The new addition to this Elwood home by Pipkorn Kilpatrick was inspired by the family’s desire to make the most of their backyard and entertaining space, and create a space for leisure time by the pool with friends. The design respects the restrained and elegant style of the existing California bungalow, and continues these clean lines into the backyard space. The entertaining area comprises a new dining area, connecting to the outdoor fireplace and BBQ zone, pool, pool house and garage.

The pool house is fully kitted out with pool table, kitchenette, bathroom and projection wall for summer movie nights (dream!).  This space is housed within the footprint of the pre-existing garage,  and the architects highlight the challenge of making the space feel generous, and not-like-half-a-garage! This was achieved by creating a high raked/panelled ceiling with large exposed timber joists and steel supports. Enormous aluminium sliding doors disappear into wall cavities, creating a sense of expanding space.

The design cleverly encourages connection between the main home, garden, and pool house – especially through the use of concrete flooring in the new space, and stone pool tiles to create a sense of continuity. Soft terrazzo tiling in the dining room runs into bluestone tiles in the outdoor BBQ area. All this is softened with subtle, layered plantings selected by the team at Kate Patterson Landscapes. Summer is sorted!