It has been a busy year with new amazing projects that forged ahead at a steady pace and this trust in our companies, gives us inspiration to produce more beautiful and challenging designs than ever before.

The completion of Sandton Residence and subsequent inclusion in the South African Home Owner magazine evoked ideas of outdoor summer entertaining specifically the pool/lanai combination.

For those who’ve not heard the word or done a brief with my team, a ‘lanai’ is a patio/ verandah/ porch/ stoep with a solid floor and covered by a roof.

We believe it’s an extension of the kitchen, dining and family room with the pool/braai and bar area close by ultimate entertaining.

Features can include a lounge type seating area, pizza oven, wine fridges / icemakers, pool dressing rooms and fire pit (boma).

Swimming pools in a mild climate, such as South Africa, are basically essential and the article “Outdoor Summer Entertaining” shares design ideas for rim flow, pool covers and finishes.