Fifth Season Landscapes Australia

Forestville family pool and landscape project

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:40:40 +0000

Discover how we made this dream family pool a reality in just three months

Just like home renovating, design and construction expertise are vital to the success of every new inground concrete pool.

At Fifth Season, our qualified design, construction and garden teams work collaboratively on every project, combining their extensive experience and know-how to help ensure a streamlined construction phase and the desired result: a high quality and stylish pool and surrounds that enhance each home and meet the owners’ lifestyle needs.

And when faced with challenges, our expertise becomes even more apparent to our clients.

This was certainly the case with our recent new pool and landscape design and build for Jasmine and Damien of Forestville, where the teams’ experience and ability to think outside the box enabled them to overcome challenges – and deliver the project in just three months.

Challenge No. 1

Jasmine and Damien wanted a family-style swimming pool and surrounds that integrated design-wise with their back garden and outdoor entertaining area. The chosen position, however, came with a significant challenge.

“We always conduct a thorough assessment of the site before we do anything. This includes its gradient, aspect, access and existing natural and man-made features – which can all influence the position, design and cost of a new inground pool,” explains Phil Antcliff, Fifth Season’s Director of Design and licenced pool builder.

The assessment of the Forestville site however revealed an immovable obstacle: a sewer pipe running across the proposed pool’s shallow end.

“Fortunately, our team knew exactly what to do. They first consulted Sydney Water and our trusted structural engineers who provided detailed plans. Then, with detailed measurements at hand, we put our ‘thinking caps’ on and came up with a solution: A stepped swim-out at the shallow end that would sit above, and accommodate, the sewer pipe and maintain the size and location of the pool.”

Take a tour of our design team’s ‘fly through’ of the Forestville family pool, complete with stepped shallow end that solved the sewer pipe issue

Pictured: Following excavation, and prior to the concrete pour, the team brought in specialists to encase the sewer pipe, ensuring it would be protected from the pool above.

“Two stepped ledges across one end of the pool reduced its depth and in turn accommodated the sewer pipe below. Ultimately it meant we didn’t have to change the pool’s location or size,” explains Jack Hayes, Fifth Season’s Director of Construction.

The ledges also act as entry/exit steps and provide ample space to relax and cool off. “It turned out to be a win-win solution.”

Pictured: The creative solution – the stepped shallow end.

Challenge No.2: La Nina

During the entire construction phase, the team battled the full force of La Nina’s unrelenting heavy rains.

“Fortunately, the build continued as we know how to create a dry, safe site, reprioritise tasks to suit the weather each day, and avert water runoff to we can continue to work on rainy days. It was this modus operandi that helped us complete the pool in just three months from start to finish. Once we start, we rarely stop!” says Jack.

Jasmine and Damien watched the build progress with few breaks: “The team were amazing every step of the way, working hard and everything progressed really quickly. I never felt like we were just waiting. We were always well informed of what was happening each week the entire way through, which we really appreciated,” says Jasmine.

With the pool build continuing to plan, the family were able to start enjoying it in early spring. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the pool and with the heating – the kids have been in it every day since it was completed. We love our new pool!” she adds.

Pictured: The completed family pool with the stepped shallow end

“We’re really happy with the design and whilst it wasn’t what we originally had in mind, it has turned out way better than we expected, so there is a lot to say about expertise!” says owner Jasmine

All the details

Pool
Pool size: 6.5m x 3.5m
Pool surrounds: Limestone tiles from Eco Outdoor
Frameless glass fencing from Glazed Co
Pool interior: Arctic White Sky pebble with mosaics waterline tiles

Surrounds and landscaping
Lawn: Sir Walter Buffalo
Garden beds along the fence planted with syzygium australe
Rectangular Garonne stepping stones from Eco Outdoor connect the pool to the outdoor entertaining area
Entertaining deck: 140mm Spotted Gum

Pool water management
Waterco filter
JetVac pool cleaner
Viron salt chlorinator within an Acoustic Box to minimise noise
Madimack pool heater

“This pool on Sydney’s northern beaches shows why it’s essential to contract a pool and landscape company that has experienced and talented designers and builders who can resolve issues quickly” – Phil Antcliff, Director of Design & Maintenance

Discover our 2022 multi award-winning Clareville project

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:32:52 +0000

The Brief

The owners of this property, nestled on Clareville Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, wanted an outdoor haven they could enjoy year-round.

