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jeremystrele · 3 years

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A Modernist Front Garden On Sydney’s North Shore

Gardens

Richard Unsworth

Mid-Century Modern is a project by designers Garden Life, co-founded by Richard Unsworth. Photo – Nicholas Watt

The front garden of the 1960s bungalow was previously a lawn, a driveway and not much else. Photo – Nicholas Watt

As well as living in a mid-century house and suburb, the client was heavily drawn towards Palm Springs architecture and LA design. Photo – Nicholas Watt

Ceramic tiles were replaced with crazy-pave sandstone also used on the garden path. Photo – Nicholas Watt

The palette is a combination of striking, hard-edged foliage, mixed in with softer specimens, mounding and clumping forms, and a touch of Mediterranean influence. Photo – Nicholas Watt

The bold and vibrant planting makes an impact in the streetscape, yet doesn’t feel out of place. Photo – Nicholas Watt

Decomposed granite is effective in covering the soil around the planting, acting as a mulch and giving the arid feel of a hot and dry space. Photo – Nicholas Watt

Inspiration also came from time spent in Morocco and, in particular, the gardens in Marrakech. Photo – Nicholas Watt

Softer palms and grey foliage meet edgier cacti and succulents. Photo – Nicholas Watt

The driveway was essential and for practical purposes. Photo – Nicholas Watt

‘The City Gardener’ by Richard Unsworth, published by Thames & Hudson, is available now ($49.99). Right photo – Nicholas Watt

Without wanting to sound too judgemental, when we first saw this front garden, we could understand why our client had called us in. Sitting in front of the 1960s bungalow was a lawn, a driveway and not much else.

Castle Cove sits over the Harbour Bridge on the North Shore, 10 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD. Developed around the middle of last century, it’s very much a modern family suburb, with winding streets snaking out around the Middle Harbour area and lots of water views if you live on the right side of the street. It’s not exactly what you would call inner-city living, but it is still only a 15-minute drive into town.

As well as living in a mid-century house and suburb, our client is heavily drawn towards Palm Springs architecture and LA design, so right from the start this was our direction. This brief excited us, as I have always loved the strong structure of architectural planting, and we could see the possibilities for renewal right from the start.

In terms of structure, changing architectural details helped cement a more mid-century vibe. Narrow columns supporting the front of house were removed and more substantial pillars clad in sandstone were installed in their place. Ceramic tiles were replaced with crazy-pave sandstone, flowing around the front landing and tying it all together.

The same stone was used for the garden path connecting to the front door and the newly widened and resurfaced driveway. There was no reason for any lawn to remain, but the driveway was essential and for practical purposes needed widening once the parking overflow lawn was removed.

Given that the existing architecture wasn’t pure mid-century modern, I wanted to see a fuller garden rather than a minimalistic scheme. My inspiration came not predominantly from Palm Springs, but from time spent in Morocco and, in particular, the gardens in Marrakech. I love the combination of softer palms and grey foliage with edgier cacti and succulents.

We had fun developing the planting scheme for this project. We wanted to anchor the front of the house with a few key specimens that suggest someplace else straight away. The palette is a combination of striking, hard-edged foliage, mixed in with softer specimens, mounding and clumping forms, and a touch of Mediterranean influence. Advanced dwarf date palms combined with towering specimens of candelabra tree create a strong contrast with each other and form the main planting structure. Around the base of these are combinations of copper spoons, panda plant, twin flower agave, chalksticks and mounds of natal plum. Advanced olive trees add a softer accent and blend effortlessly with the stronger architectural forms.

The garden sits on the south side of the house, so the areas up close to the dwelling receive little direct sun in winter. This was not a huge issue, but planting needed to be adaptable and handle this winter shade, yet still give the look we wanted. A mass of ubiquitous snake plant sits well here and copes perfectly. Decomposed granite is effective in covering the soil around the planting, acting as a mulch and giving us the arid feel of a hot and dry space. A second group of candelabra trees against the white garage wall is thriving in this south-facing position. Repeated succulents continue the arid theme around the side of the garage, and a mass of Indian hawthorn defines the front boundary to the street.

As well as completely transforming the house, I love how the bold and vibrant planting makes an impact in the streetscape, yet it doesn’t feel out of place. The garden has transformed the house frontage and each time we are there for garden maintenance, we usually have a neighbour passing by commenting on its metamorphosis.

It has also been a joy to watch the garden mature. Apart from the palms, most of the planting was small when it went in, and I love that surprise when I see the plants responding and growing into their new home.

This is an edited extract from ‘The City Gardener’ by Richard Unsworth, with photography by Nicholas Watt, published by Thames & Hudson, available now ($49.99)

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sanctuaryforascrivener · 6 years

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A Question of Freedom

Word Count: ~3k Summary: Freedom is harder to accept than it has any right to be. A late-night conversation with someone who knows what you’ve been through can help. Inspiration taken from bits and pieces I’ve inhaled of this fandom over the last couple of weeks. Unbeta’ed once again, constructive criticism is welcome.

Though the days still held the heat of late summer, they were slowly shortening as the night winds brought the first chills down from the north. The old Virginia creeper over the southern wall of Redwall Abbey had long since caught the fire of autumn, the orange and flame-bright red a sharp contrast to the dusky rose of the sandstones. Within the walls, the orchards lay sheltered, their trees laden with apples, damsons, pears, and bright leaves. Harvest would begin soon, as the industrious creatures who called the Abbey home reaped their rightful reward.

At the moment, however, those same industrious creatures were taking their well-deserved rest, secure in the knowledge that those who had been lost and those who had travelled far had returned home safe and sound, and that peace and safety were once again the order of the day. The windows were dark, even the most restless having blown out their candles and put aside their occupations for the morrow. The only illumination came from the crescent moon and the myriad of stars above.

The stillness was broken by a near-silent scrape of metal on stone. One of the dormitory windows opened, inch by careful inch, until a young squirrel was able to slide herself through the gap. She scrambled down the old stone without trouble, and set off across the lawn. She was a ragged looking creature, thin and hollow cheeked, with worn patches throughout her dusty brown fur. Once out of the building, though, she didn’t seem to decide where to go, and wandered aimlessly—first towards the main gate, then over towards the orchard and the strawberry patch, then the flower gardens. As she rounded the corner of the building, though, she froze and darted back.

