Get Set For Summer

Holiday at home in comfort with a gorgeous outdoor living area inspired by these stylish settings

- Mary Jane Harris And Candice Botha

INNER PEACE

As this property in Ballito had no view and neighbours in close proximity, Bloc Architects placed the outdoor entertaining area in the centre of the U-shaped house to make it more private. In keeping with the contemporary style, honed concrete with expansion joints was chosen for the floor. “This surface works well outdoors in wet conditions and gives a clean, but warm, finish that needs little maintenance,” says Bloc Architects director, David Nelson. The same finish was used on the bar counter, which has a built-in drinks cooler and a drain. Shading the bar is a timber pergola from which rattan pendants are suspended, adding to the fun vibe.

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

To connect the pool to the living areas of this house, pergolas wrap around two sides, providing architectural interest and dappled shade. White weatherproof furniture was chosen for the sitting area as it can be left out all year round and complements the focal point – the jewel-like swimming pool given extra sparkle with a mosaic finish.

IN FULL VIEW

While they loved the setting with the mountain in the background and views of the city, the owners wanted this decked roof terrace in Gardens, Cape Town, to have a softer, more organic character. They called in designer Marius van Lonkhuyzen, whose first step was to replace the existing metal balustrade with curved, raised planters. “The idea was to create an undulating effect, so I played with the heights of the planters and painted them in earthy colours to complement the greenery and mountain backdrop,” explains Marius.