Australia has a wonderful climate so it’s understandable why we love a poolside cabana — or a tennis court shelter or stand-alone outdoor room — that allows us to embrace the outdoors in all weather conditions. Here are a few of my best tips for designing a comfortable cabana or outdoor room.

Tip 1: Keep it simple
Prioritise clean lines in both the internal and external design so the structure sits harmoniously in the garden. To ensure a spacious feel inside, white walls are best as are open-plan interiors and bare floors featuring large-unit flooring materials in pale colours. Popular interior colours include softer shades with patches of vibrancy as focal points. Carry the colours from inside the structure to the outside.

Tip 2: Emphasise the natural
Use natural materials such as timber and stone for walling and flooring, or as an eclectic feature mixed with materials such as polished metal, glass and concrete. Favour colours that are soft and recessive or emphasis natural finishes, such as stone or weathered timber. Minimise the types of materials and match finishes and colours to the home itself to unify the project as a whole. The use of consistent design and materials throughout will ensure the overall project is well integrated.

Tip 3: Size things up
The ideal size of a cabana that is designed as a single structure to incorporate all the mod-cons in the one room should not be smaller than 5000mm x 4000mm and does not need to exceed 8000mm x 5000mm. These dimensions are based on comfortable architectural design measurements for a single room, such as a lounge or living room. A bathroom or change room would be in addition to these measurements. As with any design element, an important consideration is to ensure the cabana does not totally dominate the area in which it sits.

Tip 4: Integrate elements
Pool cabanas need to comply with pool fencing requirements that determine what can be incorporated within the poolside areas; however, with some smart design you can visually integrate the cabana and pool. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the cabana along the side facing the pool, and sliding doors that can be opened wide towards the home or entertaining area, will make the cabana more inviting. A pergola attached to the cabana and extending over the poolside area can also help to integrate the pool and cabana while providing shade to swimmers.

Tip 5: Create a place to cook
The ultimate structure and what’s included will be dictated by intended use, available space and, of course, budget. That said, outdoor kitchens are popular. These might include a grill or barbecue, double sink, fridge, dishwasher, pizza oven, microwave oven, and lots of cabinets for storage. This makes it easy to cook for the family and host get-togethers with the neighbours.

Tip 6: Turn up the heat
Heating and cooling is the difference between constantly using the cabana or using it only when the temperature is right. Popular cooling methods include combinations of concertinaed doors and windows, canopies, curtains, and adjustable louvred roofs that are waterproof when closed and allow in directional light when open. For warmth, a popular choice is to use radiant heaters. Large decorative fans are often included to keep air moving around, and reverse-cycle air-conditioning may be used in more elaborate designs.

Tip 7: Go for comfort
If space allows, you might want to include bathroom facilities. This allows flexible use of the cabana, such as turning it into a guest bedroom or home office. A simple bathroom may be just big enough to incorporate a toilet and small hand basin to ensure children don’t need to run soaking wet through the house.

Tip 8: Ensure versatility
Sliding and concertinaed doors, movable internal partitions, removable external walls, retractable ceilings and awnings, and louvres that can be opened or shut allow for great flexibility of use and layout. This allows many outdoo rooms to be adapted to a multitude of uses, such as an entertaining space with a pool table and flat-screen TV for weekend barbecues, a guest bedroom or teenage retreat, a yoga studio, gym, tennis court or pool cabana as well as a family study or home office. You really are spoiled for choice.

John Storch is a landscape architect, swimming pool designer and principal of the award-winning, well-established Sydney-based practice, A Total Concept

The post Top 8 tips for a well-designed poolside cabana appeared first on Completehome.

This home renovation encompassed significant interior and exterior remodelling, with the overall aim being to increase liveability and space. The homeowners wanted a generous living area that stayed within the home’s existing footprint and to introduce some innovative design elements, while also respecting the historic integrity of the home’s Edwardian character.

The project team was made up of Pleysier Perkins Architects, who designed the hard landscaping elements, and Cheeky Nature Landscapes, who were responsible for the soft landscaping features. The project was constructed by Wade Builders. Together, they’ve achieved an elegant, seamless look that smoothly connects the luxurious interior to the modernised and relaxed exterior.

For the design’s structural elements, timber was chosen; its natural warmth beautifully complementing the weatherboard cladding of the period home.

One of the standout features of the design is the ladder-patterned pergola. “It’s the viewpoint to create the ‘outside-inside’ effect,” landscaper Ollie Cheek says. The generous pergola is the perfect place for the homeowners to unwind after a busy day — the chequerboard canopy of squares above allows ample light and warmth to filter through. As the seasons change and the plants reach maturity, so too will the view, forming an ever-changing, living, leafy artwork for the homeowners to enjoy. The rear of the pergola is filled in to allow privacy. “The use of the ornamental grape vine on the stainless wires provides shade in summer and then lets sun in to warm the bricks in winter when it loses its leaves,” adds Ollie.

This delightful backyard renovation also ticks the box for sustainability, with recycled red bricks laid to form the planter beds and flooring in the entertaining space. The eco-friendly red brick complements the home, while the brick planter boxes bring a rustic earthy element to the space, which contrasts nicely with the pergola that sits above it.

The large eight-seater outdoor setting features a timber trestle-style dining table with a modern distressed look that also bodes well with the red brick pavers. Meanwhile, the white table legs and chairs match the crisp white of the pergola.

