The Brief
Our clients in Waratah, wanted to transform their backyard into a versatile and stylish lifestyle space. Their vision included creating a dedicated home office and gym and enhancing outdoor living areas — all while making the most of their new pool. The design needed to integrate multiple structures seamlessly, provide shade and comfort, and use high-quality materials for both function and aesthetic appeal.
Our Solution
We designed and delivered a set of alterations and additions that brought the vision to life:
· A freestanding studio/office positioned to overlook the new pool and deck, fitted with Heka Hoods for effective window shading.
· A freestanding gym, also orientated towards the pool and deck, connected to a new garage for convenient access and storage.
· A spacious hardwood deck with a roof, blending indoor and outdoor living. The deck roof was designed to remain open above the pool area, allowing natural light and sky views.
· Use of hardwood timber for the deck, posts, and beams — bringing warmth, durability, and a timeless finish to the entire outdoor space.
The Challenges
This project required careful planning to integrate several new structures — the studio, gym, garage, and deck — into an existing property without crowding the space. The orientation of each building was critical to maximise pool views and maintain privacy. Achieving a balance between open-air light over the pool and shaded comfort over the deck required precise roof design. Selecting and detailing the oiled hardwood elements involved both aesthetic and structural considerations to ensure long-term performance in an outdoor environment.
Photos by Pink Donkey