Positioning the home as a conduit for family and togetherness, Gathering House is expanded to facilitate an open and engaging residential experience, melding both old and new within the one generous site. Taking references from the existing formal silhouette and materiality already in place, the focus became on extruding the original form while imbedding new principles of increased scale and openness throughout. Binding the interior to the larger landscape was also key, driving clear visual connections between inside and out and allowing the functions of the home to spill out into dedicated outdoor entertaining areas. The home celebrates coming together, dotted with moments of compression and release to align with varying levels of passive or active animation, retaining the familiar intimacy of home.

Dartmouth House

Shane Marsh Architects

Noosa Retreat

Fluid Design

House Design - Chris Halliday Void Building Design Construction - SX Constructions Photos - Brock Beasley

Pear Tree House

Glasshouse Projects

Custom Coastal Luxe Home Build

BCD Building Pty Ltd

Creekbridge

Daniela Fulford Photography

Bella Vista

Opening Roof Specialists

This Bella Vista pergola area adds a new dimension to the home. Sitting conveniently next to the in-ground pool, it is furnished with comfortable outdoor lounge seating, 10-seat dining table, and a woodfire pizza oven. Opening Roof Specialists gave special attention to all the finishing touches. The natural pergola colour scheme is matched to its surroundings, making it a calming and harmonious space to be in. Complete with LED lights, ceiling fan, and motorised opening louvres, entertaining guests by the poolside has never been more luxurious!

BPC Architecture + Interior Design

Outdoor Kitchen Project, Orchard House

Humphrey Munson

Hand-crafted using traditional joinery techniques, this outdoor kitchen is made from hard-wearing Iroko wood and finished with stainless steel hardware ensuring the longevity of this Markham cabinetry. With a classic contemporary design that suits the modern, manicured style of the country garden, this outdoor kitchen has the balance of simplicity, scale and proportion that H|M is known for. Using an L-shape configuration set within a custom designed permanent timber gazebo, this outdoor kitchen is cleverly zoned to include all of the key spaces required in an indoor kitchen for food prep, grilling and clearing away. On the right-hand side of the kitchen is the cooking run featuring the mighty 107cm Wolf outdoor gas grill. Already internationally established as an industrial heavyweight in the luxury range cooker market, Wolf have taken outdoor cooking to the next level with this behemoth of a barbeque. Designed and built to stand the test of time and exponentially more accurate than a standard barbeque, the Wolf outdoor gas grill also comes with a sear zone and infrared rotisserie spit as standard. To assist with food prep, positioned underneath the counter to the left of the Wolf outdoor grill is a pull-out bin with separate compartments for food waste and recycling. Additional storage to the right is utilised for storing the LPG gas canister ensuring the overall look and feel of the outdoor kitchen is free from clutter and from a practical point of view, protected from the elements. Just like the indoor kitchen, the key to a successful outdoor kitchen design is the zoning of the space – think about all the usual things like food prep, cooking and clearing away and make provision for those activities accordingly. In terms of the actual positioning of the kitchen think about the sun and where it is during the afternoons and early evening which will be the time this outdoor kitchen is most in use. A timber gazebo will provide shelter from the direct sunlight and protection from the elements during the winter months. Stone flooring that can withstand a few spills here and there is essential, and always incorporate a seating area than can be scaled up or down according to your entertaining needs. Photo Credit - Paul Craig

Ranch House

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Fire Features

Markham Landscape Products, Inc.

Rustic Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit with custom caps.

Rembrandt Residence

LaCantina Doors

Design: Abodwell Interior Design | Photographer: Dennis Owen — in Laguna Beach, CA.

Backyard Paradise

Morgan Howarth Photography

Maryland Landscaping, Twilight, Pool, Pavillion, Pergola, Spa, Whirlpool, Outdoor Kitchen, Front steps by Wheats Landscaping

Modern Living in Florida

Pineapple House Interior Design

The open-air kitchen has a spectacular blue and white, hand blocked tile backsplash and quartzite countertops. Integrated, remote-controlled bug screens make it so the outdoor rooms can be enjoyed without pests.

Look Book

Four Hands

Reforma integral de vivienda unifamiliar en Jesús Pobre - Denia - Alicante

HoffmannWehr Architecture - Interior Design

A Coordination of Inlays

Outdoor Dreams

Lancaster area paver patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

Blue Patio Design Ideas

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!