Large sliding doors were installed to connect the interior and exterior spaces, allowing cooling breezes to enter in the warmer months when opened. The contemporary, slimline, retractable shading system is a practical design feature, which allows the homeowners to control the amount of sun filtering indoors. When fully extended, it forms a cool contemporary white backdrop to the exterior entertaining area, creating a stunning private outdoor living room.

In suburban gardens, close proximity to neighbours is par for the course. However, clever screening options not only offer privacy but can also help beautify a space. Here ficus, an ornamental foliage plant, is planted along the back fence, while Tristaniopsis, with its beautiful emerald-green foliage, is planted along the side. These create a thick dense screen year-round from the neighbouring house.

With any exterior living space, there are always storage requirements for those items that need to be tucked away. In this design, a storage area behind the pergola structure serves that purpose well.

The home’s classic exterior was the inspiration for the plantings in the front yard. “The front yard is shaded by a huge street tree, so we opted for more shade-tolerant plants such as laurel and viburnum, which will flower to complement the home’s colours,” says Ollie.

In the front of the home, a modern interpretation of a white picket fence features as does a designer letter box. On the other boundary fences, a plank fence with a lattice top was installed in some sections. The subtle grey colour was selected to match the home’s interior colour pallet.

Overall, this clever design illustrates that less can indeed be more. To showcase elegance and style, simplicity can work exceedingly well. The creation of outdoor rooms also works to extend a living space without adding clutter. “The simple planter bed and paved brick area creates the subtle boundary of the outdoor dining area without making the backyard too congested,” says Ollie.

Modernising a timeless home is a balancing act — this home shows how it’s possible to respect the original vernacular, while injecting playful modern elements.

Written by Carrol Baker

Photography by Dan Hocking

Originally in Backyard magazine Volume 15 Issue 4

The post Out of the box: an Edwardian home’s outdoor living room appeared first on Completehome.

Shaun Wright, senior design manager of A Total Concept Landscape, was commissioned to work on creating the ultimate entertaining area including a cabana/granny flat, outdoor room, swimming pool and garden areas for relaxing and socialising.

The location of the outdoor entertaining area was set immediately adjacent to the house and runs the full width of the property. Designed as a broad sunken space and close to the indoor lounge and kitchen, it has been developed for family entertaining with pleasant views of the new cabana and fully tiled pool.

It incorporates a large fireplace and wall-mounted LCD television, fans, kitchenette, a generous lounge and sitting areas and several louvred roofs that can be opened and retracted when desired. The gas fireplace is a strong visual statement, with sandstone cladding to set the mood. Wide steps leading down from the lawn area provide overflow seating that matches the floating timber daybeds within the outdoor room.

Opposite the fireplace, the contemporary kitchenette is positioned out of the way and has a detailed timber screen behind it that is designed to swivel on a hinge to provide access to a side garden area. The kitchenette incorporates intricate built-in timber cabinetry, an off-form concrete splashback and benchtop with waterfall edges, under-mount sink, stainless-steel fridge, dishwasher, barbecue and wok burner. An existing structure at the rear of the property was renovated as a cabana-style granny flat and incorporates a large lounge room that features a sauna, kitchen, bathroom and timber overview deck to visually maximise the lawn and garden areas while taking advantage of the level changes.

The cabana doubles as a rumpus room and sleepover space for children and is far enough away so that when the new steel-framed doors are closed, loud music and electronic games are not heard in the main home. The central space between the residence and cabana features the pool and lawn, surrounded gardens with a clean and simple style. The minimalist materials used throughout the project tie back to the home to ensure that new and old are well integrated.

At night the cabana and entertaining area steps are well lit with concealed strip lighting. LED downlighting is utilised in the cabana ceiling and eaves of the home for functionality. Lights in the swimming pool and energy- efficient LED lighting throughout the paving, lawn and garden areas create mood effects with washes of dancing shadows.

Electrical components such as irrigation, the swimming pool heater, pool lights and spa are all linked to the cabana and the home’s electrical switching system, making this a comprehensive design. The royal blue glass tile used in the geometrically shaped swimming pool and spa contrast beautifully with the sandstone patterned porcelain tile of the external paved areas, the recycled timber posts, pergolas and decking, as well as the natural rock-faced sandstone walling itself. All have been designed to blend with the rich greens of the lawns and plants. The surrounding gardens contain an eclectic selection of plant species including Bromeliads, Senecio rowleyanus ‘String of pearls’, Dichondra ‘Silver falls’, Cupressus, Ficus, Neomarica gracilis ‘Walking iris’, Senecio serpens ‘Blue chalk sticks’, Phormium ‘New Zealand flax’ and Carpobrotus rossii ‘Pig face’.

Also included is an outstanding edible wall garden. The visual simplicity of design and subtle use of quality materials unifies the project and sets the components well into the surrounding landscaped gardens to provide a multifunctional space. The end result is a beautifully integrated lifestyle and entertaining complex for the owners of this property.

For more information

A Total Concept

The post All-in-one: the ultimate entertaining area and outdoor design appeared first on Completehome.

For most people, their biggest investment will be their homes, and as the property market is strong, it makes sense to renovate rather than move. Not only is this a sound financial investment (spending stamp duty on yourself rather than giving it to the government), it also improves everyday living by increasing functionality.

The current trend with cabana and outdoor room design is linking them with other external improvements such as swimming pools, gardens and entertaining areas. For this reason, design companies that provide a total concept are becoming increasingly popular. This makes good design sense as it ensures consistent design and materials are used throughout and the overall project is well integrated.

