Poweranne's garden
The information.
Key plants used Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) was used for its glossy foliage and ability to grow on the trellis to soften the backdrop. Pink frangipani was used as an easy-to-maintain feature tree that will provide some shade in the hotter months and let the sun stream in during winter. Silver falls (Dichondra argentea) – a beautiful soft plant to drape from the planter and spill down the poolside wall, while providing contrasting colour to the Equitone cladding. Bay laurel (Laurus Nobilis) to provide a layered planting palette and screening to block out the neighbouring property.
A refreshing retreat A row of stepping stones, artfully laid out by [landscape architect] Tom with his signature cut-outs, leads to the pool area. A glass box containing a fish skeleton sits at one end of the moat between the pool and the lawn. It’s a sculptural feature that both functions as a pool fence and draws on the site’s zoological past. The modern pool sits right up against the tall boundary wall covered in Boston ivy, and features a snug sun deck. A remnant door from the old zoo was added to enhance the sense of intrigue of what lies beyond. A stream of water tinkles into the pool, amusing both the designer and the clients.
he stainless-steel curtain articulates the garden space The addition of a two-storey-high stainless-steel curtain that slides along the back edge of the deck is a theatrical element that allows the big room to feel more enclosed at meal times. The young family performs plays and has fun finetuning the garden’s atmosphere with the pull of the eye-catching curtain. Dominated by remnants of stucco concrete, the next garden space features a large wisteria cave. A traditional artisan blacksmith was called in to craft a steel wisteria support that looks like an extension of the vine itself. The clients playfully instructed him to make a monkey swinging from the vine. An ageing weeping bottlebrush sits nearby in a bed of decomposed granite; it is accompanied by an old canoe that looks like it floated to the garden during a flood and remains because [it] belongs.
15. The power of contrasts. Austin, USA Designer: The Garden Design Studio
Preserved-moss wall by Bright Green, displayed at the London Design Festival Meanwhile, nature itself continues to come inside. The plant trend is going strong, and this year we’ve seen more varieties of living walls, including the preserved-moss walls spotted by our UK editorial team at the London Design Festival. It’s becoming clear that ‘natural inspiration’ in design no longer means just a pineapple-shaped paperweight or a couple of potted plants. We’re starting to see a wholesale movement to pull the natural world into design and vice versa.
Corten has twice the tensile strength of mild steel (despite the look of corrosion), which makes it an ideal cladding material. It’s important to note that Corten steel is not rustproof in itself, so provisions should be made for drainage to reduce the possibility of rust stains on nearby surfaces.
Artificial turf Artificial turf has been basking in the spotlight lately and for good reason. Added to its significant sound-diffusing qualities, new designs have a lush appearance, it boasts zero maintenance and is cushioned enough to comfortably recline on. It is easy to cut faux grass to fit the dimensions of your balcony or lot, and you can roll it up and take it with you if you move. Drainage is rarely an issue too, so most body corporates and strata plans approve of it as an external floor covering.
Down to earth Colours inspired by our own sunburnt country are inherently appealing in any setting. A palette of earthy hues takes its cues from the colours of the surrounding landscapes. Build the look with layers of warm ochres, slate grey and rich browns, incorporating tactile elements of timber, brick and stone. This type of colour scheme is easy on the eye and can add warmth and interest to the stark lines of contemporary architecture.
17. Don’t leave narrow spaces unloved. Create a sense of invitation, of intention, and the people will come. Sydney, NSW Designer: David Rowland Studio
The Norwegian company Heymat has found another innovative use for recycled plastic. It recently launched Heymat+, a series of doormats and floor coverings with pile made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. The company gets additional sustainability points for the doormats’ durability: they’re built to last decades.
Johnson retained the verandah and extended it further north alongside the dining room. A higher roof allows more natural light to filter inside and a retractable shade sail provides sun control and enables the outdoor space to be used year-round. Custom-made shaderunner in Weather Max fabric and Sandstone Heather colour: Aalta; Blackbutt timber decking
The original house had a shallow north-facing rear verandah that extended the length of the house.
7. Maidenhair tree Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient tree dating back millions of years. It’s not only an attractive and majestic tree, it has also been used for traditional medicine to enhance cognitive function within various cultures. Its leaves have a unique fan shape and fantastic autumn colouring. The tree is native to China, though it grows well in certain areas of Australia such as Melbourne. This ancient tree is slow growing but those with patience will be rewarded.
Water works. Perth, WA Designer: Mondo Landscapes
The ideas.
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