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!”

Deck in Luxury lake home on Lake Martin in Alexander City Alabama photographed for Birmingham Magazine, Krumdieck Architecture, and Russell Lands by Birmingham Alabama based architectural and interiors photographer Tommy Daspit.

Project completed. For this client we designed and built a new deck with a built-in Spa, custom concrete fire pit, stainless steel cablerail and lighting. Design Build by PacifiCoastal Design and Construction 2019.

A multi-level hardwood deck with cable railing, hot tub, outdoor heaters and under deck ceiling. Finished off with some beautiful patio furniture and landscaping.

Архитекторы: Дмитрий Глушков, Фёдор Селенин; Фото: Антон Лихтарович
Inspiration for a large eclectic courtyard and ground level deck in Moscow with a roof extension and wood railing.

Pro-Land was hired to manage and construct this secluded backyard in the core of Toronto. Working in conjunction with multiple trades and Eden Tree Design Inc., we were able to create this modern space, utilizing every corner of the property to it's fullest potential. Landscape Design: Eden Tree Design Inc. Photographer: McNeill Photography

Large Brown Treated Wood Deck with Black Metal Spindle Railings & Privacy Walls
This is an example of an expansive backyard deck in Montreal.

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury backyard deck in Brisbane with a fire feature and no cover.

Photo: Studio Zerbey Architecture
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard deck in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Architectural advisement, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Photography by Sarah Elliott See the feature in Domino Magazine

This project is a huge gable style patio cover with covered deck and aluminum railing with glass and cable on the stairs. The Patio cover is equipped with electric heaters, tv, ceiling fan, skylights, fire table, patio furniture, and sound system. The decking is a composite material from Timbertech and had hidden fasteners.

Photos by: Tyrone Mitchell
Inspiration for a small contemporary rooftop deck in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard deck in Toronto with no cover.

White Vinyl Solar light caps on custom Trex stairs with vinyl railings to deck. LED lights on stairs.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard deck in Baltimore with wood railing and a roof extension.

We love the night and day transformation this garden took on when our client requested a zen garden for her backyard in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It’s always fun to be asked to design a garden with so many charming creative elements. Our re-design included brown bamboo fencing to cover a very bright white vinyl fence, a fountain, loose grey stones, dark brown deck tiles, contemporary furnishings, a stone Japanese lantern statue, and white fiberglass planters. The plantings include cherry laurels, bamboo, a red weeping maple, moss, grasses, and variegated euonymus. Overhead globe lights add a cheerful nighttime touch. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

Distinct areas for conversation, dining, cooking and enjoying a cocktail make the large space feel cozy and welcoming. Photo by Mike Kaskel.
Large contemporary rooftop deck in Chicago with a fire feature and no cover.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard deck in Denver with no cover.

Original deck was same depth as side decks. To gain more living space, the decks were pushed out to 23' which created a wonderful outdoor living room that is used most of the year.

Photo Credit: Timbertown USA
This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard deck in Austin with no cover.