Popular in these outdoor structures is designing adjustable external walls and floorplans to allow for changeable spaces. Sliding and concertinaed doors, movable internal partitions, removable external walls, retractable ceilings and awnings as well as louvres that can be opened or shut allow flexibility. This enables many cabanas to serve a variety of purposes, such as an o ice, gym, yoga retreat, artist’s room or spare bedroom, in addition to the usual entertaining space. Pool cabanas have come back into vogue. Tougher pool fencing laws restrict what can be incorporated within the poolside area and some smart design ideas have been created to visually integrate the cabana and pool. Using floor-to-ceiling glass in the cabana along the side facing the pool, and sliding doors that can be opened wide towards the home or entertaining areas, make the cabana inviting.

A pergola structure extending over the poolside area from the cabana can also integrate the pool and cabana while providing shade to the sitting areas around the pool.
The terms cabana and outdoor room can apply to a range of styles and configurations. An outdoor room may be as simple as a covered pergola with moveable lounges and a barbecue for entertaining. At the other end of the spectrum, it could be an elaborate cabana incorporating a luxurious bathroom and kitchenette facilities with day beds and a poolside wet drinks bar. The extreme options and everything between are popular and the ultimate structure is dictated by intended use, the available space and, of course, budget.

There is a growing trend to incorporate bathroom facilities in these structures. One reason for this is to allow flexibility of use — such as turning the cabana into
a guest bedroom at the drop of a hat. A simple bathroom may be just big enough to incorporate a toilet and small hand basin to ensure children don’t need to run soaking wet through the house to the inside loo. A more elaborate bathroom may also include a shower and spa set within the cabana or externally in a courtyard. Another approach is to place an outdoor shower at one end of the structure so swimmers can quickly rinse o pool water before they go inside. Using large pegs attached nearby for hanging clothes, robes and towels is also a growing trend.

The trend in outdoor kitchens is to incorporate a grill, wok burner or barbecue, double sink, fridges, dishwasher, a microwave oven and lots of cabinets to store towels,
pool toys or games. Modern alfresco kitchens recreate all the conveniences of the home’s kitchen, and fun items such as a pizza oven, bar and icemaker are all ideal for get-togethers with the neighbours, for dinner parties and family reunions. The continuing trend is for the outdoor kitchen to be individually designed to suit your needs rather than a cheap and cheerful prefabricated unit. The automated system is one of the biggest trends in outdoor design this decade.

In cabanas and outdoor rooms this can mean the ability to automatically create noise from installations such as a small fountain to drown out neighbours, or soothing music with weatherproof outdoor speaker systems. It can also include centralised control of lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, appliances, security locks for doors, and control of adjustable awnings and roofs to provide improved convenience. Su icient heat, shade and lighting are the di erence between constantly using your outdoor structure and using it only when the temperature is right.

Decorative shading and various combinations of umbrellas, canopies, curtains and screen enclosures are popular. Other favourites include fixed opaque roofs that let light in and adjustable louvred roofs that are waterproof when closed, but allow light through when open. Radiant heaters or fire pits provide both warmth and atmosphere as well.

Night lighting is being more correctly and extensively used these days, with LEDs replacing other types of lights. Enhanced ambience is also created using candles, torches and fire pits. Natural day lighting is important to develop an inviting place to sit. No matter what shading method you prefer, make allowances to let the sunshine in. When it comes to furniture, there has been a shift away from onsite fabricated products like fixed timber benches and daybeds with cushions, towards shop-purchased lounging furniture to create a plush and comfortable atmosphere to relax in. Furnish the space with weatherproof, padded reclining chairs, lounges and comfortable seating. Incorporating outdoor versions of interior furniture will help marry your spaces.

Colour and homewares help to individualise a cabana or outdoor room. Colour is becoming softer, with patches of vibrancy to act as a focal point. Colours used inside the home such as pastel blues, turquoise, brown, fresh yellows and greens are being teamed with bolder primary feature colours or black and white. This helps connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Homewares ranging from mass-produced items to one-o tailored items such as scented candles, sculpture and art are becoming increasingly important to complete the space. Given the current trend in Australia to renovate internal and external spaces and fuse the two together, it makes good sense to employ a professional to help with the overall development of your project.

About John Storch

John Storch is principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers, a multi-award-winning practice he established in 1993. John specialises in the integration of external areas for projects ranging from family homes to boutique and resort-style developments in Australia and overseas.

For more information

A Total Concept

The post Trending now: the hottest cabana and outdoor room trends appeared first on Completehome.

When embarking on your outdoor room design, consider the overall property and all necessary uses of the area. Take into account your lifestyle, such as whether you entertain in large or small numbers, and how often, as this will ultimately determine the size of your entertaining area. If you have a family, think about the future needs of the children. Don’t forget that if you make your home suitable for entertaining, your teenagers and their friends will be more likely to congregate at your home where you can keep an eye on them.

Will other features such as a pool be constructed now or at a later stage? If so, the pool and outdoor room might be best placed together. Also consider the proximity of the room to the home. Should the entertaining area relate to the kitchen or should the outdoor room be fully equipped with a barbecue, fridge and drawer dishwasher? There is nothing more tedious than spending all your time when entertaining having to traipse back and forth from the kitchen, getting snacks for your guests and not being able to relax. Also, is the bathroom nearby?

