Swimming pool and entertaining area design for a traditional Queenslander.

REAR POOL AND PODIUM

The original pool area at the rear of the property was cramped, with a passageway between the deck and pool fence. Turf struggled here due to the south facing aspect and wet ground ( from pool splash and general dew/rain unable to dry out suitably).Weextended the pool zoneto the deck, and replaced the stainless steel wire balustrade with frameless glass to open visuals to the pool and create a general open feeling.

The decked entertaining zone from building was detached from yard, and the pool was enclosed and out of view due to a climber over the pool fence. Our clients requested adecking podiumat the most elevated position to maximise the views over Rosalie.We linked the deck to the decking podium via a boardwalk, continuing the use of timber as a feature material.

Pool

Thepool shape was outdatedwith curves in the corner of an L-shape.We hid the curve in the pool with a sandstone seating plinth. Ashlar sandstone continued the theme from the front with walling to the pool/boundary providing a ‘heavy' element to define space.We added awater featurethat spouts into the pool from the wall. We also designed an outdoor shower to the pool area.

Asandstone plinthin front of the decking podium defines this area as a separate space, while providing casual seating to the elevated platform.

Artwork

The existing cubby house was retained, and was ‘stencilled' withurban art(graffiti) on the facade.This style of colourful art contrasts with the formality of the sandstone and timber, and adds an element of interest in the design.

Screen Trellis

Thescreen trelliswas designed to recycle the old stainless steel wire balustrade and is now a feature in its own right.

Planting

We chose a rambling, colourful, adaptivecottage/provincial-style plantingto suit the architecture at the front of the property.Deciduous shade trees were chosen to shelter the seating zone (shade in summer, sun in winter).The trees also ‘ground' the building with vegetated height to reduce the severity of the elevated building, and screen the sunken garage.

Front open space

Our Clients wanted anopen spaceas a feature of their home's entry for play for their young family.The grandness of the house required anera-sympathetic design, but informal layout to allow change with the clients' needs over time. The stair needed rail for safety, so a continuation of the existing balustrade was suggested.

Paving

Cobble granite pavers brought the landscape surface back to the right era, while giving a subtle contemporary flavour.  A split path provided opportunity for feature planting and reduced the impact of the wide path and stairs.

Sandstone

Sandstone suited the building's history and we used sandstone blocks to create a formality to the entry courtyard, while the granite stone tones imitated to complete a continuous material palette.

Seating

Convenientseatingwas integrated into the design to allow for casual contemplation in the garden, and to create a relaxing space to watch kids play.

Vegetable Garden

Thevegetable gardento the side of house provides enough sun for plant growth, but shelter from burning western sun by the neighbouring building.

Carport

The carport design was introduced after the design was completed. Working with the client, the location to the front of the property was selected to maximise the conversion of the existing garage under the house into a rumpus room, and its relationship with the external area adjacent

Seating as per front garden is replicated here to the paved courtyard.

Design consultation

Thedesign consultation during the construction phaseallowed the many changes to the design to be adapted to maintain the full design intent. Small changes have a rippled effect to the design, so having the designer look at it during the process can avoid larger issues later on.