A mouse was sitting on the shore of the abbey pond, leaning back on his paws with his face pointing at the sky. Simply clad in the green habit and brown sandals of the order, he looked perfectly serene as he gazed at the moon, but the squirrelmaid knew that if she had been seen, she would be sent straight back to bed. Nobeast was meant to be up and about at this late hour, as the twin bells had long since tolled midnight. As he hadn’t said anything, though, perhaps she had gone unnoticed—

“Come sit with me, young one,” a voice called across the night, too soft to disturb the stillness.

The squirrelmaid cursed quietly under her breath, but slunk out from behind the wall, crossing obediently to crouch next to the mouse. Her ears were back and she glared at the ground, braced for another lecture about rules.

Sensing her thoughts, the mouse chuckled. “I’m not going to lecture you or send you back to bed,” he said, good humor lacing his words. “You fought hard for the sky. I wouldn’t dream of taking it from you.”

The squirrelmaid shot the mouse a sharp, searching look, but she settled to sit with him on the edge of the pond, tilting her head up to look at the moon as well. The autumn night was clear and crisp, and the stars were scattered across the velvety dark blue with the carelessness of a spray of water droplets. She looked back down quickly, blinking tears from her eyes at the sheer immensity. To distract herself, she returned her attention to her companion, only to find him watching her with a sad understanding in his eyes, though a small smile still played about his whiskers. She recognized him, now—the one who had brought them all north, who had come for his son and welcomed them all to his family and home, the one called Matthias.

“It’s Elmkirk, isn’t it?” he said, and she nodded once. She was no more sure what to make of him now than she had been when she’d first met him, shattering the chains with one swing of that magnificent, terrifying sword. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“No,” Elmkirk said shortly, curling her paws into fists.

He didn’t comment on her rudeness, only nodded and looked back over the pond. “Aye, that’s understandable. It took half a season before I was comfortable bedding down indoors, let alone with a counterpane and mattress and proper pillow.”

Elmkirk blinked, and shifted, bringing her tail around to comb her claws through it, a child’s nervous habit. “Oh?”

“Mhm. It helped to have the window open, though with winter coming that might not be the best idea.”

“It’s too—” Elmkirk paused, not sure why she felt the need to confess her difficulties to Matthias. But there was just something about the mouse that, well… that made her feel safe. Elmkirk had to wonder if this was how she’d felt with her parents, before Slagar. “It’s too quiet. Back in Malkariss, we had to all pile together, because it was so cold in the caves. And we were so tired that it didn’t matter that you had an elbow in your stomach and paws in your face, you just slept. And here…”

“Here, you’re not too tired to dream,” Matthias said, and sighed.

Elmkirk gave another short, sharp nod. After several long minutes of silence, she asked, hesitant, “Then were you, too…?”

“Yes.” Quiet, no hesitation, no shame. “Yes, I was, though I was a season or two younger than you when I escaped. I had the sky and the sea I was born next to, though that hardly seemed a blessing at the time.”

“Did you kill ‘em?”

Again, that same, unyielding voice. “Yes. And though I lost much in the act, even then I knew I would do it again given the choice. Maybe differently, less recklessly, but I have never regretted slaying the tyrant.”

Elmkirk narrowed her eyes and shot a glance to the mouse. “But if that’s the case, then why were you so shocked down in the pits?” The mouse tilted his head to one side, confusion clear on his face. “When we killed Malkariss. You didn’t object, but it wasn’t hard to tell you were horrified. But he deserved it!” she burst out suddenly, on her feet. “He did! The Evil One, the disease ridden cur! At his word we were taken from our families, at his word we were beaten, we were starved, we were forced to build--all for his glory, his exultation! We were taken from our plains, from our mountains, from our forests, from our sky, all at his whim! Fuel for the fire of a mad, pointless vision!” She broke off and buried her face in the crook of her arm, hot, angry tears stinging her eyes.

The mouse had followed her to her feet, standing beside her and listening to her rant with unending patience. “Matthias has been a freebeast all his life,” he said. “He cannot understand the righteous fury of a slave finally given the opportunity to rise up. He saw children stone a living creature to death, and one frail and old at that. Justice though it was, to one who has never been made to feel less than he is, it seemed only like cold blooded murder. Matthias has a good and noble heart, but he has never endured the ignominy of slavery, of the chains, of the lash, of going hungry while you watch your master feast. He knows of the evils of slavery, yes. He is not naive. But he cannot understand. Seasons willing, he never will.”

“I wish I didn’t!”

“As does any beast who has endured it,” the mouse said. “But you do understand.” He watched her a moment, as she clenched and unclenched her paws, struggling to bring her emotions back under control. “You are angry,” he said at last, and Elmkirk snorted at the obvious statement. He smiled briefly, grimly. “That’s good. Anger can give a creature drive, determination. But you must focus and temper that anger, or else it will consume you.”

“How?” Elmkirk snapped. Malkariss was dead, the slave drivers were dead, the city lost beneath stone and rubble and there it would stay. There wasn’t anything to focus her anger upon, and yet she still burned with it.

“That is the hardest question, and one I cannot answer,” the mouse said. He shrugged. “I know of a hedgehog who had never tilled the earth before being captured by slavers and forced to farm. He kept a garden after he was freed, because he liked the act of it, and that as a freebeast he could choose what to grow, where to grow it, and had the right to keep all his produce. After six seasons in a pirate galley, an otter could never bring herself to see the ocean again, could barely stand streams. But she learned all she could of healing, because she did not wish to see another creature suffer as she had. A dormouse joined a group of travelling minstrels because after a lifetime of sorrow he found a love for bringing joy to others.”

“How is that angry? Gardening and healing and laughing, that just sounds stupid!”

“That’s the trick of it. You accept the anger inside you, and you use it to change the world around you. That is what I mean by tempering it.” He folded his hands into his sleeves, watching to see if she understood.

“What did you do?” It was a challenge, but the mouse didn’t rise to it, only smiled wistfully.

“It took me seasons to understand. I nearly let the anger consume me, and it was only the grace and guidance of those around me that enabled me to escape that fate. I decided that I would never again see those under my protection be ground under the heel of a tyrant. No more. And I helped to build a family and a home for anyone who would want it. Eventually, I found peace.” He shrugged, and gave Elmkirk a piercing look. “So, Elmkirk. What will you do now, with your understanding and your freedom?”

It was a challenge of his own. Elmkirk swallowed, and traced patterns with one footpaw in the grass. “I don’t… I don’t know,” she admitted finally. “I mean, I have to stay here.”

The mouse smiled again, and gestured to the winding dirt path through the orchard. “Come, I want to show you something.”

