Creekbridge

Daniela Fulford Photography

Woollahra Terrace

Legend Design Studio

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ABBOTT - Renovation

Big House Little House

Keon House

Demardi.

Brighton Whyte House

Minett Studio Architecture and Design

Hanby St Brighton redefines luxury, craft, and clever space planning that can contribute to an efficient and streamlined lifestyle. Having a family of three teenage children and a busy social and working calender, the house was designed for efficiency. Carefully considered boot rooms and back-of-house areas mean that the beautiful home runs like a well-oiled machine. Everything has been carefully detailed and storage solutions maximized with places for school bags and blazer drop off, sports equipment storage for each school day, and after-school activity. An impressive Laundry with two washing machines and two dryers and a drying cupboard and a laundry chute. Spacious Butlers Pantry with small appliances bench and coffee and tea making station, so the Kitchen remains clutter-free and glamorous. This couple really knows quality and craft and each meticulous detail has been artfully designed to enhance the homes feeling of prestige and comfort. Lighting has been carefully designed to allow task, ambient, and mood settings. The alfresco space is connected by oversized sliders, creating an inside, outside connection that responds to Melbourne's inclement weather with outdoor fireplaces, outdoor heating, and significantly undercover. This ensures the outdoor entertaining spaces can be enjoyed year-round. The exterior pool house and basketball court provide another refuge for teenagers and friends, separate but connected for security and peace and mind.

Fitzroy

Doherty Building Group

2021 Bronze Award, Large Size Design - Fluid Design

LDI (Landscape Design Institute)

Outdoor Kitchens - Fullarton

Weber Barbecues Australia

Warton Residence

Cast Studio

Photography: Acorn Photography - Rob Frith Media Styling: Jo Carmichael Interiors

Lane Cove

red blue architecture + design

Attadale Project

Western Cabinets

Gymea Bay

Opening Roof Specialists

Contemporary Home, Fortitude Valley

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Gathering House

Sandbox Studio®

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.

Contemporary 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, contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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!