Porebski Architects, Beach House 2. When the sliding doors are open and hidden in the wall cavities the house is open from the courtyard to the beach. The central courtyard provides a wind protected sun haven that is very private form the beach and street. Photo: Conor Quinn

Photos by Katrine Mardini

subtropical contemporary courtyards Perth Australian photos Peta North

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. Sunken Jacuzzi set in limestone paving.

Jenny Bloom Garden Design

A Japanese inspired courtyard with bespoke water feature.

UN PASILLO LATERAL RECONVERTIDO EN SALÓN EXTERIOR En este proyecto de salón exterior, la parcela presentaba una configuración clásica en ELE de chalet pareado. Las calidades son bonitas y el aplacado en piedra junto con el hormigón de los forjados nos daban la posibilidad de contrastar con la calidez de la madera, el acero corten y el tono oscuro de las gravas que nos gustan. El corredor lateral no invitaba al uso, pero tenía dimensión suficiente para crear una habitación exterior resguardada del calor intenso de la tarde, disfrutando de una orientación casi norte. En España en general, pero en las zonas continentales aún más, es crucial disponer de varias orientaciones en el jardín para maximizar el uso durante el año. La zona principal del jardín, a la salida del salón, está más expuesta al sol de la tarde, con lo que la hemos reservado más para la vida nocturna y los días invernales. Para competir con la valla de simple torsión hemos plantado un seto de photinia que crece a una velocidad considerable y no presenta enfermedades, aportando además variedad de colores verdes y rojizos que nos encantan en la paleta de color del jardín. Hemos conseguido desviar la atención desde los tres metros de altura de la valla al suelo, gracias a los parterres y la celosía lateral, con lo que la espera hasta que los setos alcancen la altura de la valla se hace más agradable.

We installed LED rope lights under the conservatory step and across to the mural. Gentle, warm lighting making a small area feel nice and cosy.

The lower area of the courtyard brings a spacious feel with detailed planters surrounding the courtyard. Pleached Hornbeam stand above the wall height whilst Cedar cladding and Bath stone complete the space.

Sunken courtyard

Ziel war es eine Gartenanlage zu schaffen, in der Schwangere vor und nach der Geburt Ruhe und Gelassenheit finden. Entstanden ist eine harmonische Gartenanlage die beruhigt und das Wunder der Geburt begleitet.

This walled Woollahra courtyard garden was built as an entry to a recently renovated house but also as a private relaxation space. Through a laser cut corten steel entry gate you get glimpses of a private oasis beyond. Its rich warm brown colour is perfectly matched with the new spotted gum decking on the porch and the feature downlight by the front door. Soft gravel and steeping stones outside and through the gate draw the visitor in adding a soft and organic feel. Three steps lead to a generous deck wrapping around a corner to reveal more space for entertaining and an outdoor lounge. Planted here is some Boston ivy that will grow up the wall and further green up the space creating a seasonal element with its autumn leaves. An eclectic and varied planting palette of different leaf shapes and colours creates texture and stands out against the white walls. Plants were also chosen for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements. Two Olives planted within the gravel provide a light canopy and a frangipani near the lounge will be great to sit under as it grows taller over the years. The resulting garden is not only a lovely entry for the residents and their visitors but also a spot where they can sit and relax.

all rights reserved to photographer Diana Lapin

Front south facing private courtyard to kitchen - paving detail. Landscape design: Dermot Foley Landscape architects Photo: Paul Tierney Photography