Having relocated from Sydney’s upper north shore to the northern beaches, they were looking to create a relaxed haven that melded beautifully with the surrounding environment.

“Our focus was to ensure a connection between the house and garden and create a design and plant selection that would enhance their home, newly renovated by Utz-Sanby Architects, and the coastal setting.

With its breathtaking location and wonderful garden-loving clients, this landscaping project was a labour of love,” says Phil Antcliff, Fifth Season’s Director of Design.

Read on to discover more about the team’s ‘labour of love’, which has won multiple industry awards since its completion, including LDI 2022 Landscape Designer of the Year and three TLA 2022 Gold and Best in Category awards.

A plant design for the home’s coastal aspect and location

“Being garden enthusiasts, the planting design was a key focus of this project, with the intent to develop a scheme that met both style and site-specific requirements, like aspect and soils, and complemented the home’s architecture,” explains Levi Carter, Fifth Season’s Design Manager.

The result is a garden that is relaxed yet robust, a style developed to align with the clients’ interests and lifestyle while also responding to the unique challenges of the property’s coastal location. “It showcases what can be achieved with a largely native palette, with each species hand-picked to thrive in harsh conditions,” adds Levi.

Pictured: Although this plant palette is often associated with a dry, sparse environment, the team achieved a layered softness to create inviting and interesting spaces in the front and beach-front gardens. The front garden features flowering natives that thrive in Sydney’s coastal areas, including Banksia serrata, Doryanthes excelsa, also known as gymea lily, which produces striking towering flame-red flowers, and Carpobrotus glaucescens, also called pigface, a creeping succulent with bright pink petals.

Stepping stones: a functional design element

To create a harmonious look throughout the property, wide burnished concrete stepping stones were chosen for the beach-front, street-front and side gardens.

The owners’ beach-side living wish-list features

Given the owners’ love of outdoor entertaining and water sports, we added lifestyle enhancing features, including a custom concrete built-in barbecue area with charcoal smoker and gas cooking options, outdoor showers, casual seating alongside the entertaining area, and water sport equipment storage, pictured below.

Pictured: Our design also incorporated a number of inviting ‘pause spaces’ in the beach-front and front gardens where the owners can relax and enjoy their garden and the breathtaking views, including a floating concrete bench beneath the back deck, a fire pit zone with outdoor beanbags, and second floating bench overlooking the front garden and its family of sculptures.

The side gardens: far from an afterthought

The side gardens were very much a part of the overall design and needed to be both attractive and user-friendly, to enhance the property and provide ease of movement between the front and beach-front back gardens – and reduce the need to enter the home – and bring unwanted sand indoors.

Landscape Design and Construction: Fifth Season Landscapes

LDI 2022 Landscape Designer of the Year
LDI 2022 Silver Award – Residential Design, Large Scale
LDI 2022 Gold Award – Plantscape
TLA 2022 Gold and best in category Residential Design over 200m2
TLA 2022 Gold and best in category maintenance up to 1000m2
TLA 2022 Gold and best in category Residential Construction $150k – $350k

View more photos of our Clareville project here

Photography by Natalie Hunfalvay

Behind the scenes tour at the new office space

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:18:41 +0000

Come and take a behind the scenes tour of the new office.

Fifth Season Landscapes has recently renovated their office to become a more interactive space for staff and clients.

