Featuring trickling water, soft lighting and lush foliage, this relaxed, contemporary garden in Perth’s north soothes the senses.
The trend for outdoor gardens is shifting away from vast open-plan designs and moving towards multiple zones, where
residents can relax, entertain and play. Outside In was delighted when approached to design a modern garden for this Ocean Reef home, and excited to take on the challenge.
The style of the garden was to be contemporary and relaxed, with an atmospheric colour scheme complemented by lighting.
Outside In’s owner Denise Staffa project managed the garden from the beginning through to completion, working closely with the client and contractors. This included 5 Star Pools, and Screenstyles WA for the decking.
Denise faced many design challenges, including the levels out the front of the property, and trying to create a large enough area for the client’s children to play soccer.
The level issues continued around the pool area, as it was lower than the residence in one area and the same level in another. One solution was designing steps on one end of the pool to make usable space, along with constructing in-built honed concrete seating with timber inlays.
As the back area could only be accessed by going over the top of the swimming pool, timing was important for moving materials out the back, as well as planning the sequence of works. The design included a spill-out area from the existing alfresco, established with a barbecue and outdoor bar zone, subtly defined by a feature strip of different colour exposed aggregate. This
overlooks the below-ground pool, which is bordered by frameless glass pool fencing.
A koi pond with a wooden decked walkway contributes to the tranquillity of the design, and is surrounded by low foliage plants and giant bromeliad in feature bowls. Soft screening along the rear fence line will eventually cover the cream colourbond fence,
and create a lush backdrop to the pool. The ‘rush screen’ in the garden was also a product of Outside In. Shore juniper will eventually sweep over a limestone wall towards the back of the yard.