville family home
Comments (22)Dear Carol, sorry it took me a while to write back - I have been away a bit lately. Yes the reno cost on this particular project was fairly high. To do something high end in a 3 bedroom unit you may need about $500,000.00 for kitchen, bathroom, laundry, custom cabinetry through out, new flooring, painting, furniture, window coverings etc. This renovation was absolutely everything. Similar to building a new home. Please let me know if you have any more questions. Kind regards, Jodie...See MoreA Light-Filled Balmain Extension
Comments (7)I was born in and grew up in Balmain, in two rather dingy dark heritage houses. To this day I have to live with no window coverings, and doors and windows open. I love what is being done to a lot of them now, but still love the old dingy dark ones as they have the most character. While all these renovations are excellent, and I love them, they do spoil the "heritage" of Balmain. I found my old house at 1 Broderick Street on a real estate site, and it was unrecognisable from the inside to what it was originally. Both my grandmother and her five children, then my father and his four children lived in this house. It was originally a small house, but families were big back then, and we all fitted in comfortably. I think now it is a one bedroom house, with a large open plan living area, when once it was a three bedroom house with a small living room and kitchen, with a bathroom and laundry off the kitchen. I still remember the front door with the big beautiful glass doorknob. I hope they kept it. When my father passed away we sold his house, but not before I removed the floral plaster plates from the door handles. Sadly I had to leave all the leadlight in the house. The floral plates will go into a new house we are building now....See More
Asif Ali
4 years ago
PROAnthea Studios
4 years ago
Andrew Foy
4 years agolegendaryflame
4 years ago94236633
4 years ago
Abi Perryman
4 years agoJilly Possum
4 years agoAngelina
4 years ago
Kate
4 years ago
PROHelenscolour
4 years agoNicky Dabas
4 years agopetrucci0
4 years ago
Daz in Taz
4 years ago
544556576578909