On this Sydney lower north shore property A Total Concept have created an outdoor room incorporating a simple and stylish cabana and swimming pool set within contemporary gardens.
The cabana has been designed to sit into an existing undercroft area beneath an elevated driveway and garage, the level of which set the adjacent level of the pool to allow a fusion of the two areas. Simple clean lines and large full width opening concertinaed doors totally integrate the cabana with the swimming pool. With young children, the cabana provides the perfect shaded entertaining area adjacent to the swimming pool where adults can relax with their friends while ensuring complete supervision of their children in the swimming pool.
The cabana has a waterproof membrane to all walls, floor and ceiling so that wet feet and water fights are fine. The waterproofing also resolves the issue of water penetration from the overhead concrete driveway, from rising damp and from existing rear retaining walls that act as the cabana walls.
The cabana incorporates a wet drinks bar, barbecue and kitchenette with built-in cabinetry, a fully appointed bathroom and shower to the rear plus an all-weather lounge setting.
We revisited the site recently, and as the children are older, the cabana now doubles for sleepovers and as a rumpus room for the children. It now incorporates a large flat screen television, stereo system and air hockey table to entertain their friends and to make it the hub of socialising for the neighbourhood children (so mum knows what’s happening all the time)!
At nighttime the outdoor room is well lit with both lamps and LED lighting in the ceiling for functional purposes which, together with energy efficient LED lighting throughout the garden areas, creates interesting dancing shadows and mood effects with washes of light.
This design by A Total Concept also includes a beautiful overflow pool with shimmering vibrant blue coloured water, contrasting elegantly with the blond cabana flooring and poolside paving and surrounding gardens.
The pool steps and underwater bench double as informal seats within the plunge pool and with heated spa jets incorporated in the backrest provide the perfect warm place for parents to chat. The underwater bench also acts as a haven for young children within the pool.
The north-west aspect of the property provides sun all day and shelter from strong southerly storms and allows a contemporary native tropical garden to flourish. The garden contains an eclectic mix of coastal rosemary, gazanias, grevilleas, beschenarias, red cordylines, frangipanis, cannas, ginger and philodendrons.
