Brandon St, Glen Iris

The owners of this family home in Glen Iris called in the Franklin team when they decided it was time to upgrade their backyard to become a more functional and attractive outdoor space. There wasn’t much to draw the kids outside, so a pool was high on their list of features to be included in the new design. But they didn’t know where to locate it, or what to put around it… That’s where we came in! 

The design was based around a pool that needed to be “as big as possible” whilst leaving enough space around it to accomodate the other elements necessary to create a comprehensive outdoor space – including a BBQ, seating nooks and garden beds.

With the kids in mind, we designed the pool to include some different levels and playful elements. A concrete wall behind the pool serves both as a plinth to sit or stand on, and features a water spout to add the visual and sound effect of running water. In the pool, the charcoal tiles create a ‘diesel’ water colour, which makes the water more reflective by day, and gives it a serene quality.

There is an elevated paved area with cantilevered bench seating adjacent to the pool, which offers scope to serve as a cosy fire pit area in the future. The paving seamlessly integrates a brick banding feature, testament to a high standard of construction. On the ground level, there is a BBQ and more seating – conveniently adjacent to the indoor kitchen and lounge. The BBQ bench is made from concrete, which is used throughout the landscape. Consistency and repetition of elements in both the material and plant palettes provides a cohesive aesthetic overall. All of the outdoor seating has been complimented and softened by custom-made cushions.

Curved garden beds are another design feature, which give an organic shape and save on space. The plant palette includes a pretty mix of Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’, Westringia fruticosa spheres and Myoporum parvifolium. Bamboo has been planted around the pool which will provide an increasingly lush border as it grows.

We’re pleased that the clients are happy with the result! Their new backyard offers the kids a fun space to play in and an indoor/outdoor lifestyle that the whole family can now enjoy.