The pair walked slowly down the path, no words passing between them. In time, they came out of the orchard and back into the open, crossing the lawn to a small wicker gate set deep into the eastern wall of the building. The mouse nodded towards the gate. “Where is the lock?”

Nonplussed, Elmkirk shrugged. “On the inside?”

“Yes, it is. And in Malkariss, where were they?”

“On the doors and the chains,” she grumbled, not seeing the point of this questioning.

The mouse laughed softly. “Cheek,” he said, though not without affection. “But they were on the outside, weren’t they? Where you couldn’t reach them, couldn’t unlock them?”

“Yes…”

The mouse shrugged, and crossed to the steps leading to the top of the wall. He sat on one of them, resting his chin in his paws and watching the young squirrel. “Listen to me. You’re angry. That’s as it should be. No beast should endure what you have had to. You hear the elders here tell you you’re safe, that you’ll never know want or cold or abuse again, but you also hear them tell you the rules, assign you chores, lock the gates at night and scold you for misbehavior, and you wonder if you’ve really escaped slavery after all, or if this is only one big trick. Or, if the beasts here don’t turn on you, if you’ll wake and be back in the mines of Malkariss, where the sky is a distant memory and a full belly a hopeless dream.”

Elmkirk stood rooted to the spot. It was as if the mouse was speaking her most secret thoughts, things she hadn’t even let herself fully think. The ghost of a smile flicked across the mouse’s face, and he nodded.

“You’ve been unsafe for so long that it’s hard to believe otherwise, let alone that you’re welcome, or even wanted,” he said quietly, gray eyes distant. “Believe me, I know. But I can promise you that not a single creature here wishes you harm, and that every single one of them would die before allowing you to be enslaved again. We may be a peaceful order, but true peace can only be protected through strength. Those that forget our strength, that threaten our peace and our freedom do so at their peril. Do you understand?”

Elmkirk swallowed hard. “I think so, sir. But that doesn’t explain why you were asking me about locks.”

The mouse nodded approval of the question. “You will always find a warm welcome here, Elmkirk, and you will always be wanted. Every creature living within these walls contributes to Redwall, and you would be missed should you choose to leave. But the gates of Redwall will always be open for you—from either side of the walls. The locks are on the inside, Elmkirk. Should you wish to leave, should you decide that your path splits from ours, not a creature here would stop you from walking out those gates. They would only offer supplies and a helping hand upon your way, and sincere wishes for you to return. Whether you decide to leave tomorrow morning or in ten seasons’ time.”

“You mean—you mean I could go?” Elmkirk demanded. She hadn’t had a family to return to, after Malkariss. Not one she remembered. She hadn’t really decided to come here, either, it had simply been assumed she would, and she hadn’t contested it. “Just leave?”

“Yes,” the mouse agreed. “You could. You could go anywhere, do anything.”

Possibilities sparked in Elmkirk’s mind. She could go. Could wander further north along the path, or follow it south into different lands. Maybe see the sea, or the mountains—she’d heard of the mountains before, from another squirrel out of the north. Proper, rocky mountains, not like the high cliff she’d been dragged up by Slagar. She could travel along the rivers, or just live in the forest, among the trees. Mouth working silently, she looked again at the mouse, overwhelmed by gratitude for the sheer possibility he’d just revealed to her.

“You’re free, Elmkirk,” he said, another smile creeping over his face. “You’re free, beholden to no beast. Not even us.”

Elmkirk sat down hard on the grass, head spinning. “I’m free,” she whispered again, then giggled. “I’m free.”

The mouse laughed as well. “Yes, you are. But I’d recommend at least staying here through the winter. Travelling alone through snow isn’t the most fun, trust me. And should you decide to wander come spring, you ought to know that however far you go, however long you are gone, Redwall Abbey will always give you a warm welcome should you decide to return. You have a home, should you want it.”

Still reeling, Elmkirk struggled to speak for several seconds. “Who are you?” she finally demanded. “You’re not Matthias, but I don’t know who you are.”

The mouse laughed, more loudly and freely than he had yet. “Now there’s a problem I never expected to run into,” he said when he’d regained control of himself. “Most of the time, he’s mistaken for me rather than the other way around. I think I’m flattered.” There was a twinkle in his gray eyes now as he watched the squirrelmaid. “My name’s Martin. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elmkirk.”

“Are you two brothers, then?” she persisted. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around the abbey.”

“You could think of us as brothers, I suppose,” Martin said, still grinning. “Though I’m much older than young Matthias. We’ve been told we look quite similar.” Elmkirk scowled, sensing she was missing something but not able to put her paw on what. Before she could speak to ask another question, Martin stood and walked back down the steps to join her on the grass. “Unfortunately, it’s long past time you slept. If you can’t in the bed, I always had more luck pulling the blankets off and making a nest in the corner. And,” he added, as he started back towards the abbey with Elmkirk trailing behind him, “I would be shocked if some of the others weren’t having similar problems sleeping. You might not need the warmth anymore, but sleeping with other creatures can offer comfort, too, when you trust them to watch your back.”

They paused beneath the window Elmkirk had climbed out of, and Martin nodded his head towards the wall. “You won’t have too much trouble getting up?”

“No,” Elmkirk muttered. “Besides, it’s either this or the door, and I don’t want Constance to catch me out.”

“Oh, yes, badger mums can be quite strict when it comes to curfew,” Martin said with a wry smile. “Even when there’s a perfectly good reason to be out and about. Bella caught me sneaking back in one night and gave me a lecture blistering enough that it woke most of the abbey.”

Elmkirk snickered as she started up the wall. “Well, sir, I won’t tell you were out of bed if you don’t tell on me,” she said.

The mouse winked. “Deal,” he said, and raised one paw in farewell. “Oh, and Elmkirk?” The squirrelmaid paused, two-thirds up the wall. “If you ever need someone to listen, I’m always around.”

“Thank you, Martin,” she said, a faint smile stealing over her face as well—the first in what felt like seasons. She was over the windowsill with a flick of her tail and back in the dim dormitory hall, full of beds and still figures. She closed the window quietly as she could and sat on the edge of her bed, thinking.

“Hey,” she said at last in a loud whisper. No one flinched, but the absolute stillness gave the others away. She smiled again, broader this time, firmer. “Does anyone else want to sleep together?”

There was a beat of silence, then another, before a small mouse turned over and poked his nose over the blanket. “If you promise not to let your tail tickle my nose,” he said.

