Drinks anyone?

It's not just home interiors that are reflecting the trend towards a sleek, linear look. Many new outdoor living areas are also designed to make an architectural statement.

This landscaping project, by designer Dean Herald of Rolling Stone Landscapes, has a strong sculptural identity, which can be attributed to both the hard landscaping elements and the plant selection.

Envisioned as a series of connected outdoor spaces, the garden centres on a resort-style lap pool with two pavilion shelters, one on either side. Both pavilions are characterised by their horizontal cedar roofs and large merbau-timber stacked columns.

"These posts create a very sculptural look," says Herald. "The effect is reinforced by the roof of the main pavilion, which is suspended between the columns so it appears to be floating within the space."

A narrow 5m-long steel bench, which provides a cooktop and work surface, is also suspended and cantilevered over the garden. The bench has a white Corian top with negative detailing that enhances its sleek, horizontal lines. The bench also doubles as a table, with seating at one end.

"The space was designed to have an open, uncluttered feel," says Herald. "Not only does the table have no legs, but the seats have no backs, and feature stainless steel frames with mesh inserts that provide a sense of transparency."

Herald says the landscaping was designed to make the best use of a sloping site.

"Each area is on a different level. Having the main pavilion on the highest level provides a good view of the pool and its infinity edge."

The main water feature comprises a large sphere, which sits in a small pool just above the lap pool. Made from hundreds of welded stainless steel pieces, the sphere features blue LED lighting. But its dramatic presence is also due to its position directly in front of a Dracaena draco tree.

"This is a very sculptural plant," says Herald. "Placing it on the pool axis, with the sphere, ensures it makes an architectural statement."

The smaller of the two pavilions, reached by a timber bridge, provides a swim-up bar. This includes a refrigerator, sink and customised stainless steel trough, which incorporates an ice box for drinks.

"The bar is very much about resort-style living," says Herald. "This concept is not just a cliche it's about taking home those elements you enjoy on a resort holiday and applying them to your own back yard. For example, the stools in the pool, and the swim-up bar are quite achievable."

The tropical resort feel is reflected in the planting. Large planter boxes beside the pool feature Bird of Paradise plants bordered with red-leafed Alternanthera. The larger leaves of Ctenanthe provide a dramatic backdrop to the dining pavilion.

"This plant has silver leaves with purple undertones that provide a distinctive colour contrast to the walls and paving," says Herald. "It is also a shade-loving plant."

Other plants were similarly chosen for their contrasting foliage, including grasses of different colours and heights. These provide a meadow-like setting, with large fleshy-leafed bromeliads appearing to pop out from the undergrowth.

The greenery is further enhanced by a grey stone wall at the perimeter of the garden. A series of timber blades in the foreground provides another sculptural element that brings visual depth to the space.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes