We are often asked to include a BBQ within our landscape designs. After all, what is an Australian back garden without a BBQ? We completely understand this requirement and enjoy looking for unique ways to incorporate a BBQ for maximum impact and functionality.
I’m sure you have seen this typical scenario, the designated cook is passed a tray of cold meat ready to slap on the BBQ. Whilst the meats cooks away, the cook is left there, largely in isolation and misses the interaction with their family and friends. This is unfortunate and with good landscape design, does not need to be the case.
If we put a little thought into how best to integrate the BBQ in your outdoor entertaining design, the results can be amazing. In some instances, we may want the BBQ to become a focal point for social interaction. It is after all a space that is full of dynamic energy and requires a significant amount of our time and attention during its use. So why not make it more enjoyable?
Here are our top tips to consider when you start to plan your BBQ area:
- It needs the ability to cook up a variety of food types
- It's flat surface should be multi-purpose so that you can use the area food prep, cold items or even drinks
- The ability for your family and friends to literally sit at the BBQ sharing the experience – think of having bar stools placed on the other side of the BBQ
- The ability to stop the chef having their back to you but be able to look at you while cooking – it’s all about placement of the BBQ
- The ability for the unit to double up as a bar supporting ice coolers, cutting boards, sinks, fridges etc
- The assurance that the investment is sustainable and an asset to your home
I’m sure our tips sound great? So here are some questions that will help you to form your ideal BBQ social area.
- Be realistic about your budget
- Consider if you are reliant on bottle gas or in line gas
- What do you like cooking? A client of ours enjoys cooking with the wok so the BBQ had to have within its body a wok burner that when not in use is covered giving more usable flat space
- Design the BBQ at the same time when you are designing your outdoor room, so it's not an afterthought
- Design the BBQ unit tailored to suit your requirements
- Know what is on the market and how these can be used or customised to fulfil your requirements
- Consider the visual aspect of the BBQ and it being a piece of furniture not ‘Oh there’s the BBQ’
- Design the unit so it is not a stereo typical box, but a unit with open space under making it look like it is partially floating
- Design your BBQ using similar materials to its surrounding areas, such as polished concrete or stone that has been used elsewhere in your landscape design
Having designed and built be-spoke BBQ’s for many of my clients it is always a wonderful buzz to be invited to join the family for a cook up and see how the area is now a true entertaining area.
Have fun and use your imagination with knowledge of success.