“Promise.”

There was a flurry of activity from the other beds, whispers and stifled giggles.

When Sister May creaked the door open the next morning to check on the newest additions to Redwall, she found every one of the freed slaves in a tangle of tails and paws and blankets in the middle of the floor, snoring happily.

#fic #Redwall #Martin the Warrior #original character #takes place right after Mattimeo #sort of messy sort of rambling #very unsure of the pacing and characterization

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irubel88 · 7 years

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Rainbow Beach Motel

The township at Rainbow Beach started like a service center towards the local sand mining industry. Conservation efforts famously stopped this within the mid 70s, tourism overtaking because the towns central industry there after. The city is really a gateway to many holiday destinations including Fraser Island, the Cooloolo portion of the Great Sandy National Park and Double Island point. 4wd enthusiasts possess a wonderful time in the region, and 4WD is the only method to access a few of the more secluded camping areas. The city and surrounds can also be of curiosity to ecologists.

999 people resided at Rainbow Beach once the 2006 census was taken. Retirees relocating to Rainbow Beach could be guaranteed visits in the family- it is simply too beautiful to step back. The federal government, neighborhood and developers continue to be attempting to negotiate methods to further get the huge tourism potential although protecting the stunning atmosphere. Families relocating to Rainbow Beach get access to a condition primary school, however the nearest high schools are in Gympie. Want to know more about the best Rainbow Beach Motel? Visit our website for more information.

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rajon9876 · 7 years

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Rainbow Beach Accommodation

Rainbow Beach is really a peaceful seaside community around the Queensland coast, about 240 kilometres north of Queensland, and 76 kilometres east of Gympie. The area is jaw droppingly beautiful, along with a photographer's dream. Greater than 20 kilometres of pristine beach sweeps a light arc round the Off-shore Coast, in the Coffee Rocks, as much as Inskip Point. From Inskip you are able to catch a barge to Fraser Island. The landscape is plant clad to the sand, and also at the southern finish, close to the township stand beaches namesakes- giant sandstone coves etched by some time and streaked using more than 70 different colours of sand.Aboriginal legend informs the way the coloured sands were produced when Yiningie, a defeated rainbow spirit collapsed after that fight science explains it as being rare nutrients, leached iron oxides and dyes in the native plant existence. For more information Rainbow Beach Accommodation, visit us today! The township at Rainbow Beach started like a service center towards the local sand mining industry. Conservation efforts famously stopped this within the mid 70s, tourism overtaking because the towns central industry there after. The city is really a gateway to many holiday destinations including Fraser Island, the Cooloolo portion of the Great Sandy National Park and Double Island point. 4wd enthusiasts possess a wonderful time in the region, and 4WD is the only method to access a few of the more secluded camping areas. The city and surrounds can also be of curiosity to ecologists. 999 people resided at Rainbow Beach once the 2006 census was taken. Retirees relocating to Rainbow Beach could be guaranteed visits in the family- it is simply too beautiful to step back. The federal government, neighborhood and developers continue to be attempting to negotiate methods to further get the huge tourism potential although protecting the stunning atmosphere. Families relocating to Rainbow Beach get access to a condition primary school, however the nearest high schools are in Gympie. Want to know more about the best Rainbow Beach Motel? Visit our website for more information.

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shepardhammer34 · 10 days

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9 Reasons to Use Stone Block For Driveway And Pathway Pavement

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patecostello54 · 1 year

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Benefits Of Using Sandstone Pavers For Paving Paths And Park Avenues

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patecostello54 · 1 year

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Purchase Sandstone Blocks For Constructing Beautiful Homes

Sandstone, a famous sedimentary rock includes feldspar and quartz grains. Since past number of centuries, sandstone has been used as a construction material because of its durability and strength. Besides having unique shades and inherent beauty, this stone looks attractive when used for building luxurious bungalows therefore many constructors prefer sandstone blocks for condos. Sandstone blocks that happen to be employed for construction are first crushed and broken into fine gravel like powdery substance. Thereafter it's combined with concrete to be able to manufacture ornamental bricks and round stones. These reconstituted bricks are useful for paving avenues also. Sandstone is a very common option for making stones because it is trendy and radiates an antique appearance. It is perfect for both commercial as well as residential structures. In addition to this, it is hard and resistant to corrosion, acid rains or harsh climatic conditions therefore most builders use sandstone blocks like a flagstone material for building patios, walls or tried on the extender in the tile like format for covering up garden grounds, bathroom floors and kitchen countertops. This material is resistant to slips and spills. Moreover, it is also used like a finishing material for other blocks because of its rough textures. Sandstone blocks might be modified and along with lots of other stones and materials for a number of applications. Unlike regular red bricks or concrete that happen to be monotonous, plain and lifeless, sandstone on the contrary also comes in numerous vibrant shades. This color variation basically is determined by the location that yields these rocks. Due to option of a lot of colors like yellow, red, brown, chocolate, orange, beige and cream these rocks are used for lining ceilings and walls. https://www.allstonecraft.com/ can use color coordinated sandstone tiles for decorating the walls of your sitting area and guest room. If you're thinking of purchasing modified or reconstituted sandstone blocks for your residence, you can get them from any local company that supplies building materials. Check out newspaper classifieds or browse through local telephone directories and online websites in order to find the most effective sandstone dealer or perhaps your city. Some vendors offer whole sandstone, crushed sandstone or small gravel like sandstone pebbles, depending upon customer requirements. Before purchasing sandstone blocks, you can also call your neighborhood recyclers as a way to find recycled sandstone which is extracted from demolition projects and leftover construction materials. Thus, you may get these blocks for half the marketplace rates!

