A stylish outdoor patio, creating a tranquil and modern ambiance.
Photo of a large contemporary backyard and ground level deck in Sydney with a roof extension.

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard and ground level deck in Canberra - Queanbeyan with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

‘Oh What A Ceiling!’ ingeniously transformed a tired mid-century brick veneer house into a suburban oasis for a multigenerational family. Our clients, Gabby and Peter, came to us with a desire to reimagine their ageing home such that it could better cater to their modern lifestyles, accommodate those of their adult children and grandchildren, and provide a more intimate and meaningful connection with their garden. The renovation would reinvigorate their home and allow them to re-engage with their passions for cooking and sewing, and explore their skills in the garden and workshop.

Col Gibbs
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard deck in Gold Coast - Tweed with a pergola.

Photo of a small contemporary backyard deck in London with a fire feature.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Melbourne with a fire feature.

Nigel Gomme
Photo of a large tropical backyard deck in London with an outdoor shower.

Antonio e Roberto Tartaglione
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Bari with a roof extension and with fireplace.

This home was built and designed to serve both the current and future generations of the family by being flexible to meet their ever changing needs. The home also needed to stand the test of time in terms of functionality and timelessness of style, be environmentally responsible, and conform and enhance the current streetscape and the suburb. The home includes several sustainable features including an integrated control system to open and shut windows and monitor power resources. Because of these integrated technology features, this house won the CEDIA Best Integrated Home Worldwide 2016 Award.

Mark Fergus
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Melbourne with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard deck in Marseille with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard deck in Melbourne.

This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard deck in Auckland with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Angus Martin Photography
Mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Sunshine Coast with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Samuel Moore, owner of Consilium Hortus, is renowned for creating beautiful, bespoke outdoor spaces which are designed specifically to meet his client’s tastes. Taking inspiration from landscapes, architecture, art, design and nature, Samuel meets briefs and creates stunning projects in gardens and spaces of all sizes. This recent project in Colchester, Essex, had a brief to create a fully equipped outdoor entertaining area. With a desire for an extension of their home, Samuel has created a space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. A louvered pergola covers the full length of the back of the house. Despite being a permanent structural cover, the roof, which can turn 160 degrees, enables the sun to be chased as it moves throughout the day. Heaters and lights have been incorporated for those colder months, so those chillier days and evenings can still be spent outdoors. The slatted feature wall, not only matches the extended outdoor table but also provides a backdrop for the Outdoor Kitchen drawing out its Iroko Hardwood details. For a couple who love to entertain, it was obvious that a trio of cooking appliances needed to be incorporated into the outdoor kitchen design. Featuring our Gusto, the Bull BBQ and the Deli Vita Pizza Oven, the pair and their guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to alfresco dining. The addition of our single outdoor fridge also ensures that glasses are never empty, whatever the tipple.

Mid-sized contemporary backyard and ground level deck in Sydney with a pergola.

Creating a clear contrast between work and home environments is always ideal, but it’s almost essential for those who live in urban areas. The pleasant suburb Westmere is close to many of Auckland’s major attractions - from the city centre to Auckland Zoo. While practical and close to both work and play, living so close to a city centre can produce the need for a home that provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle. When Zones landscaping specialist Kate Ryan was contacted by a Westmere family with some exciting landscaping ideas, she used the Zones bespoke design and build process to help them create an outdoor living space that meets their lifestyle needs. Homeowner Matt and his family were interested in creating an outdoor living area that would lead out from their interior living space. It needed to be a space that they would gravitate toward regardless of the season. “The back area was under utilised with a hard concrete pad that wasn’t big enough to sit on or pleasant to look at, and a lawn that didn’t grow well due to the lower position”, explains Kate. “The clients wanted the area to look smart and modern, and for it to link with their house. Creating a space that they would be able to use all year around was a priority.” Kate presented her customers with a design that cohesively featured their ideas. She then worked with them to perfect this design to their specifications. “The process was very client orientated - we worked on the finer details of everything”, tells Kate. “There were meetings making out the space and taking the time to get the proportions right. The design encompassed a new outdoor living area with a large concrete fire, louvre roof, new decking, spa area and artificial turf.” Once the homeowners were happy with the finer details of the design and the related costs, Kate and her team began the construction and installation process. Accessing the site proved challenging, as the landscape is closely surrounded by other houses. “The access was difficult and getting the thick concrete pad out was very challenging and costly”, says Kate. “I found a decking supplier that could fix timber onto the concrete with special fixings so it could be flush with the house floor height. This saved the client money on the excavation and disposal. We still took part of the concrete out to make the lawn area bigger and get the proportions of the decking, louvre roof and lawn looking great.” Every stylistic choice reflected Kate’s customers’ goal to be able to have an enjoyable outdoor area that is functional no matter the weather. Team Turf supplied the artificial turf, which allows the homeowners to live in a mud-free zone throughout the winter. It also provides an easy maintenance solution in comparison to their original lawn. Vitex decking, from HiDeck, now offers an aesthetic contrast between the open and covered areas, while the Eclipse louvre roof allows sunlight to stream through in the summer while providing sealed coverage in the winter. The outdoor fireplace and spa area were the final touches, creating some winter warmth. “Kate was very efficient in coordinating all of the tradies”, tells homeowner Matt. “She had a very good bunch of people working on the project and it all went very smoothly. The Zones project management process was pretty much as I expected. It was quick, efficient and everything was on budget. Kate listened to my ideas, which were ever changing of course. It took the responsibility away from me, which was what I wanted.” Kate and her customers enjoyed champagne by the roaring fire to celebrate the completed result. Kate says working with her customers was great and that, together, they achieved “such a good result!” “It’s all come together really well,’’ agrees Matt. “I would have to say my favourite features are the Louvre and the fireplace. The louvre guys have been really good to work with. All of the suppliers were very accommodating and helped us through some tricky little problems. We’re very impressed!”

Angus Martin Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Sunshine Coast with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Magnolia Soul is a warm, robust, family and pet friendly home in Fairfield. The house sits alongside a stunning, mature magnolia tree views to which are intentionally framed by the roof structure, through a high angled window and bay window seat. The generous and versatile window seat creates a lovely place to relax, read a book, spend time with family or sit on the edge of the garden.