Natural affinity

While it is important for outdoor areas to connect well with the scenery, they also have to relate to the house.

This outdoor entertainment space and a separate inner courtyard form part of extensive additions to a seaside house by architect David Hill. The owners wanted the two areas to maximise indoor-outdoor enjoyment and work seamlessly with the home's existing architecture, says Hill.

"The poolside environment at the front of the house overlooking the ocean now has two seating areas. At the spa end of the swimming pool we put seating around an outdoor fireplace. A second furniture grouping is at the other end, by the new pool house that doubles as a guest house."

Kwila wood decking connects well with the natural outlook and also relates to the timber fascias and window frames of the house. The entire area is accessed directly from an upper deck for an easy pedestrian flow.

On the other side of the house, Hill carried out excavations and built retaining walls to make way for the new courtyard. This is enclosed on two sides by the house, and on another by the reinforcing wall, with the fourth side open to views.

"We installed the same fireplace here as in the adjacent indoor living area for visual continuity. Bifold doors create an easy indoor-outdoor flow between the spaces," says the architect.

With an outdoor kitchen, complete with sink, refrigerator and barbecue, the courtyard is set up for outdoor cooking, as well as alfresco dining. Everything is placed in proximity to the main kitchen indoors, for even more convenience.

"Automatic louvres overhead and the large fireplace ensure the courtyard will be used all year round," says Hill. "The louvre slats can be angled for partial shade on sunny days, or completely closed for protection from the rain."

Both the pool and courtyard areas offer a modern, clean-lined aesthetic that is in keeping with the existing house.

Story by: Charles Moxham