Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Modern Mexican Villa Two years ago Colin Ashby and Ross Jenkins moved to Mission Beach, in far north Queensland. They purchased a unique 2 acre property, surrounded on all boundaries by rainforest. After major renovations the existing bland house has been transformed...
Moroccan Style House When it comes to innovative house design in Australia, tropical areas seem to be leading the way. The design of the north Queensland home of Franca and Danny Obersky takes advantage of fabulous views over Trinity Bay towards Green Island. Danny...
Outdoor Heaters Despite our wonderful climate, Australian’s have been slow to embrace the concept of extending indoor living areas outside. Even though the idea is catching on, most people still wouldn’t even consider dining alfresco during the winter...
Small Courtyard Creating a garden in a restricted space is a challenge, even for a professional landscape designer! It’s no wonder that many people living in the inner city don’t know what to do with their tiny backyards or courtyards. Don discovered a...
Spanish Mission Style Recently we received a very interesting letter from Selena and John Roberts, who are in the process of building a magnificent Spanish Mission Style house on the Gold Coast in Queensland. This is their dream home, and Selena and John thoroughly...
Don visited a garden consisting of three courtyards adjacent to different parts of a Spanish Mission-style house. Landscape designer Paul Bangay has used colour, fragrance, fruit, and the sound of running water to capture the essence and sensuousness of the courtyards...
Straw Bale House Don visited Jo and Kerry Armstrong in Beenleigh, Queensland, and chatted to them about the straw bale cottages they built as an extension of their permaculture philosophy. They say straw is often considered a waste product and many tonnes are burnt...
Suzi Q Garden Andrew Quixley’s award winning design for his sister Suzi’s garden is adventurous and fun, but also practical. Andrew had to contend with design constraints including restricted space, an ugly wall, views of next door’s Zincalume piping...
Tamarama Apartments Don visited Jake Dowse and his wife, Lu Ipkendanz, at their fabulous beachside apartment in the Sydney suburb of Tamarama. A freestanding terrace house originally stood on the steep site, which Jake, who is an architect, bought and redeveloped as a...
House Of Red Branches In Don’s opinion Australia is leading the world in exciting garden design, particularly for smaller gardens around ordinary domestic homes. He looked at an innovative city garden in Melbourne which makes the most of restricted space and...