In the frame

Few homeowners want to create a walled fortress when developing their outdoor living area. But getting that balance between public and private spaces can be difficult when your house sits on a hillside surrounded by neighbouring properties.

With this single-level brick veneer home, architect Gabriel Poole designed an outdoor living area where the owners retain their privacy but never feel closed in.

Each room has a seamless transition to the outdoors. The hardwood decking is bordered by a sculptural walled courtyard, forming a breezeway around the house.

Strategically positioned cut-outs pierce the rendered block wall, framing vignettes of the surrounding native bush landscape. At the same time, the wall offers a sense of seclusion in the lush natural setting.

Poole says this design means the owners don't just see the tops of neighbouring houses and trees but can actually interact with their environment.

"Through the wall they can glimpse views of the distant mountains and feel they are still part of the connecting landscape."

Wrapped around the rear of the property and juxtaposed inside the block wall, is a moat-style reflection pond. Water features provide a soothing sound, enhancing the home's relaxed, tranquil environment.

"Water is a key element when designing an outdoor living environment, not only for its therapeutic values but also its simple beauty," says Poole.

The waterway is bridged by stepping stones. These lead to a platform used for the display of art and offering an elevated, yet intimate vista across the hillside.

A wall, perpendicular to the house, bisects the rear courtyard wall and waterway, creating two separate outdoor living areas. A visual link is offered through a large square cut-out.

For Gabriel Poole, ventilation is important in any home, even when it is shaded by a canopy of towering trees. This is provided by the breezeway.

"With the breezeway," he says, "the home keeps cool throughout summer, the concrete block facade also providing shelter from the elements during cooler months.

"The block wall enables all the rooms to be opened up to the outdoors. This easy flow creates a sense of spaciousness as the courtyard forms part of the house."

Story by: Trendsideas