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patecostello54 · 1 year

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Sandstone Tiles Cleaning Tips For Wall And Floor Tiles

Wall and ceramic tiles are contemporary as well as graceful construction materials which might be employed for concealing your monotonous concrete walls. They're either made of marble, travertine, limestone, slate or sandstone. Out of all these mentioned options, sandstone tiles are most frequently useful for home decoration. They are available in unique shades like gray, white, brown, yellow, red, tan and beige so you can co-ordinate their color while using color of your curtains and furniture to create a harmonious setting. Sandstone tiles are traditionally used for paving lounge, guest room or office walls and floors. These tiles appear in varying sizes, shapes and thickness. Moreover, they could easily blend using your interiors. The natural appearance of this rock produces a calm, tranquil and balanced atmosphere inside your homes. visit site is the fact that they're long-lasting and resistance against daily deterioration. You can certainly get sandstone tiles from local dealers, websites or recycle centers. They're quite little as when compared with marble. A plus point is that they not one of them complicated maintenance techniques which is quite easy to wash them. In case you're already using sandstone tiles within your homes, you ought to be familiar with cleaning techniques. Here are some cleaning tips: Always dust mop your tiles since they are vulnerable to scratching and that means you must keep these things free of grit, dust and dirt. However, make sure you mop them lightly, without applying any sprays or cleaners. Outdoor tiles are at risk of mold or mildew accumulation, bathroom tiles are stained by cleaners and detergents while kitchen tiles carry oil and grease stains therefore you can use an absorbent material like sawdust, talc or shredded white paper and also a mild cleaning agent to be able to clean them. Make sure you employ plain water as well as a soft towel for regular cleaning. Don't use harsh detergents or cleaning agents because sandstone is porous and these cleaners might penetrate inside. You should clean these tiles on regular basis, at least one time inside a month. In case you've purchased expensive tiles, you can use special cleaners that are employed for cleaning tiles only! Additionally, make sure you browse the instructions properly before by using these cleaners. Leaving out of the shoes is the foremost approach to maintain sandstone floor clean. Follow these cleaning instructions to keep your sandstone tiles beautiful and functional a bit longer period.

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joynerkyed30 · 1 year

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Purchase Sandstone Blocks For Constructing Beautiful Homes

Sandstone, a famous sedimentary rock contains feldspar and quartz grains. Since past handful of centuries, sandstone has been used being a construction material out of its durability and strength. Besides having unique shades and inherent beauty, this stone looks attractive when used by building luxurious bungalows therefore many constructors prefer sandstone blocks for condos. Sandstone blocks that are used for construction are first crushed and broken into fine gravel like powdery substance. Thereafter sandstone steps sydney 's blended with concrete so that you can manufacture ornamental bricks and round stones. These reconstituted bricks are used for paving avenues too. Sandstone is a type of selection for making stones because it really is trendy and radiates a vintage appearance. It is great for both commercial too as residential structures. In addition to this, it really is hard and resistant against corrosion, acid rains or harsh climatic conditions therefore most builders use sandstone blocks like a flagstone material for building patios, walls or put on the extender in a very tile like format for covering up garden grounds, bathroom floors and kitchen countertops. This material is proof against slips and spills. Moreover, it really is also used being a finishing material for other blocks because of its rough textures. Sandstone blocks can be modified and combined with a lot of other stones and materials for several applications. Unlike regular red bricks or concrete which can be monotonous, plain and lifeless, sandstone however is available in numerous vibrant shades. This color variation basically is dependent upon the positioning that yields these rocks. Due to use of lots of colors like yellow, red, brown, chocolate, orange, beige and cream these rocks are used for lining ceilings and walls. You can use color coordinated sandstone tiles for decorating the walls of one's sitting room and guest room. If you're thinking of purchasing modified or reconstituted sandstone blocks for your household, you can get them from any someone's place of business that supplies building materials. Check out newspaper classifieds or search through local telephone directories an internet-based websites so that you can find the very best sandstone dealer or your city. Some vendors offer whole sandstone, crushed sandstone or small gravel like sandstone pebbles, based upon customer requirements. Before purchasing sandstone blocks, you may also call any local recyclers so that you can find recycled sandstone that's purchased from demolition projects and leftover construction materials. Thus, you may get these blocks for half industry rates!

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joynerkyed30 · 1 year

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9 Reasons to Use Stone Block For Driveway And Pathway Pavement

hop over to this site have invariably been a stylish selection for building outdoor features such as patio flooring, landscaping, and pavement. Stone blocks are specifically popular for laying pavement in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructures and public places. Despite the fact that stone blocks can be used building walls and floors as well, many a people believe these are a pavement material only. Here are a few in the biggest main reasons why stone blocks really are a popular selection for laying pavements - 1. Instant Facelift in your property - Natural stone blocks provide your landscape, garden, yard, driveway, and pathway a stylish, timeless appeal that few other material can match. There are veins, grains, fissures, and other visual textures on the stone block surface, which give assembling your shed an exceptional appearance and feel. When you use them for pavement, driveway, or pathway with your back yard, be equipped for an instant uplift. And its look will enhance with time because it ages. With their unique colors and patterns, they fill your space with natural happy vibes. 2. Different Materials Available - If you are looking at gemstone blocks, you will end up overwhelmed while using sea of solutions to pick from. These include marble, travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, and quartzite. You can pick any stone much like your decision. Stone-look porcelain blocks are also available in the marketplace. They imitate the design of many natural rocks and will be considered a great alternative to expensive stone blocks. 3. DIY friendly - Natural stone blocks or bricks will be ready to use. They are not like tiles or slabs. You don't have to cut these phones fit to your requirement. You just to create a layout plan, and start installing them. That means, stone blocks are a total DIY friendly material. You don't absolutely need to employ an experienced to obtain the job done. You can do it yourself without the special training or experience. However, in case you are performing it initially, you should watch a couple of how-to videos on YouTube prior to getting started. This will help you plan and handle your driveway or pathway. 4. Rock-hard and Durable - These stone products are hard, dense, strong, and durable. In many scenarios, stone blocks are stronger plus much more durable than stone tiles, pavers, and slabs. It's due to the fact these are thicker. They can withstand heavy foot and auto traffic. They usually do not lose their look, strength, and durability as a result of harsh weather conditions. Rain, thunder, frost, and storm cannot steal the show of stone block driveway. In fact, these climate enhance the look of your pavement and make it appear more beautiful and chic eventually. If installed correctly, your stone block pavement can last forever. 5. Simple replacement - Even if some stone blocks get damaged with time due to impact or perhaps be it some other reason, they can be repaired with cement-sand mixture or replaced with a same size and -material blocks. Replacement blocks are often available in the market. That means, it's not necessary to redo or re-install the entire stone pathway or driveway as a consequence of a couple of damaged stone blocks. This saves you a lot of money. 6. Easy cleaning with no maintenance required - Apart out there, piece of rock block pavements do not require strict cleaning and maintenance. You just have to ensure that there is absolutely no dust or dirt around the stone surface. For this, you need to use jet water stream for cleaning and dirt removal. Additionally, they don't require deep cleaning, rubbing with brush, polishing, or sealing. They are able to maintain their try to find years and decades. 7. Anti-stain and anti-slip - The rugged design of stone blocks brings about slip resistant and stain resistant. They do not slip regardless if they are wet. These stone products care for the overall health of your respective family. Moving forward, stone block pavements do not catch stains too. No matter if you'll find bird or animal droppings, there won't be any stains after washing the pavement. 8. Increased property value - Bricks and porcelain pavers and blocks don't add any value for your property. But stone blocks/bricks do. Once you set them up, they are going to turn into a valuable asset of the property. 9. Affordable - We stated previously that stone blocks are expensive. However, that is not the actual story. It is just porcelain cost less than stones. And when we label stone blocks as affordable, it would not be an exaggeration. It's because gemstone provide complete value in your investment. They are beautiful and durable, as well as your driveway or pathway lasts literally forever without demanding much of your respective attention.