Consider physical aspects such as north-facing locations, sun and shade requirements, noisy neighbours or nearby roads, prevailing winds and potential views. Position your outdoor room with these aspects in mind.
Of course, you must consider the budget you’ve set aside for the outdoor room. Can all the works be undertaken at once or does the project need to be staged over a period of time? If it’s the latter, think about what needs to be undertaken and in what sequence so that finished works do not need to be ripped up at a later stage to complete new works. An example of bad planning could be putting the new paving in first, only to realise later that drainage or cabling for lighting should have been placed beneath the paving.

It makes sense to employ a landscape architect who specialises in residential design to help with the planning stage to ensure the entertaining area is located in the right location and is the right size. An experienced landscape architect will sit down with you and ask about your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and your requirements for the space. They will listen to your ideas and may give other suggestions as to what would suit your home, lifestyle, garden and budget to ensure your entertaining area will work. A good landscape architect will listen to you and make suggestions to develop your ideas rather than simply impose their ideas on you. They should also tell you when your ideas are not suitable and help to develop a budget for the overall project.

12 top tips to consider when planning any outdoor room:

1. PREPARATION: Before commencing planning, always check council requirements and other authorities for any structure you are proposing. If works are to be undertaken near boundaries, always check where your boundaries lie. Old fence lines are often not placed on boundaries and it is best to verify who owns what to avoid potential neighbour disputes. Always check property titles to ensure your property is not encumbered with building covenants or easements that may affect what you can build in certain areas of the property.

2. HELP: Consider seeking advice from a professional landscape architect early on in the project. This is money well spent and it may save you greatly later by ensuring the proposal is feasible, that all factors have been considered in the proposal and that the outdoor room is situated in the right location. Engaging a landscape architect is much more cost-efficient in the long term and you are assured that all the constraints and opportunities are considered to avoid expensive mistakes.

3. DESIGN: Look through magazines and keep copies of things you want to incorporate in the design. Always consider the space as a whole.

4. UNIFY: The style of the outdoor room must be compatible but not necessarily the same as the house. If possible, use the same materials in the landscaped areas as those on the exterior of the home and similar colours for the outdoor room and home interiors. Using bands of similar plants and restricting the number of different surface materials and paving types looks much better than a hotchpotch of many plants and materials.

5. SIMPLICITY: Simple lines are more pleasing to the eye and always work better than complex, intricate shapes.

6. SCALE: Design things to relate to human scale. Doing this makes the space more comfortable to spend time in. A 10m Buddha may look inspiring in the grounds of a large temple but may not have the same effect in a courtyard garden. Size is important.

7. DATING: How will that expensive Thai sculpture you fell in love with on holiday look in two years’ time?

8. FEATURES: Always incorporate at least one feature in a garden as a focal point. A pond, pool, plant, vase or mirror placed in the right spot can lift a garden from pleasant to electrifying.

9. MAINTENANCE: Irrigation systems and swimming pool top-ups linked to rain-use tanks are worth the cost both environmentally and financially.

10. MATERIALS: Always wait for what you want. You don’t need the most expensive finishes for your outdoor room to make it work, but if it’s your choice and you can’t afford it, wait rather than settle for second best.

11. SENSES: Appeal to the senses. Fragrant flowers for the nose, multi-coloured plants for the eyes, textured walls to feel, running water for the ears and fruit to be tasted. Delightful!

12. FUN: Have fun with the design of the garden. Remember, you are the one who will use it. If you want the fluorescent furnishings, plastic plants and giraffe slide into a swimming pool, go for it.

John Storch is principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers, a multi-award-winning practice he established in 1993. John specialises in the integration of external areas for projects ranging from family homes to boutique and resort-style developments in Australia and overseas.

For more information

A Total Concept

The post A-grade Alfresco: 12 tips for the perfect outdoor room appeared first on Completehome.

Luxury hotels know how to make the most of the gorgeous weather and boast wall-less lobbies, open walkways and rooms that open out to swimming pools. Australia has a fairly mild climate, or at least enjoys a warm summer, so it’s understandable why many are choosing to create a structure that allows them to embrace the outdoors in all weather conditions.

A poolside cabana is a way to make your pool more functional, finishing off your outdoor space with an area to enjoy in all weather conditions, dry off after a swim in the pool, cook and relax in. We asked landscape designer John Storch of A Total Concept about one of his favourite style projects — contemporary cabanas.

Contemporary design is one of your favourite and most commonly used design styles. Tell us why you gravitate towards it.

We design a lot of contemporary cabanas, granny flats and outdoor rooms as these often suit the properties that we are working in. This style is also very popular and often requested by our clients. That’s not to exclude our expertise in other styles. I believe a good designer should be able to design for any look and our portfolios support this. I like to design holistically and often the most appropriate design for integration is the style that best reflects the architecture of the property, although not in every circumstance.

How do you define contemporary design?

Contemporary design is design of the times; that is, current and cutting edge. It incorporates trends that come and go. Contemporary design can be very eclectic for that reason because it is always changing and borrows from all eras, including Modernism.

1. What are some of the design features of a contemporary cabana?

In cabana design the contemporary style is recognisable by its clean-lined internal and external expansive planes for walls, windows, doors, floors and roofs. Walls are often white, adding to the spacious feel. Contemporary cabana interiors are generally open plan and have bare floors in recessive-coloured large-unit flooring materials.

