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Week 12: Han and Can

The room: Front yard and facade

Score: 35.5/40 (third place)

“It’s about taking it slow, it’s about movement, it’s about taking in the aspects of the Japanese world,” said Shaynna Blaze. “I feel it’s about … flowing.”

The front of a house with a driveway, trees, grassed area and rocks in it.

Han and Can created a calming Zen-like space with a Japanese-style front yard and spectacular gate.


Another tough week for Han and Can with the girls working hard right to the end and Scotty’s shout of “tools down”. The couple decided to continue with the Japanese theme of their backyard, with a front yard design that echoed Asian style and Zen philosophy.

The big (and controversial) feature of their front garden was the huge Japanese-style Torii front gate to match those in their backyard, which the judges liked and felt made a great statement, establishing the tone of the space.

A winding path around a Japanese-style Reiki garden and a Zen-inspired water feature completed the theme. The path of raked river sand created what landscape designer Christian Jenkins said was a “journey to get to the front door”, and Shaynna remarked that it would be popular with young children.

The front area of a house with a bench seat, rocks, grassed area and trees in it.

The judges were full of praise for the handmade front door, with brass handle, and appreciated the private courtyard (complete with fountain) created off the guest bedroom.

A side garden with outdoor furniture and space for contemplation was a popular inclusion, while a thoughtful outdoor lighting plan was the finishing touch.

The front entrance of a house with timber decking at the front and lights attached to the house.

Design tip

A well-designed outdoor lighting plan should include a combination of pathfinders (ground-level lights for illuminating the way from fence to front door) and up lights, to highlight significant trees or garden features.

 

Create the look yourself with these D.I.Y. projects

How to build a D.I.Y. timber garden arbour

How to create garden features

How to build a timber retaining wall

How to grow and care for clumping bamboo

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.