This captivating Mediterranean-style pavilion is built for all-weather entertaining
The stone-clad walls and the rough-hewn timber pergola have a wonderfully rustic feel about them, evoking tantalising reminiscences of rambling Mediterranean villas yet the cushion-clad in-built seating, modern outdoor fireplace and barbecue speak of a very contemporary Australian lifestyle.
Constructed by The Garden Company to a design by Rick Eckersley from Eckersley Stafford Design, the brief was to create a comfortable yet chic place to entertain or relax, no matter the weather.
All-weather entertaining is provided in the form of a stunning covered pavilion boasting a French terracotta roof. The ambience within is warm and inviting thanks to the combination of colours, materials and special inclusions, in particular, the cosy fireplace.
To give the entertaining pavilion the required earthy charm, The Garden Company installed Eco Concepts Clancy Ashlar stone veneer on the walls. For the area above the fireplace, Eco Concepts pebbles were applied, each cut in half.
To complement the highly evocative stone feature walling, The Garden Company laid 600mm x 300mm Eco Sygnet Sandstone pavers.
Despite the predominance of stone, there’s a certain softness to the overall look of the pavilion and the adjacent dining and cooking area. This is due, in part, to the timber beams of the pergola and the timber slat fencing. It can also be attributed to the planting, which gives the whole project an established look.
Selected for their drought tolerance and contrasting foliage, the plants include jacaranda, rosemary, grapes, yucca, canna lilly and echeveria. A water-wise drip-irrigation system was installed to keep the plants looking lush and healthy.
This is a landscape that holds many treasures, from the wall art to the decorative pot in the open courtyard area. It’s also a landscape that provides everything the modern family needs to entertain in style — from the in-built barbecue to the bench seating in the pavilion — without losing any of its traditional rustic appeal.
THE GARDEN COMPANY
Tel: (03) 9425 9242
Fax: (03) 9425 9959
Mobile: 0400 742 004
Email: john@gco.com.au
Website: www.thegardencompany.com.au
Photography by Patrick Redmond
