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architecture and capture the lush, tranquil look of a Balinese resort. “The aim was to emulate some of the ambience of Bali and create a tranquil environment using water as the key focus,” says Shafer.“It was important to create the feeling that you could sit amongst the water, not just beside it.” The result is a tropical water garden, with features such as a pergola and timber boardwalk that appear to float on top of the pool. A sandstone deck and stepping stones further enhance this aesthetic. “The house was designed so the water laps right up against it. The stepping stones create a floating pathway, and the planter and pergola accentuate the fact that it’s a water garden, not just a pool.” Designed to be a family-oriented space, the garden features plenty of outdoor living areas, as well as a large lawn and wader pool for children. The palms and low, textured ground cover give the garden a tropical focus, which enhances the theme and frames the view of the estuary beyond. Above left: The architecture of this house is enhanced by the landscape, which was designed by Robin Shafer of Shafer Design to capture the look of a Balinese resort. A pergola, typical of Balinese architecture, appears to float in the middle of the pool and is completely surrounded by water, enhancing the water garden theme. There is an infinity edge around multiple sides of the pool, which also features a wader pool for the owners’ grandchildren. Above: The wide-plank timber decking gives the boardwalk a solid, wharf-like feeling that works with the theme. search | save | share at my.trendsideas.com 131