TOP-NOTCH TERRACE
Words Annabelle Cloros Photography Tim Turner hen you’re on The Block, there’s no time to mess around. Impending deadlines constantly loom and creating picture-perfect spaces in short periods of time can be near impossible for seasoned and unseasoned renovators alike. For All Stars Dea and Darren, calling in the help of veteran landscaping guru David Franklin was a must to ensure their outdoor terrace sat high and mighty above the rest, ultimately putting them at the top of the leader board with a perfect score of 30 out of 30. Originally a dead zone, Dea and Darren’s designated terrace area comprised leftover concrete space between the rear of the building and the back fence. Saving $25,000 to complete the terrace overhaul, the team sought to create an area that maximised the space of the rear small courtyard while blending indoors and out, ensuring lots of light and fluidity between both areas. “The space is very enclosed and only visible from the rear of the apartments, so we wanted to create a very private sanctuary within an area that’s surrounded by other apartment buildings,” says David. Due to the narrow terrace, it was important to break up the space and encompass multiple functions, including a barbecue area, sitting area with outdoor lounge, and synthetic turf space to enjoy the morning sun. “Timber and plants were used to maximum effect to make
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the space feel lush and cosy,” says David. “Paving and synthetic turf delineated the areas for relaxing and entertaining, and we worked with existing trees to ensure there were shady aspects that allowed light to stream into the living areas of the apartment.” Cycads and palms were used around the base of the large tree at the back of the space and across the back fence, along with feature pots and plants that would create intimacy and a sense of relaxation. Access to the site was problematic as the landscaping team had to share entryways with other trades and, of course, a camera crew. “Access was impossible; materials were brought in through the apartment but because it was also being fully renovated, we were able to work around the building works,” says David. Timber decking was also installed to extend the indoors outside and leads to the built-in outdoor lounge and entertaining space. And true to Dea’s talents as the interiors queen, the connection between internal and external areas is evident with the selection of quality materials, including leaf motif cushions, a mixture of materials and a rustic timber table surrounded by colourful stools and planters. With Neale Whitaker describing the space as “total luxury”, it’s clear why this terrace received the perfect score. From its multipurpose areas that are clearly laid out, this really is a little slice of heaven in an innercity location. HD