“The vision behind the new office space was to bring the outside inside. We have created a space that show cases the beauty and versatility of outdoor products while also displaying some of the build techniques we use on our projects”. says Phil Antcliff

Entry

An area designed in the form of a typical outdoor lounging space. A relaxed lounge setting greets our guests upon arrival. Hardwood timber batten decorative screens create a textural effect while softening the concrete roof and floor. S cyon sheet cladding painted white provides a visual break from the office space behind and allows the planting to stand out. The plants from Exotic Nurseries have all been selected to handle the indoor growing conditions and sit beautifully in the range of modern Garden pots

Materials used include:

Hardwood timber batten 42 x 19mm
Concrete floors
Outdoor lounges and coffee table from www.cocorepublic.com.au/
Garden pots from The Balcony Garden
Indoor shade loving plants

Boardroom

The boardroom has been created to simulate an outdoor dinning setting, in this area we hold all our client meetings. It’s a space that our clients feel comfortable while exploring the new garden design. Soundproof pinboards are installed to ensure privacy and enable our design team to create job specific mood boards for the design presentation. The polished concrete bench is just one of the products we showcase in this room, this is a chance for our clients to touch and feel the finished product before being installed in their project. With the addition of the drinks fridge the bench sits at the perfect height for a builtin bbq.

Materials used include:

Polished concrete bench supplied and installed by Youdell Constructions
Scyon sheet cladding painted white
Outdoor dinning setting supplied by Eco Outdoor
Garden pots from The Balcony Garden
Indoor shade loving plants from Exotic Nurseries

Collaborative work space

Personal space for each team member while allowing constructive collaboration on projects is key to making the office work. The addition of breakout spaces all staff to take the personal and work phone calls. Large windows with abundant natural light have the office plants thriving to maintain the outdoor feel.

Materials used include:

Carpet floors
Scyon sheet cladding painted in Domino
Glass partitioned breakout spaces / Offices
Hardwood timber batten 42 x 19mm
Sit stand desks
Garden pots from The Balcony Garden
Indoor shade loving plants from Exotic Nurseries

Concrete swimming pools – Case study

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:13:39 +0000

The Clients :

A young family in Freshwater, Mum, Dad & 4 boys, looking to build a concrete swimming pool.

The Brief :

At the initial consultation the client informed us they were planning to renovate their house, but wanted to build a concrete swimming pool in as soon as possible so their young boys could use up some of that energy. Once the house was renovated access would be lost, so the new concrete swimming pool became the highest priority.

The clients wanted an in-ground concrete swimming pool in the back yard. The pool needed to be as big as possible to suit the entire family.

The challenges :

From our initial design consultation we were able to identify 4 main challenges that we were likely to face.

Two existing sewer mains. One cutting through the middle of the back yard and the other on a neighbouring property
Neighbouring trees potentially impacting the excavation zone of the swimming pool, along with an existing privacy hedge, impacting the none climbable zone of the pool fence
Being a beach side suburb we knew that one challenge would be excavation in a very sandy soil profile
Christmas deadline

The solutions :

During the design phase of this job we were able to address each of the proposed challenges and come up with workable solutions.

The sewer mains, Using a detailed site survey and Sydney Water tap-in we were able to locate the sewer mains. Once we had the location of the pipes and the calculation of the zone of influence (https://www.sydneywater.com.au/web/groups/publicwebcontent/documents/document/zgrf/mdux/~edisp/dd_051552.pdf ) we were able to design the Swimming pool to its maximum size.

The neighbours tree, We engaged an arborist to map the spread of the structural root zone (SRZ), this determined our extent of the excavation without causing damage to the tree. The new swimming pool fencing was designed to accommodate the existing hedging. The client maintained their privacy while the fence complied with the non-climbable zones safety requirements. (https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating/pools-and-pool-safety/pool-fencing-requirements)

Excavation in sandy soils is always a challenge, the threat of collapsing during excavation and before the concrete pour is constant. Our plan was to line up each specialist as close as possible and get the concrete shell in a quickly without compromising the quality of finishes. The program was to get from starting excavation to the concrete shell poured done in two weeks. We did it and were very lucky that there was no rain during that period.

Christmas deadline, Finishing the project by Christmas was of the highest priority.

The outcome:

The client had a new in-ground concrete swimming pool compliant with all authorities. The kids are now out of the house all summer. Due to the in-depth design process costs were kept down by avoiding concrete incasing the sewer line . All materials were selected before construction began so they could just sit back and watch it come together.