2. What are some popular materials used in a contemporary cabana?

Natural materials such as timber and stone are often used as walling, flooring, or as an eclectic feature mixed together with materials such as polished metal, glass and concrete. Recent material developments such as monolithic-panel roof and wall sheeting are also used extensively. Colours are often soft and recessive or left natural such as stone or
weathered timber.

3. What are some plants that complement a contemporary-style structure?

A broad range of plants is used in contemporary design. They include plants used informal design such as Japanese box, magnolias and camellias; tropical design such as kentia palms, dwarf philodendron and red ti; native design such as coastal rosemary, gymea lilies and bottlebrushes; and other plants from all periods and styles mixed together in interesting eclectic combinations. Colour is quite often strong as a contrast to the more muted natural tones of
the architecture.

4. What is the average size of a cabana and what size do you find to be most effective?

I have found that the ideal size of the contemporary cabana that is designed as a single structure to incorporate all the mod-cons in the one room should not be smaller than around 5000mm x 4000mm, and does not need to exceed 8000mm x 5000mm. These dimensions are based on comfortable architectural design measurements for a single room such as a lounge or living room. Bathrooms and change rooms ideally are in addition to these sizes. An important consideration is the space into which the cabana is to be positioned. As with any structure, it is important that the cabana does not totally dominate the area in which it sits.

5. How can a cabana be incorporated into a small backyard or courtyard?

Not all properties will suit a cabana. I think it is important to recognise the limitations of space, however there is always a viable option for designing a structure that may incorporate some of the features of a contemporary cabana, whether it is a bathroom, kitchenette, storage area or outdoor room. Designing small spaces is much harder than large-space design; not only do you have less space than in a large garden to hide the utility functions that are necessary for everyday life, but there is also less space available to develop the mood and style.

6. Do pool cabanas need to comply with pool fencing requirements?

Tougher pool fencing laws restrict what can be incorporated within the poolside areas and some smart design ideas can visually integrate the cabana and pool. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the cabana along the side facing the pool, and sliding doors that can be opened wide towards the home or entertaining areas make the cabana more inviting. A pergola structure extending over the poolside area from the cabana can also integrate the pool and cabana while providing shade to the sitting areas around the pool.

7. How close should a cabana be to the pool?

I don’t think there is any magic measurement for this. In the past we have designed cabanas that extend over pools and those that are set back from them. It really depends on the integrated layout. To develop a sitting area between pool and cabana, the minimum dimension should be in the vicinity of 3600mm.

8. Tell us about the basic features most people choose to include in a poolside cabana and some additional luxury features homeowners can choose to include.

A poolside cabana may be as simple as a covered pergola with moveable lounges and a barbecue or, at the other end of the spectrum, an elaborate structure incorporating luxurious bathroom and kitchenette facilities with day beds and poolside wet drinks bar for entertaining purposes. The extreme options and everything between are popular and the ultimate structure is dictated by intended use, the available space and, of course, budget.

The trend for outdoor kitchens in pool cabanas has been to incorporate a grill, wok burner or barbecue, double sink, fridges, dishwasher, a microwave oven, and lots of cabinets for storage of towels, pool toys and games. The trend is to recreate all the conveniences of the home’s kitchen plus some fun items. Pizza ovens, bars and ice makers are all ideal for neighbourly get-togethers, dinner parties and family reunions. The continuing trend is for the cabana kitchen to be individually designed to suit your needs rather than a cheap and cheerful prefabricated unit.

There is a growing trend to incorporate bathroom facilities in a contemporary cabana. One reason for this is to allow flexible use of the space, such as turning the cabana into a guest bedroom. A simple bathroom may be just big enough to incorporate a toilet and small hand basin to ensure children don’t need to run soaking wet through the house. A more elaborate one may also include a shower and spa inside, or externally in a dedicated exotic small courtyard. Another approach is to place an outdoor shower at one end of the structure so swimmers can quickly rinse off before they go inside. Using large pegs attached nearby for hanging clothes, robes and towels is also a growing trend.

Swivel wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are essential in any good contemporary cabana!

9. What are the heating and cooling options available?

Heating and cooling is the difference between constantly using the cabana or using it only when the temperature is right. Popular cooling methods include various combinations of umbrellas, canopies, curtains, screen enclosures, and adjustable louvred roofs that are waterproof when closed and allow directional light in when open. To obtain more heat, a popular choice is to use radiant heaters to provide warmth and fire pits to create atmosphere. Large decorative fans are often included in cabanas to keep air moving around, and reverse-cycle air-conditioning may be used on more elaborate designs, especially where the function of the cabana is to double as a granny flat or extra bedroom.

10. Can a contemporary cabana be fully enclosed to function as a guest house?

Cabanas are often enclosed to function as a guest house or granny flat, and a popular trend is to design adjustable external walls and floor plans to allow for changeable spaces. This enables maximum flexibility, given cabanas are a big investment. Sliding and concertinaed doors, movable internal partitions, removable external walls, retractable ceilings and awnings, and louvres that can be opened or shut allow for great flexibility. This allows many cabanas to be adapted to a variety of specialised needs, such as an office, gym, yoga retreat, artist room or spare bedroom, in addition to the usual
entertaining function.

