Edmund Studios Photography. A pass-through window makes serving from the kitchen to the deck easy.

Deck off of the great room with heaters tv's and amazing views. BBQ and dual beer keg with sunset bar.

Outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ, sink, stainless steel cabinetry, and patio heaters. Design by: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com Built by: Crescent Builds Photos by: Julie Mannell Photography

Creating a clear contrast between work and home environments is always ideal, but it’s almost essential for those who live in urban areas. The pleasant suburb Westmere is close to many of Auckland’s major attractions - from the city centre to Auckland Zoo. While practical and close to both work and play, living so close to a city centre can produce the need for a home that provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle. When Zones landscaping specialist Kate Ryan was contacted by a Westmere family with some exciting landscaping ideas, she used the Zones bespoke design and build process to help them create an outdoor living space that meets their lifestyle needs. Homeowner Matt and his family were interested in creating an outdoor living area that would lead out from their interior living space. It needed to be a space that they would gravitate toward regardless of the season. “The back area was under utilised with a hard concrete pad that wasn’t big enough to sit on or pleasant to look at, and a lawn that didn’t grow well due to the lower position”, explains Kate. “The clients wanted the area to look smart and modern, and for it to link with their house. Creating a space that they would be able to use all year around was a priority.” Kate presented her customers with a design that cohesively featured their ideas. She then worked with them to perfect this design to their specifications. “The process was very client orientated - we worked on the finer details of everything”, tells Kate. “There were meetings making out the space and taking the time to get the proportions right. The design encompassed a new outdoor living area with a large concrete fire, louvre roof, new decking, spa area and artificial turf.” Once the homeowners were happy with the finer details of the design and the related costs, Kate and her team began the construction and installation process. Accessing the site proved challenging, as the landscape is closely surrounded by other houses. “The access was difficult and getting the thick concrete pad out was very challenging and costly”, says Kate. “I found a decking supplier that could fix timber onto the concrete with special fixings so it could be flush with the house floor height. This saved the client money on the excavation and disposal. We still took part of the concrete out to make the lawn area bigger and get the proportions of the decking, louvre roof and lawn looking great.” Every stylistic choice reflected Kate’s customers’ goal to be able to have an enjoyable outdoor area that is functional no matter the weather. Team Turf supplied the artificial turf, which allows the homeowners to live in a mud-free zone throughout the winter. It also provides an easy maintenance solution in comparison to their original lawn. Vitex decking, from HiDeck, now offers an aesthetic contrast between the open and covered areas, while the Eclipse louvre roof allows sunlight to stream through in the summer while providing sealed coverage in the winter. The outdoor fireplace and spa area were the final touches, creating some winter warmth. “Kate was very efficient in coordinating all of the tradies”, tells homeowner Matt. “She had a very good bunch of people working on the project and it all went very smoothly. The Zones project management process was pretty much as I expected. It was quick, efficient and everything was on budget. Kate listened to my ideas, which were ever changing of course. It took the responsibility away from me, which was what I wanted.” Kate and her customers enjoyed champagne by the roaring fire to celebrate the completed result. Kate says working with her customers was great and that, together, they achieved “such a good result!” “It’s all come together really well,’’ agrees Matt. “I would have to say my favourite features are the Louvre and the fireplace. The louvre guys have been really good to work with. All of the suppliers were very accommodating and helped us through some tricky little problems. We’re very impressed!”

The rear lanai was updated to include a custom outdoor kitchen, with granite countertops, encaustic tile backsplash, stainless steel grill & hood, mini fridge, undermount sink, and stainless steel storage doors. The lanai has ample room for dining and lounging seating areas and opens onto the open air pool and back yard. Perfect for Game Day entertaining by the pool.

Photo: Studio Zerbey Architecture

This project is a huge gable style patio cover with covered deck and aluminum railing with glass and cable on the stairs. The Patio cover is equipped with electric heaters, tv, ceiling fan, skylights, fire table, patio furniture, and sound system. The decking is a composite material from Timbertech and had hidden fasteners.

Photo by Casey Woods

Natural Cleft Bluestone random pattern patio & walkway, LED mood lighting, landscape design & construction, masonry fire pit, seating wall and planter using cultured stone veneer, new composite deck installed wit water proofed understory, Bluestone steps, drainage installation, outdoor TV, cultured stone veneer on foundation walls of house

This stunning ceiling is a clear, smooth cedar with a natural finish. That finish was chosen to highlight the natural color variation in the cedar. The ceiling was framed to allow for the change in directions of the ceiling finish. The center was vaulted for the placement of an impressive chandelier and some indirect lighting. The vaulted area is finished with decorative tin.

Nulook Homes

Outdoor grilling station. Photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com

Large trex deck off of the kitchen and dining room has a large covered BBQ area and raised counter top seating. Built in cabinets with two mini fridges. Large dining area and sitting areas.

Heatstrip USA Heatstrip electric radiant outdoor heaters are a premium range of heaters suitable for luxury homes and commercial venues. Heatstrip heaters are a slimline, high intensity electric heater without the red glow from traditional gas or electric heaters. With their subtle elegant styling they blend into your decor. Heatstrip have been installed in restaurants, casinos, bars and pubs.