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joynerkyed30 · 1 year

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9 Reasons to Use Stone Block For Driveway And Pathway Pavement

Stones have invariably been an attractive selection for building outdoor features including patio flooring, landscaping, and pavement. Stone blocks are specifically popular for laying pavement in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructures and public venues. Despite the fact that stone blocks can be used building walls and floors as well, many a people think that they are a pavement material only. Here are some of the biggest main reasons why stone blocks are a popular choice for laying pavements - 1. Instant Facelift to your property - Natural stone blocks provide your landscape, garden, yard, driveway, and pathway a stylish, timeless appeal that few other material can match. There are sandstone kerbing north shore , grains, fissures, and other visual textures around the stone block surface, which give any project a unique appear and feel. When you use them for pavement, driveway, or pathway inside your outdoor space, be prepared for an instant uplift. And its look will enhance with time as it ages. With their own personal colors and patterns, they fill your parking space with natural happy vibes. 2. Different Materials Available - If you are considering stone blocks, you'll be overwhelmed with the sea of solutions to select from. These include marble, travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, and quartzite. You can pick any stone depending on your decision. Stone-look porcelain blocks are also available in the marketplace. They imitate the feel of many natural rocks and can be described as a great alternative to expensive stone blocks. 3. DIY friendly - Natural stone blocks or bricks decide to use. They are not like tiles or slabs. You don't have to cut the crooks to fit for a requirement. You only to develop a layout plan, and start installing them. That means, stone blocks can be a total DIY friendly material. You don't absolutely need to hire an expert to get the job done. You can do it yourself with no special training or experience. However, should you be performing it for the first time, you must watch a couple of how-to videos on YouTube just before started. This will help you plan and finished your driveway or pathway. 4. Rock-hard and Durable - These stone items are hard, dense, strong, and durable. In many scenarios, stone blocks are stronger and much more durable than stone tiles, pavers, and slabs. It's since these are thicker. They can withstand heavy foot and motor vehicle traffic. They don't lose their look, strength, and durability as a result of harsh weather conditions. Rain, thunder, frost, and storm cannot steal the show of stone block driveway. In fact, these conditions add to the look of your pavement making it appear more beautiful and trendy as time passes. If installed correctly, your stone block pavement will last forever. 5. Simple replacement - Even if some stone blocks get damaged over time due to impact or be it any other reason, they are often repaired with cement-sand mixture or replaced with a same size and -material blocks. Replacement blocks are typically available in the market. That means, you don't have to redo or re-install the whole stone pathway or driveway because of several damaged stone blocks. This saves you a large number of income. 6. Easy cleaning with no maintenance required - Apart readily available, gemstone block pavements not one of them strict cleaning and maintenance. You just have to ensure that there is absolutely no dust or dirt about the stone surface. For this, you need to use jet water stream for cleaning and dirt removal. Additionally, they undertake and don't deep cleaning, rubbing with brush, polishing, or sealing. They are able to maintain their look for years and decades. 7. Anti-stain and anti-slip - The rugged style of stone blocks means they are slip resistant and stain resistant. They don't slip even though they may be wet. These stone products care for the overall health of your respective close ones. Moving forward, stone block pavements don't catch stains also. No matter if you'll find bird or animal droppings, there won't be any stains after washing the pavement. 8. Increased property value - Bricks and porcelain pavers and blocks tend not to add any value for a property. But stone blocks/bricks do. Once you set them up, they'll be a valuable asset of the property. 9. Affordable - We stated earlier that stone blocks are very pricey. However, which is not the exact story. It is just porcelain is cheaper than stones. And when we label stone blocks as cost-effective, it wouldn't be an exaggeration. It's because natural stone provide complete value for a investment. They are beautiful and durable, along with your driveway or pathway will last literally forever without demanding much of one's attention.

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jeremystrele · 3 years

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Introducing The TDF + Laminex Design Awards 2021 Residential Architecture Finalists!

TDF Design Awards

by Lucy Feagins, Editor

Photo – Tom Ross

Nielsen Jenkins, Mt Coot-Tha House

Mt Coot-Tha House by Nielsen Jenkins was completed for a family member of one of the architects, on an empty bushland block next to their shared childhood home in Brisbane.

Designed as a wedge that has lodged itself into the mountainside, the house wraps around a luscious green central courtyard, and provides both connection to and protection from the elements.

The project explores ideas of connection and refuge within a site characterised by its slope and extreme bushfire exposure.

Photos –Rory Gardiner

Archier, Corner House

Presenting as a solid fibre cement-clad volume to the street, Corner House by Archier references the board and batten detail of typical fishing cottages in its Flinders, Victoria location.

An experimental floor plan is revealed inside, with living areas positioned in each corner of the dwelling, connected by stepped walkways acting as gallery spaces. This layout accommodates a set of new routines for the clients as they settle into retirement, supporting strategies of occupation where two people could live together with equal parts connection and freedom.

The house and landscape mediate the relationship between the occupants, with each corner volume acting as an independent space, but with large windows that promote a visual connection between areas. The courtyard plays a crucial role in this gesture, filtering and softening views across the project.

Photos – Derek Swalwell

Architects EAT, Bellows House

A single row of mature poplar trees forms a soft foreground to what’s considered the main facade of this Flinders, Victoria house by Architects EAT. Trees cast morning shadows onto the white concrete masonry blocks, animating its long articulated form. Together with the unusual shapes of the frustum roofs, these evoke street engagements and curiosities.

Being a beach house where extended family and friends often gather, spaces have been designed to facilitate collective experiences: kids bunkering together; an open washroom that doubles as a mud room; multiple entry points into the house; and different indoor and outdoor living areas.

