Name: Clem & Louisa
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Type of space: Urban Backyard
Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: At the end of a major renovation project we were left with a serious mess and zero cash. Our space is tiny and we were determined to maximize every inch, to include a minute plunge pool and still have loads of seating and lounging options (relatively speaking of course) and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Low maintenance being key…
How did you create it? Because of buried services we had to build the the pool half in and half out of the ground, which gave us the idea of building a lounging deck level with the side of the pool (inspired by our trips to Thailand) from which we have stunning views of Table Mountain! The whole of the outdoor area had to be raised to achieve the no-level-change-indoor-outdoor thing. We then laid faux lawn and paved the dining table area with some old concrete pavers which we had lying around and slapped some white enamel paint diluted with turpentine on them to take away a bit of the grey. As it is winter here, we have filled the pool with some cheap and cheerful balls, just for fun.
Recommended store, site, product or resource? Mr Williams made our sheep and angel sculptures, the umbrella and hanging chairs were bought in Thailand, Louisa made the poufs and Clem made all the decks (he's the best!)
(Re-edited from a post originally published 06.30.09 - NM)
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love!
Love the ball pit / pool combo! Looks like a really cheerful fun space.
Wow, great job! Hanging out here looks like it would be awesome.
Love the colors and the plants, a lot of work! Well done!
It's really original, and kind of inspiring for such a small spot. How deep is the pool?
Wow, just looked at some of the excavation and construction shots. Again, good job, and great imaginative use of the space.
You're a lucky family to have the smarts to get so much out of so little. Getting along in South Africa is not so easy these days! Good luck to you!
Love the purple walls!
All that and a view of Table Mountain too? Wow.
But being from Montreal, I do have to mock you about your "winter." I was in Cape Town in July and August a couple of years ago, and I'd have definitely used that pool. :-)
whats the "water" drippings on the outside of the pool... it looks cool.
I love this! Hanging chairs and parasols are two of my favorite things. The sheep sculpture is great. I'd love to give him a pat on the head while chillin' in that plunge pool.
I'm loving the mosaic water drippings on the side of the pool. Slick!
Hey guys- great space! Don't know if you are still checking this post, but I was curious- what demensions were you working with with your backyard? Or square footage/ meters? Thanks!
Love the purple walls, and the entire place is so creative! Great job.
Well who is Mr. Williams because I want a cute sheep.... LOL
As a mosaic artist, I love to see the use of mosaics in this space. Well done!
This is fantastic. But what is a plunge pool exactly? Does that describe the size (ie- suitable for plunging, but not for swimming)? If so, does it work like a regular pool, with filters and chlorine and such?
Your outdoor space is absolutely adorable. The sheep - does it have a name?
But, as another Canadian, I second what Lisa from Montreal said. :-)
I love everything about this back yard! you did an awesome job
EK76, "plunge pool" is basically a word for "probably big enough to stand in but not swim".