DESIGNER GARDENS
WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner oasting a bold yet understated design, this courtyard makes the most of the limited outdoor space. “The owners asked us to turn a cold, neverused courtyard into an inviting, liveable and functional space with a plunge pool for the summer months. Flexible shade was also a requirement, as was an alfresco kitchen and informal pedestrian access to the home from the garage at the rear,” explains Steve Taylor of COS Design. “Most importantly,” he adds, “the design had to complement the home’s architecture and interior details, reflect the owners’ personalities and cater for their lifestyle requirements.”
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DECKS, PERGOLAS & PATIOS
The streamlined outdoor retreat Steve designed for the owners is clearly contemporary, but it is also warm and welcoming. The liberal use of timber, which includes the decking and vertical batten panelling, is what gives the space a sense of warmth while the privacy plantings and screens add to the courtyard’s conviviality. The recycled spotted gum deck and the cantilevered steel and recycled timber arbour, the latter equipped with cafe-style electric heaters, are two of the courtyard’s “big ticket” items. By keeping the design uncluttered and placing the posts back from the corners of the pergola, the deck feels spacious and creates a clean open area for entertaining. The other “big ticket” item is the plunge pool. “Built 800mm above deck height, the two-sided wet-edge pool and water feature moat has eliminated the need for a pool fence. With all heights and clearances complying with Victoria’s strict building codes, the only actual barrier is a single glass pool gate located to the rear of
ABOVE LEFT The pergola roof was designed to accommodate a retractable shade system. ABOVE RIGHT The lighting is a key component, extending the deck’s use into the evening. OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT The mix of materials, which includes recycled timber is perfect.