11. What are some contemporary trends in cabana design that we haven’t covered?

• Automated systems are the biggest trend in cabana design this decade, such as centralised control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and appliances. Security locks on doors and control of adjustable awnings and roofs provide improved convenience.
• Fixed opaque roofs and adjustable louvred roofs that are waterproof when closed and allow natural light in when open are popular.
• Night lighting is being more correctly and extensively used than in the past, with LED replacing other types of lights. Enhanced ambience is also created with candles, torches and fire pits.
• The trend in furniture has been to move away from on-site fabricated furniture like fixed timber benches and day beds with cushions, towards shop-purchased lounging furniture to create a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing. Furnish the cabana with weatherproof, padded, reclining chairs, lounges and comfortable seating. Outdoor versions of indoor furniture is all the rage to help integrate the spaces.
• Popular current colour choices are softer shades with patches of vibrancy to act as a focal point. Inside colours such as pastel blues, turquoise, browns, fresh yellows and greens, with bolder primary feature colours as well as black and variations of white, are carrying through from inside to out.
• Homewares ranging from mass-produced items to one-off tailored products such as scented candles, sculptures and art are becoming increasingly important to complete the overall feel of the cabana.

12. Cabanas provide extra space for a plethora of uses. What have some of your clients used them for?

Cabanas can suit a diverse range of uses, including a family entertaining space with pool table and flat-screen TV for weekend barbecues, a guest bedroom or spot for teenage sleepovers, an art or yoga studio, gym or pool cabana, as well as a family study or home office. It’s common for the contemporary cabana to be linked via design with the house and other external elements such as swimming pools, gardens and entertaining areas. The use of consistent design and materials throughout will ensure the overall project is well integrated.

For more information

A Total Concept

The post 12 features of a contemporary cabana appeared first on Completehome.

Working to an original design, Iconic Landscaping has built an outdoor room that makes entertaining a breeze, summer or winter.

Explains Nathan Boutros of Iconic Landscaping: “What the owners needed was a well-proportioned, stylish outdoor room with lounge and dining areas that would be of sufficient size for large family gatherings, yet flexible enough for intimate casual dining. Equally important was ensuring that the new structure would feel like an extension of the home and that there would be a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.”

For more information

Iconic Landscaping

The post Room to move: a stylish outdoor room project appeared first on Completehome.

In a relatively new area of Sydney, this existing garden was previously dissected into small individual and disconnected spaces. Designer Chris Slaughter of Scenic Blue Design aimed to create an interwoven set of outdoor rooms that could be used collectively for parties or singularly for quiet, relaxed evenings.

The brief was to design an escape that would work with the property’s existing pool, while also making the owner feel as if he’s a million miles away. “My client wanted to have a garden that he could actually enjoy being in, not one that generated endless hours of work to maintain,” says Chris. “We needed to create a casual, restful, comfortable and timeless garden.”
There were also some special family members who were accommodated in the design. “I worked closely with my client, who is a proud collector of parrots,” says Chris. “These birds needed to be very much a part of the garden and not tucked away. They were a feature in their own right.”

The property is a corner block, and the garden sweeps around the home, along the side and back, so it was important to create a central focal point, allowing each individual garden piece to feel as if it belongs with the next.

Chris says there is no singular element to this garden. “I had to work with various elements and requests, such as for an outdoor dining/cooking/TV room, a swimming pool that needed softening, introducing a more tropical setting, a cabana that had to be renovated and modernised and creating a tightness to the entire garden,” he says.

First, the mature plant stock was transplanted to de-compartmentalise the garden and the plants were relocated throughout. The collection of plants evoked a tropical theme while also maintaining a semi-formal feel. Meanwhile, the bamboos were chosen for both screening and mood setting. “We used the Dendrocalamus Minor Var. ‘Amoenus’ — blue ghost bamboo, Bangalow palm and various forms of Cordyline, Phormium and Liriope, along with Sedum, Acorus, Agave, Buxus, Murraya, Mandevilla, Camellia, Prunus, Lilly Pilly, Veronica and Magnolia to name a few,” says Chris. “Their purpose was to provide privacy from neighbouring windows, add a tropical atmosphere and lend colour, shape and form to the garden throughout the year.”

The previous garden had unfortunately suffered considerable above-ground drainage problems and the stormwater run-off from neighbouring homes caused the existing patio to flood. In addition, the garden had evolved through the work of various companies over time, and subsequently there was little
continuity between the patio and pool surround.

“To overcome both difficulties, we used what we had to our advantage,” says Chris. “We resolved both drainage issues and level changes by installing ground drainage and diverting stormwater away from the patio and retaining the concrete patio and using it to support a deck, which ironed out the various level issues of the garden.”

=QUOTE=Each path and seating area had to take advantage of the adjoining rooms. “For example, when dining in the dining room, the pool and its associated features needed to be used as visual entertainment,” says Chris. “This had to apply throughout, so each room offers visual support for the next and so on.”

The various journeys throughout the garden had to complement each other, so a combination of stone and timber was used. Adding to the fun, the path to the cabana is accessed in several ways. You can venture into the “jungle” and follow a stepping stone pathway through the bamboo, along a timber boardwalk or along the stone paving — a beautiful granite paver that supports a wonderful darker grey streaking through its body.

All three lead to a water feature that supports the stepping stones over it. The water falling down the stone wall is deep enough to allow a cooling dip before the water cascades into the pool. Once over, you find yourself sitting in an outdoor setting, looking back across the garden and down each side of the house.

“I think by far, my favourite part of the space is the water wall and its offering of the unexpected,” says Chris. “The subtle break created by the water gives the cabana a sense of retreat. At night especially, the light reflections are such that the entire area shimmers with movement.”

