I said I was going to write about water in this second part of this series of articles discussing the principles of  ‘exterior design’, but I almost hesitate to do so because over the New Zealand winter (which officially ends today) we have seen a lot, a lot of water.  Right now my entire garden is essentially a water feature.  Or more accurately, a mud bath,

But as a species we have absurdly short memories and in only a few short months we will be parched again and asking ‘whither the rain’?  So bear with me – close your eyes (no, wait until the end of this sentence) take yourself to a happy, dry, hot place and let me tell you about the magical properties of water.

In Part One (Shade) I alluded to the influence of classical and Moorish gardens on contemporary exterior design.  The Moorish garden was intended to mimic nature in miniature and, in its grandest incarnations, featured elaborate water channels and ponds.  Even when contained within a more modest courtyard, the garden invariably included a fountain of some description at its centre.  The fountain had symbolic significance (as the font of life and reminder of the oases of the desert) but had practical and aesthetic purposes: Running water will actively remove heat from the air through the process of evaporative cooling and the sound of running water is soothing and refreshing.

Nowadays I am afraid that we generally consider water features to be irretrievably naff.  This is largely thanks to budget DIY retailers who have taken instant plastic fountains in the direction of garden gnomes.  This is a tragedy.  But it may not be too late to rehabilitate this ancient and worthy institution – and I have been doing my part.  Over the last two summers we have been involved in design projects for Wither Hills and Louis Vuitton (for the LV Trophy) and in each case I have included an awesome (but subtle) water feature. Now it’s your turn.

Please don’t imagine that I am encouraging you to replicate the Fontana di Trevi on your deck.  Rather, think about how you can incorporate the elements that I discussed in Part 1 (shade, breeze, views, water etc.) to create your own oasis.

The images below are intended to illustrate and inspire.  For further inspiration, be sure to check out www.coastnewzealand.com – or visit our showroom and speak to me or any of our knowledgeable team.

This is the third in a series of articles discussing the principles of  ‘exterior design’ for the outdoor room.  If you have been following, you will have noted that I am now warming to my elemental theme:  In part two I wrote about water and in this instalment I will discuss fire and light. 

I warned you in the first part that there was likely to be some product placement in this series and the more astute amongst you may notice references to products that are available from our sister website (and Auckland concept store) The Outdoor Room.  In virtually every case, these are products that we have at home and use ourselves (however, there is a limit to how much stuff you can actually fit into an outdoor room).  In all cases, they are products that we know and like and behind which we stand.

Fire and Light

If the outdoor room extends the living space, then fire and light extend its usefulness.  In addition, an outdoor fire provides a focal point for conversation, relaxation or contemplation.  For tens of thousands of years man has sat around a fire, gazing onto the flames and talking, thinking, eating, sharing.  It is arguably because of this that we have become the gregarious, garrulous species that we are today.  Don’t fight it.  Be a man.  Make fire.

Bear in mind that the outdoor room generally lacks reflective surfaces and will rarely hold heat like a room.  Accordingly, you need to place lights just where you need them and similarly arrange seating close to and preferably around the fire.  You can also place lights at a distance to create night-time views or vistas – e.g. by up-lighting trees or by placing torches at a distance.  This avoids the sense of claustrophobia that is sometimes the result of sitting in a ‘light bubble’ surrounded by blackness.

The new Isla Collection is ideal in this context:  It combines the comfort of a beanbag with the structure and flexibility of modular furniture – and because it is full of beans it is easy to move around:  arrange around the fire as the evening draws in and spread out in the heat of the day.

I am not a huge fan of artificial heat or light for the outdoor room, although I concede that they do have their practical advantages.  However, for the sake of ambience and relaxation I would opt for real flames.  In this regard, the ethanol-burning fires from Ecosmart are an excellent compromise:  they can stand alone or sit in any existing fireplace with no need for a flu, gas pipe or any other fuss or plumbing.  They produce a perfect, mesmerising flame and enough heat to allow you to linger long after sunset.

The Ecosmart range is sophisticated, but understated and the range includes options for virtually any setting.  If you are feeling a little more rustic, then a Chiminea is another option.  These are comparatively inexpensive and will burn firewood, coal or charcoal.  Chimineas are available in traditional fired-clay or cast iron.  Our clay chimineas are handmade in Matakana and will last for many years.

If you don’t have room for a fire then consider the table grill from Eva Solo – it is essentially a mini barbecue or hibachi, but, being Danish, its oh so cool.  And hot – after you’ve grilled a couple of kebabs, it continues to throw out enough heat to keep you chatting around the table long into the long evenings.  Best of all, you can chuck the whole thing into the dishwasher.

In New Zealand we enjoy beautiful starlit nights, untroubled by light pollution, even in the larger centres.  Soft exterior lighting allows you to enjoy this treat:  Oil lamps from Aristo or simple candle-light (you may need a hurricane lamp) preserve the mood and won’t blot out the Southern Cross.

If bugs are an issue, consider our bug candle (available from the Auckland showroom): hand made in New Zealand from natural plant wax with tea tree oil and citronella.  Pretty, practical and aromatic.  Bugs just hate ‘em.

The images below are intended to illustrate and inspire.  For further inspiration, be sure to check out www.theoutdoorroom.co.nz – or visit our showroom and speak to me or any of our knowledgeable team.

In the next installment I will discuss cooking and eating in the outdoor room.

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