Photos – Derek Swalwell

Rob Kennon Architects, Elwood Bungalow

This Elwood, Victoria project by Rob Kennon Architects relies on the idea of subtracting space as much as adding it.

Occupying the former land of a rear garden, the renovation embodies a desire to turn away from the neighbouring walls, in favour of an inward dial plan that axially and infinitely looks onto itself.

The ‘addition’, a low-lying single-storey extension, builds square up-to all three rear boundaries and subtracts a circle garden out from the middle. The resulting form visually and functionally aligns with the family’s values of openness and connectedness.

Photos –Rory Gardiner

Studio Bright, 8 Yard House

Rather than a traditional house with a singular backyard, 8 Yard House by Studio Bright is distributed along the length of its North Fitzroy site, punctuated with a series of variously sized outdoor courtyards.

Across the whole site are eight outdoor spaces, the largest between the studio, garage and the main volume of the house. A central located pool becomes another landscape area either to use or look out across.

Overall, the architectural form is defined by an almost monumental brick construction detailed with perforations, rhythmic built-in columns and planter boxes.

Photos – David Chatfield

Furminger, River House

Furminger have repurposed an existing weatherboard Brisbane home through minimal intervention.

A primitive architectural intention was used to establish building and landscape through the metaphor of a ruin. The site was conceived as a large garden to hold program for daily activities. Heavy masonry walls intersect the site, carving out public and private courtyard gardens, creating new entries into rooms through garden spaces.

A strategy was developed to use concrete as cheaply as possible, using what many would consider commercial or industrial construction techniques. The entire structure was constructed from tilt up concrete panels, which were poured and stacked on site.

Photo – Tom Ferguson

Benn & Penna Architecture, Henley Clays

Henley Clays by Benn & Penna involves alterations and additions to a freestanding brick cottage in Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Additions are framed upon a heavy brick plinth that extends the sandstone base of the existing cottage, forming a series of landscape-inspired rooms that gently ascend through the home.

The material quality of the spaces is robust and earthy, with brickwork used throughout floors and walls. The mortar colour has been matched to the brickwork to amplify the monolithic and landscape like qualities of the project, while openings have been carefully arranged to puncture the building’s mass and wash its cave-like spaces with natural light.

Throughout the houses are gradually occurring level changes, encouraging the dweller to meander through the space. Steps between each level are used to demarcate the spaces, making them feel both intimate, while connected to the rest of the house.

Photos – Christopher Frederick Jones

Anthrosite, Hamilton Courtyard

This Newcastle project by Anthrosite presented the rare opportunity of converting two detached houses into one home. Instead of being pressured into market norms of maximising floor space, the clients were more concerned with creating a series of family spaces that felt connected to one another.

The result is a celebration of the courtyard; a generous central area that unites the wings of the house and promotes visibility, allowing the occupants to remain connected to each other even while engaged in individual tasks.

The importance of the courtyard’s role in the house is duly acknowledged with the main entry. An intimately scaled passage leads off the street, opening out not into the home but onto the private and calming courtyard garden.

Photos – Tom Ross. Styling – Jessica Lillico

Blair Smith Architecture, Brunswick Lean-To

This addition to a heritage listed cottage in Brunswick, Melbourne by Blair Smith Architecture showcases how homes can be enriched through modest architectural intervention.

The circa 1900 double-fronted cottage now sits alongside a new 51 square metre addition, achieving a high level of detail and finish, within a limited budget. This new building takes formal and programmatic cues from the dilapidated lean-to structure it replaces, while overcoming its shortcomings: a lack of aspect, awkward layout, and poor thermal performance.

The northern facade is divided into 11 modules characterised by three sliding timber screens on a single track. These screens have numerous purposes; they control heat gain, glare and offer an increased level of privacy to surrounding development.

Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Studio Prineas, Bona Vista

Bona Vista in Sydney’s inner-west reinterprets the characterful features of its Federation frontage, forging a warm domestic setting for family life.

In line with heritage guidelines, the council was highly prescriptive of the building envelope, forms and materials of the new addition. The architecture embraces the hip roof profile, while introducing an unconventional internal ceiling line; a surprising and memorable volume articulated by partially obscured skylights filtering natural light.

Studio Prineas have drawn a level change that once separated house and garden into the interior, forging a distinction between the old and new architecture, and connecting the new addition to the landscape.

Photos – Ben Hosking

Edition Office, Kyneton House

A refined palette of gracefully ageing, tactile materials defines this country house by Edition Office in Kyneton, Victoria.

The greatest inspiration for the project came from the client’s ambition to capture the passing of time through curated views of the garden, and white ceiling volumes that pick up the fluctuating levels of natural daylight.

The home’s deepened position within the site allows its relatively simple brick form to avoid feeling dominated by the garden, but instead wrapped and softly enveloped by it.

Photo – Anson Smart. Styling – Stanwix Studios

Fox Johnston, SRG House

This 1970s heritage-listed house originally owned by Sir Roy Grounds in Balmain, NSW has been reengineered for contemporary family life by Fox Johnston.

Keeping within the building footprint, Fox Johnston have carved extra space and forged stronger connections to landscape and place, while maintaining the integrity of the original structure and material language.

Interventions focused on restoring the superstructure; better connecting the home to the landscape; converting lower-ground space (previously housing an air-conditioning plant) into two bedrooms; replacing the ‘80s garage with a new structure and apartment for multigenerational living; and softening the geometry of the original grid design.

Photo – Dianna Snape

FMD Architects, Coopworth

Coopworth by FMD Architects is a contemporary interpretation of a country farmhouse nestled in the rural surrounds of Bruny Island, Tasmania.

The property’s sheep, wide-ranging views to the water and mountain ranges beyond, and weathering shacks dotted over the island, provide an ever-changing landscape with which the house converses.

The resulting footprint of the house is consciously constrained to maximise arable land, but with generous interiors facilitated by various gabled, hipped and skillion rooflines. Simple plywood linings and concrete floors draw focus to this ceiling, which features wool sourced from the property, adding to its thermal performance.

Photos – Dion Robeson. Styling – Janet Keating and Amy Collins Walker

Nic Brunsdon, East Fremantle House

East Fremantle House by Nic Brunsdon is a contextually responsive addition to a heritage cottage.

Most important to the project is the space that’s not built – a large northern void – a space for light, sound, and breeze to inhabit. The house traces the void’s edge, providing constant connections to nature.

