BEST AUSTRALIAN GARDENS & LANDSCAPES THINK PUBLISHING
FASCINATING FORM
Refined outdoor living is the only way to describe this special design by Newforms Landscape Architecture.
Designed by Matthew Gee, the project won Best Overall Design at the 2010 LIAWA Awards. The challenge here was to create a larger sense of space in a seemingly small, long and narrow area. The result presents a beautifully aesthetic outdoor area with class and sophistication, built with confidence by Phase3 Landscape Construction.
At the front of the home, a lit walkway provides for a dramatic arrival that stretches to the entry of the house and reveals an adjacent courtyard. This courtyard features a large metal light box, incorporated to increase the depth of field of the space, effectively creating a more dynamic environment to be experienced both inside and outside the surrounding rooms. In addition, a curious water feature consisting of layered stone cubes acts as the containing element to a humble pond filled with fish. With a mild Asian theme, this area perfectly graces and complements the home with an air of peace and serenity.
Following through to the rear is the largest area, home to a magnificent pool, spa and pavilion. Here, a minimalist approach has been taken in order to keep the design fresh and low maintenance. Bamboo was planted around the pool to add a structural element to the space, as well as a sense of verticality, in order to compliment and soften the building bulk to the rear of the existing dwelling. The carefully selected plants also provide colour and textural contrast through all four seasons.
The wonderfully attractive custom concrete pool and spa were created using travertine tiles and quartz tropicana plaster. As illustrated, the pool sits gloriously in its surroundings and adds a component of luxury with its clean lines and soft glow.
The alfresco pavilion acts as a place for relaxation, with ample space available for cooking and eating. In addition to its compelling design, structural steel sections have been used as a feature not only here, but also at the entry point of the residence and on the fascia of the residence. This creates continuity and allows for the formation of a cohesive connection between the existing dwelling and the added landscape elements.
With a strong emphasis on relationships between shape, form and function, this is a project that exudes design appeal and class.
A PERFECT FIT
In a partnership between Newforms Landscape Architecture and Phase3 Landscape Construction, this outdoor area has been designed to be both functional and elegant in a suburban setting.
With an extensive brief and a limited area to work with, Newforms exceeded the client’s expectations in delivering a simple, but elegant contemporary design that maximises the usability of the area without being imposing. What resulted was a highly attractive and inviting outdoor environment, with the Pavilion winning the Best Special Feature – Built Feature award at the 2010 LIAWA (Landscape Industries Association of WA) Awards.
The vibrancy of the area may be attributed to the similarities it shares with the existing home. The partial timber cladding of the home is continued as the material of choice for the slightly raised timber pavilion that sits adjacent to the custom built pool by Phase3 Pools. With emphasis being placed on minimising the building bulk of the pavilion due to space restrictions, a slender flat-roof design that incorporates good shelter and its own lighting was constructed. The beautiful recycled Blackbutt timber used contrasts well with its surroundings and provides ample room for alfresco cooking, entertaining and dining if need be.
The pool itself is positioned in order to maximise its size, without making too much of an impact on space for entertaining and usability. It includes a considerably large area for swimming, with a smaller ‘lay-up’ section for relaxation. It sports a glazed black brick header and glazed black waterline tiles. Towards the rear of the pool and pavilion is the northern boundary wall, which has been intentionally created at varying heights. Not only does this create interest and provide for screening, but it also acts as a support for the pavilion roof structure. Custom galvanised steel fins were designed to echo the rectilinear form of the boundary walls and to provide security to the offset of the blade walls.
The remaining area for entertaining and relaxation is considerably large, with ample room for almost any activity. The surface of the area is made from honed grey concrete with mixed aggregate, using aluminium inserts as control joints. A beautiful Nyssa sylvatica was used as a feature tree as well as to provide shade to the area. Connecting directly to the home itself, this design is perfect for modern suburban life. Low maintenance quality, elegance and style - what more could you ask for?
Project Details
FASCINATING FORM
Designer: Matthew Gee
Project Lead: Ryan Healy
Builder: PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Photography: David J. Adams
A PERFECT FIT
Designer: Matthew Gee
Project Lead: Ryan Healy
Builder: PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Photography: David J. Adams
PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Unit 4, 11 Milson Place, O’Connor, WA 6163
Phone\ (08) 9337 6985 Email\ contact@phasethree.net.au
Website\ www.phasethree.net.au