The design could be described as offering a hint of an exotic tropical holiday — a taste of Bali, Fiji, Thailand or Hawaii perhaps. “From the minute you approach the home, the front garden does not give any idea of what you can expect in the back,” says Chris. “The placement of the side gate is such that is it now the main entrance to the home. This way, you walk through a garden of visual treats before entering the residence. It’s a lovely way to greet family and friends.”

A strong client-designer relationship is often a key factor in a successful outdoor project, and this one is no exception. “Due to my client’s truly wonderful can-do attitude, we were able to work very closely together to create a truly one-of-a-kind garden — so much so that I returned for a party, which really allowed me to take off my designer’s hat and enjoy the garden’s offerings,” says Chris. “A good evening was had by all.”

Photography by Danny Kildare

For more information

Scenic Blue Design

Originally in Outdoor Rooms, Volume 26

The post Sydney sanctuary: tropical garden appeared first on Completehome.

When it comes to natural Australian beauty, it’s difficult to surpass the world-renowned Blue Mountains region of New South Wales. “Borrowing from this amazing landscape was a pleasure,” says designer Steve Warner of OUTHOUSE design, who created this garden and outdoor room in Blaxland, a charming town in the lower Blue Mountains.

But with this beautiful location came challenges. “A vital component of the design process was following the =QUOTE=strict set guidelines when designing within a bushfire-prone area,” says Steve.
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The client purchased their land as a clear block. It was originally part of a larger parcel of land and, quite surprisingly, was a private light aircraft runway. Home designer Daniel Briffa from Adan Creative Design describes the home built on this land as modern contemporary. With that in mind, it was important to balance the external and internal spaces and create strong, clean vistas from each internal room and connect with the external landscape.

The garden acts as an extension of the home — it’s formal, yet relaxed and low maintenance. It takes advantage of the natural grade changes to offer a number of outdoor rooms while providing a strong connection across the site. “The landscape level change is embraced by both the building and soft landscape, and every room delivers a visual connection to the borrowed landscape,” says Steve.

The external areas are subtly divided into rooms, with the expanse of lawn acting as a seamless connection. “The entrance is more formal, with strong visual planting lines directing guests to the front entrance, whereas the open aspect facing the bushland views lends itself well to the pool zone and family cabana area,” continues Steve.

“The swimming pool cabana acts very much as separate accommodation for weekend drop-ins by extended family and friends and also as an extension to the pool area for those lazy, sunny Sunday afternoons with a gin and tonic. I love the lower pool zone and the way that the landscape levels draw your eye to the natural landscape.”

Planting was selected for its low-maintenance value and native qualities, which meant no ongoing water support. A drip irrigation system was installed to establish the planting and if required in the future. To the rear of the property, production areas were created that are supported by the use of water captured from the property’s roof.

“The key focus for us is a sustainable landscape so, when possible, native planting was used,” says Steve. Key trees planted include Elaeocarpus reticulatus ‘Prima Donna’, for its hardy, pink flowering and connection with the bushland, as well as Syzygium australe. For hedge planting, Acmena smithii features for a strong, low-maintenance hedge, as does Buxus microphylla. For shrubs, Anigozanthos ‘Amber Velvet’, Agave attenuata, Lomandra longifolia and Dianella caerulea were planted. OUTHOUSE design also incorporated Themeda australis, Kennedia prostrata and Scaevola hookeri for grass planting and groundcovers.
“The landscape offers the benefit of low-maintenance planting, yet delivers strong architectural form with the mass flowering of the red Anigozanthos and Agave attenuata,” says Steve.

All retaining walls are masonry with a smooth render finish. “The retaining walls complement the home while not impeding the views,” explains Steve. Stencil-coloured concrete features were included on the driveway and main entrance pathway, while large-format paving was employed for the lower garden terrace and pool surround.

“It’s a stunning home in an amazing location and is a great case of less-is-more design,” says Steve. “It’s a unique example of when a designer works in a collaborative manner with client and architect. We designed the garden on site rather than behind the drawing desk and became hands-on with the client in all aspects, from the plant ordering, on-site install and ongoing relationship with the space. With our client being very hands-on and taking on the majority of the project management, it was a pleasure to work in collaboration with both parties.”

Design and construction by OUTHOUSE design

For more information
outhousedesign.com.au

Home design by Daniel Briffa, Adan Creative Design

For more information
adandesigns.com

Originally from Outdoor Rooms magazine, Volume 30

The post Cabana: Blue mountains beauty appeared first on Completehome.

“For many years we have been asked to design and integrate cabanas, granny flats and outdoor rooms with swimming pools for our clients’ properties,” says John Storch of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, a company that specialises in this type of work. “More recently, clients have been looking to construct cabanas, granny flats and outdoor rooms as stand-alone features to add another use to the external areas of their homes. I believe this is the result of the ongoing trend to fuse internal and external entertaining spaces and consolidate living spaces.”

Pool cabanas, granny flats and outdoor rooms are growing in popularity as they allow for a number of diverse uses. These can include a discreet place to towel off after a swim in the pool, a family entertaining space, a spot for weekend barbecues, a guest bedroom separate to the house, a space for teenage sleepovers, an art or yoga studio, a gym, a family study, and even a home for a young married couple while they save for a deposit for their own house.
Swimming pools are often the focal point of the outside living area of a home, so location and design of the pool and the adjacent outdoor room, granny flat or cabana are important considerations.

Which suits you?

