DESIGNER GARDENS
WORDS: Sean E. Britten PHOTOS: Patrick Redmond hen Jason King of King’s Landscaping Design and Construction set out to redesign this backyard, the intention was to give the family their own private resort. Looking at the space now, it’s hard to imagine what was there before. “When we arrived, the pool was not functional,” says Jason. “The lower and top levels of the garden were broken and falling down, undermining the structural integrity. The area was an eyesore, not to mention completely unsafe and unusable.” The space-maximising split-level design, which includes an undercover deck attached to the rear of the house and
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“The new outdoor living areas have totally transformed this family’s way of life” 58 |
DECKS, PERGOLAS & PATIOS
newly paved pool surrounds, means the family now has a choice of functional outdoor spaces and the flexibility to entertain or relax outside throughout the year. The “sunken” outdoor room forges a seamless link with the interior of the home. The lounge area sits at the same floor level as the home, while the outdoor kitchen area at the side of the deck sits on a slightly elevated platform, discreetly carving the space into outdoor living zones. The pool and its inviting surrounds sit on the next level up and are accessed via a wide set of steps. The repeated use of materials in the remodelled pool area, including the granite used for the water feature and the walling at either end of the zone, gives the space a coordinated look. This extends to the overall colour scheme, which ties each level of the garden together. Evergreen trees were used throughout the garden to keep it looking leafy during all four seasons. Weeping lilly pilly was chosen to frame the garden and ‘Little Gem’ magnolias to provide screening. To create that enticing resort feeling the owners desired, dragon trees and Japanese sago palms were also included. “I think most Australians crave outdoor living, but some are faced with limitations in terms of space, climate or a challenging environment,” says Jason. “This project took an aspirational brief to create an outdoor resort and achieved that through split levels and zoning and clever use of materials. The new outdoor living areas have totally transformed this family’s way of life.” T
TOP The palette of natural colours keeps the spaces looking open and welcoming at all times. ABOVE LEFT The water feature is a focal point that can be enjoyed from the pool or the deck. ABOVE The new split-level design incorporates the remodelled pool area and the lounging zone.