DECKED OUT

Adam Robinson transforms a compact space into a multipurpose garden for a family on their return to sunny Bondi from the UK

Goodbye, urban UK – hello, beachside Bondi garden!

When they returned to Sydney from the UK, Anna Saunders and her husband Tim wanted a home with enough outdoor living space for barbecues, and to accommodate a dog.

“A garden was important to us after living in a small apartment in a cold urban area,” says Anna, who shares the beachside Bondi semi with Tim, their children, Isobel, 3, and Harvey, 1, and Betsy, the black labrador. Despite its compact size, the revamped garden delivers a sizeable entertaining zone and play space for the kids and the dog, along with a low-key ambience that makes the most of a favourable climate.

Anna knew little about plants or gardening, so she called on landscape designer Adam Robinson to realise their vision for a verdant outdoor area. “Adam made it fuss-free for us,” she says. “We showed him some pictures we liked, he presented a really good solution, and we went for it.” The result is a hardworking garden where a lot is packed – but not jammed – into 80 square metres. The simple layout has multipurpose areas that are ideal for everyone. “From a design viewpoint, it’s straightforward and uncontrived,” says Adam. “In a small space, that’s what you need.”

An ample timber deck, allowed to weather to a natural silvery-grey, connects with the house to create an inviting transition between indoors and out, and features an oversized polished-concrete benchtop that’s just the ticket for drinks and nibbles, children’s parties and family meals. “The bench is an amazing use of space,” says Anna. “It’s practical for barbecuing, which my husband does a lot. It’s also large enough to hold all of the food – and keep it away from a greedy dog!”

Beneath the countertop, cabinet doors conceal such necessities as a lawnmower, garden equipment, a pram, toys, a paddling pool – and more. It’s a neat storage solution without compromising on style. Hardwood battens filter neighbouring views and ensure some privacy. Slender weaver’s bamboo supplements the screening and continues around the boundary, with giant bird of paradise,