Contact us to discuss your new concrete swimming pool

Remote Design Services

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:05:40 +0000

Our remote design service has been developed to adjust to the new working style of Australians.

We recognise that many are working from home and with that are spending more time in the outdoor space.

This is an opportunity to let your creative juices flow by thinking how your outdoor living space can be improved.

FSL would like to share an opportunity to create and collaborate with you to maximise your time at home.

Using todays technology we can provide this service nationally.

“This is our home delivery option”

The Process

Initial online consult to establish design brief and explain FSL design process
Design fee proposal provided by FSL based on initial online consultation
Following approval of fee proposal, DIY site analysis package provide by FSL to client for preparation of all relevant information to begin design work
Shared Pinterest account created
Preparation of preliminary master plan and mood board.
Preparation of construction budget to get client prepared for future construction
Online meeting to review and discuss initial concept package and budget
Revision of concept package and costing based on client feedback
Delivery of finalised concept package and detailed estimate.

Site Analysis + Design Brief Checklist

SITE PHOTOS

Capture any relevant views from internal spaces eg. connection from lounge/dining/kitchen/living to outdoor area, views from overlooking balconies, prominent views from bedroom, bathrooms etc.
Provide overview of all garden areas (Refer to Site Photos Plan)
Provide details of the following:

level changes
drainage issues and pit locations,
existing services
existing vegetation
house elevations
any other site specific details relevant to the project

Opportunities + Constraints

Identify elements of the garden that you like and want to retain, build on or enhance eg. sunny seating space, garden area flourishing, feature tree/s, existing structures, finishes, views.
Identify what is not working or what is lacking within all spaces eg. shaded area that is unused, garden area struggling, shade requirements, seating requirements, privacy requirements, entertaining requirements, cooking requirements.

“Embrace the changing work environment with a change in your home environment”

Minor works projects

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:00:39 +0000

At Fifth Season Landscapes we recognise that not all our clients need a complete overhaul of their gardens and outdoor living areas. Sometimes all these areas need are a few plant suggestions and ideas around fixing that small section of the garden that has never really worked.

Our minor works projects start with a design consultation to discuss your needs, giving us an interim opportunity to devise a plan and workshop some initial ideas – to best use your current space.

We supply a high impact landscape service using quality plants, furniture and materials. Our in-house design team will not deviate from our current standards, ethics and quality of work no matter what size of the project.

Examples of a Minor works project:

Small courtyards
unused side garden
enhance your current planting scheme
improve your entry with a new pot layout
update your outdoor furniture
Add a green wall

A minor works project requires:

well thought out design
accurate costings
quality materials
quality craftsmanship
passion for creating a better place

Our Minor Works landscaping service is designed to cater for all needs, our design costs can start from $700 for a small space and range up from there based on complexity of the project.

Pool and garden design for outdoor living

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:54:13 +0000

THE GARDEN DESIGN BRIEF:

A Pool and garden design for outdoor living was the driving factor in this design.

The homeowners completed a recent house renovation and realised there was a disconnect between the house and garden. The property had stunning views of the city and an existing pool that were both under utilised, and this formed the platform for the new concept design.

The clients asked us to create areas that facilitated comfortable entertaining and resort style relaxation. The pool side area needed updating and the lower garden area was relatively unused. The design called for better access between the upper and lower garden areas to create a fully functioning space. All of these spaces required a level of privacy and improve aesthetics to enhance views from the internal living areas.

THE MATERIALS USED:

The pool and surrounds transformed with the installation of large format ‘Chalford’ limestone tiles from http://www.ecooutdoor.com.au. A modern ‘Antique Aqua’ pool tile https://www.pooltile.com.au/ instantly lifting the pool itself. Custom made steel screens designed to add privacy and for pool fence compliance all while introducing a sculptural feature into the space https://www.instagram.com/guildmetalcraft/?hl=en. Terraced hardwood timber decking grounds the focal point of the whole garden, the new timber pavilion. Custom cushions and a hanging day bed were installed beneath the new pavilion to ensure there is plenty of space to relax in the shade and enjoy the view.