Once a dark period home with ‘60s additions and asbestos sheds at the rear, the home is now arranged as four interconnected sections: the existing brick cottage, an entry link, a ground floor addition, and first floor addition.

The living room is a ‘garden room’ lined with sliding north-facing doors, allowing the space to cleverly spill outdoors and occupy the full width of the site.

Photos – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby

Wowowa, Pony

Pony is an agile alteration and modest addition to a 1960s apricot brick home in Brighton East, Victoria.

Wowowa devised a reworking of the original home, alongside an agile new extension. This extension adopts a simple, linear form that slides against the existing volume to run lengthways down the block. The focal point of this new structure or ‘colonnade’ is the roof, which takes design cues from the nearby beach to feature cladding and construction methodology akin to a boat with a keel, bow and stern.

A dessert-inspired interior colour palette draws on the client’s mid-century furniture, and allows a smiling eye to whimsically dance around the home.

Photo – Ben Hosking

Wiesebrock Architecture, Bellbrae House

The brief of this Bellbrae, Victoria home called for sustainable design measures and a flexible floor plan suitable for regular guests.

Two pavilions were created by Wiesebrock Architecture in response, comprising the primary house and a guest pavilion. In between the two pavilions is a large outdoor deck covered with polycarbonate roofing.

Aesthetically, the new house draws on the couple and architect’s love of old farm sheds. Durable, low-maintenance, corrugated and galvanised steel sheeting features on the exterior, while the warm interior references classic shearing sheds.

Photos – Katherine Lu. Styling – Koskela

Curious Practice, Lambton House

The small 55 square metre footprint of this new, suburban four-bedroom home by Curious Practice maximises landscaped areas on its Newcastle, NSW site.

Carefully considering the unique five-way intersection of mixed residential and commercial buildings it addresses, the house performs simple gestures to maximise its relationship to context, both neighbouring and public.

A step-down in level from entry to living areas creates a seat at garden level and combined with a generous window injects light and air, while engaging with passersby. This public gesture is continued through an extension of the green streetscape through fences and canopies designed for verdant consumption of the building over time.

Photos –Derek Swalwell. Styling – Simone Haag

Austin Maynard Architects, Garden House

By nature of its inner-city Melbourne location and by design, Garden House by Austin Maynard Architects belies its size and scale.

At street-view, the shingled, simple and domestic scale garage appears to be the house in its entirety. Walk down the side pedestrian alleyway however, and the main front door opens up to reveal a much bigger property, comprising four distinct elements appearing as separate buildings. These buildings are ‘invisibly’ connected via mirrored glass corridors, reflective of the property’s well-established garden.

This high-performing, high-tech, inner-city Melbourne oasis produces 100kwh per day and has a 26kwh Tesla battery.

The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2021 Residential Architecture award is presented by COLORBOND® steel.

COLORBOND® steel is one of Australia’s most loved building products, producing coated steel products for more than 50 years. Their coating technology offers exceptional performance with resistance to chipping and cracking, creating highly durable roof and wall cladding materials.

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jeremystrele · 5 years

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An Elegant Sydney Garden, Designed in Two Stages

Gardens

Miriam McGarry

The Mellery Gardens in Mosman, by Outdoor Establishments, in collaboration with BKH Architects, Hampton Architects and Trend Constructions. Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone is featured on the garden wall. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Designed for maximum room for relaxed outdoor entertaining. An incredible firepit made with Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone. Malua lounge and chair by Eco Outdoor. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

The materials reference the build history of the surrounding Sydney environment. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

A serene dinner space. Eco Outdoor Bremer dining table is surrounded by Eco Outdoor Kotti outdoor dining armchairs. Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone lines the outdoor dining area. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Welcome to the Mellery Gardens. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

The brick, sandstone and Eco Outdoor cladding is offset by the verdant greenery. Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone in background. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Pull up a seat in this calming Sydney garden. The bench seat was formed with Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Plenty of space to relax. The bench seat was formed with Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback Freeform Stone. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Topiary mixes with native Sydney north shore plants. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

A quiet reading corner, against the monumental sandstone wall of the pool house. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

This sandtone wall reuses material from a previous home renovation on site. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

A two stage project…worth waiting for! Nullica daybed and Ayr umbrella by Eco Outdoor. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

The Eco Outdoor crackenback fits perfectly with the brick and sandstone materials Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Take a splash, surrounded by trees. Nullica daybed and Ayr umbrella by Eco Outdoor. Photo – Natalie Hunfalvay.

This multi-award winning garden from Outdoor Establishments was a two stage process. The Melleray Gardens were initially redesigned from 2011-2012 on the lower levels, with the ‘bones’ of the upper garden gently updated later on, co-director Mathew Hook describes. Stage two was delivered in 2015, with the completion of the rear garden, and the introduction of the Eco Cladding from Eco Outdoor.

The brief from the client was to create a beautiful and comfortable space for entertaining, and spending time with loved ones. Mathew explains ‘the garden was really designed to be a space for family, meaning plenty of room for games and recreation.’ Due to the two stage development, the team were able to develop a strong relationship with both the owners and the site, and watch how the garden grew and changed over time. Mathew highlights how the garden grew-up with the owners, and the cubby house has now been extended to include an outdoor gym!

The design uses sandstone throughout the project, much of which was recycled from the original renovation of the house. Mathew describes the meticulous and time-consuming work of spending 6 months on the large stone wall that retains the upper garden levels, over the swimming pool and pool house. After the success of this design, the 2015 iteration was envisaged to continue with similar materials in the lower garden. Mathew explains ‘Eco Outdoor’s Crackenback was the answer for us!’

The use of recycled brick paving and sandstone walls reflect Sydney’s construction histroy, and connects the project to the surrounding neighbourhood. These materials are brought to life by the surrounding north shore plant species, including the blooms of Frangipani, Magnolia and Camellia. The addition of newly planted trees required some inventive operational work (craning in Olive and Jacaranda trees!), as well as establishing topiary Buxus, Bougainvillea, and Rhapis Palms.

Not only is this project an epic two-stage feat, but the horticulture team have been maintaining this garden on a weekly basis since 2012. Mathew explains that ‘as with all gardens, some things didn’t work out, and we have been able to address that and make improvements over the years.’ A lesson in allowing things to grow and develop, and reminder that good things take time!

Eco Outdoor specialises in natural stone flooring and walling, together with outdoor furniture and fabrics to create an inspiring life outdoors. Eco Outdoor is committed to innovative products that maintain integrity and quality and possess an organic aesthetic that transcends style and age gracefully.

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