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Week 11: Han and Can

The room: Backyard and pool

Cash spent: $9753 (Budget: $50,000)

Score: 31.5/40 (fifth place)

“I really like the stone,” said Darren Palmer. “I like how organic and natural it is, and I think that as the dichondra grows it will be absolutely elegant.”

A backyard with a pool in it, lots of rocks, two water ranks and trees in it.

Han and Can created a calming, Japanese-style garden with organic curves and sculptural elements.


Han and Can created a Japanese-inspired Zen garden with landscaper Christian Jenkins. Working with a tight budget, the girls were inspired by the “less is more” idea, believing that simplicity in design would be their mantra.

Sandstone paving led to a custom-built fireplace, which was surrounded by grass around the perimeter and several large rocks scattered throughout. Plantings of dichondra around the pavers helped to soften their appearance, while the addition of Japanese maples will supply elegance and colour. Lilly pillys were planted around the fence line with the aim of creating a hedge for privacy.

The backyard with a paved area, a pool, an outdoor room and trees in it. 

The showstopper was the placement of custom-made wooden arbours inspired by Japanese Torii gates, which are traditional arches that mark the entrance to Shinto shrines. These gates helped to separate the garden into zones, including the pool area, cabana and lawn, with Shaynna Blaze adding that they added a sense of tranquillity to the garden design.

The outdoor fireplace was curved, accompanied by curved bench seating, which won praise from the judges. “This is such a great place to sit, look back at the property and enjoy the sun,” said Marty Fox. 

A room with a couch with cushions on it, a table, a tv mounted to a wall and a stool in it.

Design tip

Take inspiration from the surrounding landscape when designing a backyard. Han and Can used local rocks to create places of interest throughout their garden, even inspiring their sandstone path..

 

What colour paint did they use?

Han and Can used ‘Sandy Gorge’ half strength and Ace of Clubs, both by British Paints.

 

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

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.