A new central staircase brings a sense of grandeur and ease of access through the garden. The concrete BBQ bench and bar was designed to create a social cooking experience for all involved. The raw, polished concrete https://www.instagram.com/youdellconstructions/?hl=en ties in beautifully with the limestone tiling beneath and the existing sandstone walls.

THE FINAL POOL AND GARDEN RESULTS:

The importance of Landscape Design

admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:35:10 +0000

5 points on the importance of landscape design:

Whether you are planning a complete garden renovation or just making minor changes to an existing garden landscape, sourcing a design is the crucial first step that most people overlook.

A landscape design is the best way to get a visual representation and detailed understanding of your overall investment before committing to construction.

Begin with the end in mind – Get a design. Talk to an expert in the field of design and construction with experience designing and building all types of landscapes.

Arrange for a site consultation – The landscape architect or landscape designer will assess the site conditions including existing levels, the position of your house in relation to the landscape area and the aspect.

As the client, this is your chance to discuss your needs i.e. why are you getting this work done? How will it be used by the members of your family? Will it need approval? All these questions, and more, are vital in you getting your best result. The designer will take all this information into account while designing your landscape.

Talk about your budget – How much will all this cost? Discuss your budget with your landscape designer. It is difficult to estimate an overall price when you don’t know the cost of things. This is where the designer can inform you of ball park costs to help you prioritise areas and keep control of your budget.

Invest – Pay for a design. Allow the landscape designer the time to develop the landscape design with focus on the size, shape and scale of all affected areas.

Will your concepts need to comply with your local councils requirements? An experienced designer will know how these regulations apply to your property and how they will affect your final approval.

In comparison to the build costs this should be viewed as a wise investment as it is the most effective way to understand how the space will work. 3D designs are really useful and are easier to read than a traditional plan

Outdoor cooking

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 13:32:00 +0000

One of the first steps to designing the perfect cooking station is understanding how you use your outdoor living area.

How often do you use your BBQ midweek and what do you like to cook on the weekends? If you’re anything like me it’s gas cooking mid week and I’m all about charcoal cooking on the weekend. Low and slow.

When designing a built-in BBQ in outdoor living areas we are often asked to incorporate gas BBQs, charcoal BBQs, smokers, Argentinian grills, the list goes on and on. Trying to get combinations of these products (in one project all these in one space) can be tricky so the design process is critical. Understanding the way these products are used and the space required to be functional is so important.

Keeping your outdoor cooking area close to the kitchen is handy but not always possible so make it self-sufficient. Add a fridge, a tap and sink and plenty of preparation space.

As blokes we spend a lot of time around the BBQ either at home or at a mate’s place. The BBQ area is more than a place to cook great food – it’s a place to hang out with good friends and solve the worlds problems. Extra bench space with stools or a long leaning bar will work well in keeping your guests comfortable even if they are critiquing your cooking techniques.

So where to from here? Design the key areas first, make sure you fit in all the elements you need and make sure you have enough room for people to move freely in the area.

Do this and you’ll have a great cooking space for years to come!

Side Garden Design

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 13:28:13 +0000

What to do with the boring side of your house.

We all have them, that small space at the side of the house where nothing grows but those pesky weeds. This area can be tricky to work with but a well thought out design can make a world of difference.

This area has low light, tall walls and it’s damp. These all sound like tough issues to deal with, but wait, we can use these issues to our advantage.

Make the outlook from the side window enticing and calming. Show that this space can be used for more than just the air-con unit or hot water heater.

Green walls are great for these spaces, they can cover a blank tall wall or fence and be filled with plants that love shady conditions.

Timer batten screens are another design element that can be used really well in tight spaces, the vertical battens can screen an ugly fence or soften a brick wall. Try combining the wall dressings with large format stepping stones surrounded by ground cover planting in a pea gravel.

Put all these together to create the small space that you want to look out on and are happy to take your time walking through.