Typically a cabana or granny flat can be closed off from the elements to provide a watertight space, whereas an outdoor room has a roof or overhead covering and usually has one side remaining open.

Both cabanas and outdoor rooms can be simple shade structures where one can peacefully sit and read a book. Some cabanas and granny flats are usually larger and may incorporate a luxurious bathroom with toilet, shower, bath and basin amenities, as well as kitchenette facilities including fridges, barbecues, stove, cupboards and sinks. There could be day beds for relaxation and tables and chairs for entertaining.

Cabanas, granny flats and outdoor rooms are often more useable when architecturally designed rather than purchased in kit form. Generally kit forms are simpler and do not lend themselves to incorporating additional facilities as they provide less scope for customisation and personalisation.

Individually designed products do not cost much more than those in kit form and can be specified to your requirements. The final design will be a mix of the practical and the decorative. For instance, you may want to complement and design the structure in the same style as your home. Or you may choose to have some fun and create a tropical-style resort for a place to relax and escape the pressures of daily life.

According to John Storch, there is no ideal size for an outdoor room; it really depends on what inclusions you want and where it will be positioned. On the other hand, cabanas that are designed as a single structure to incorporate a kitchenette or barbecue for entertaining should generally not be smaller than approximately 4000mm x 5000mm and should generally not exceed 5000mm x 8000mm. These dimensions are based on comfortable architectural design measurements for a single room such as a lounge or living room. Bathrooms and change rooms should be in addition to these sizes. Granny flats can range from these sizes upwards depending on the number of rooms desired.

Location, location

An important consideration is where the cabana, granny flat or outdoor room will be positioned. As with any structure, it is important that it does not dominate the space. The internal ceiling height of the structure is also important; it should be high enough so that it appears roomy, but low enough so that it feels comfortable inside. Cathedral ceilings work well in cabanas and granny flats, allowing adequate height for fans and heaters and are typically cooler in summer, allowing heat to rise and escape through vents.

Likewise, the openings are very important. A single opening door and waist-high windows may keep draughts out in winter and allow more scope for furnishing layouts (great for granny flats). If the door is concertinaed or sliding across one whole side of the cabana, this doubles the usable entertaining space and provides a very cohesive appearance. Outdoor rooms do not have doors and are best integrated within the entertaining space.

One of the best ways to integrate spaces is through the use of colours and materials. Walling, roofing and flooring materials can all match and similar paint colours can be incorporated to visually link all components. The same flooring used in the home can be employed in the cabana or granny flat, and a similar product or colour could be used in the outdoor room and around the poolside areas. Timber and travertine have a soft feel underfoot and are great for flooring, as is non-slip sandstone. These can all be used as benchtops on barbecues or kitchenettes to tie the areas together.

Food for thought

So just how close to the pool should your cabana, granny flat or outdoor room be? Do you want to maximise sun exposure? Should the cabana extend over the pool and incorporate a wet bar? Do you incorporate bar windows or kitchen server windows for alfresco entertaining, partitions for changing and an outdoor shower? You’ll also need to think about the seasons when the pool is not in use.

Do you insulate and construct the cabana so that in winter it can be closed up and utilised as a snooker room or a home entertainment room that can double as a granny flat, an extra bedroom for visitors or a study? Should the roof of the structure incorporate solar panels for pool and kitchen water heating or louvred vents so that the cabana or outdoor room is designed as an open structure? All these decisions will affect your design choices.

John emphasises two important design considerations. First, always incorporate easily accessible concealed storage space and when designing your structure, double the size that you think you will need for storage. Second, any structure near the pool must be kept away from the filter. “Building a cabana or granny flat is not cheap. It should be used for entertaining and fun so don’t waste it on noisy pool equipment,” he advises.

As with swimming pools, you will most likely need approval to construct a cabana, granny flat or outdoor room. Be sure to check local authority requirements and engage a professional who specialises in this area and can prepare a design integrating all components and can obtain the necessary approvals.

Whether you’re after a cabana, granny flat or outdoor room, one thing is certain: the boundaries between our outdoor and indoor areas will continue to merge as properties continue to shrink and we try to get more value and use out of our homes.

Eight tips to remember:

1. Before commencing the design of your structure, always check council requirements such as permissable heights, sizes and setbacks and other local authorities such as sewer and electrical providers.
2. Always check property titles to ensure yours is not encumbered with covenants such as restrictions that may mean you cannot build within certain areas of the property. Always check legal surveys to ensure no easements exist on the property, such as drainage easements which are not allowed to be built over.
3. Investigate all underground services (contact Dial Before You Dig). Check carefully pool safety fencing regulations. They have just changed, are about to change again and what you want may not be feasible.
4. Look through magazines, keep copies of things you want to incorporate in
the design and a list of things that must be incorporated. Rarely will they be the same!
5. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, employ a company experienced in this area to help. Spend the money — it’s worth getting it right the first time!
6. Always wait for the design, products and inclusions you want — don’t settle for second best. In the long term you will have no regrets.
7. Never have the cabana, granny flat, outdoor room or pool designed in isolation. Even if you are only looking at a pool this summer, engage someone who will look at your project holistically so that everything is considered.
8. Ultimately, have fun with the design. Remember that you are the one that will use it. If you want fluorescent furnishings, plastic plants, a dinosaur
on the 18th green and a log cabin, go for it.

Originally from Poolside Showcase, Volume 24

The post Cabanas: A fusion of space appeared first on Completehome.