From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Backyard Landscape Ideas You’ll Love

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Backyard Landscape Ideas You’ll Love
Your backyard is more than just a patch of grass; it’s an extension of your home and can be transformed into a personal oasis. Whether you’re looking to create a space for entertaining, relaxation, or family activities, there are endless possibilities to design a backyard that suits your needs and reflects your style. Here are some creative backyard landscape ideas to help you transform your outdoor space.

From Baby Llamas to Beautiful Landscapes: Debbie Laporte’s Journey to Designing Places People Love

From One Call to a Career in Landscape Architecture. What followed was what Debbie calls a “mid-uni crisis.” On her mum’s advice — and without a smartphone to Google options — she turned to a career quiz and the Yellow Pages. The quiz pointed to landscape architecture, a field she’d never heard of. Taking a leap, she closed her eyes, pointed to a listing, and made a call. It changed everything.

More than 20 years later, Debbie is the founding director of Orterra, a Brisbane-based landscape architecture practice.

Understanding Soil Volumes for Planting Around Retaining Walls

Here in Brisbane and across South East Queensland our beautiful hill and valley landscape requires thorough consideration of retaining walls and their critical role in landscape and engineering design. They provide structural support and help to manage soil erosion on our slopes and uneven terrain. A frequently overlooked aspect in retaining wall design is the adequate provision of soil volumes necessary for planting. The availability of sufficient soil volume is vital for plant health, aesthetic appeal, and long-term stability. This blog delves into the key issues associated with soil volumes around retaining walls, and how they influence landscape and engineering decisions.

Case Study: Designing a Tropical Family Garden in Red Hill

Located in Red Hill, Brisbane, this family home project was designed with the primary goal of creating a garden that would evolve alongside the family, offering versatile, functional spaces that connect the new home’s interior and exterior. The client’s brief was clear: a garden that harmonized with the character of the new home, embraced a sub-tropical aesthetic, and provided a usable, dynamic outdoor space that could be enjoyed throughout the family’s growth and stages of life.

Creating Comfortable Learning Environments: How to Reduce Heat and Provide Cooling in Schools

In educational settings, reducing heat and providing cooling is essential for creating a comfortable, safe, and productive environment for students and staff. With rising temperatures and increased awareness of the impact of extreme heat especially on children, schools are increasingly prioritizing cooling strategies in both playgrounds and outdoor learning areas. Here are some of the best ways to effectively cool outdoor spaces in schools and make your school a safe and enjoyable environment.

The Ultimate Guide to Swimming Pool Types: Choosing the Perfect Pool for Your Home

Swimming pools are not only a fantastic way to cool down in the summer, but they also add value to your property and enhance outdoor living spaces. When considering a pool for your home, it’s important to understand the different types available and what each has to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular pool types, along with their advantages and disadvantages.