If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): pictures of modern homes

Established in 1995, Australia's Out From The Blue (OFTB) is one of the foremost landscape architecture and pool construction companies in the world. They seamlessly integrate contemporary landscape design with quality concrete pool construction, resulting in residential backyards the likes of which you'd never want to leave.

Many of their pools contain at least one transparent wall, which is fast becoming a trend amongst modern swimming pools (see the Casa Devoto pool). Now one of inner Melbourne’s leading residential landscape architecture studios, our team is expanding its practice both interstate and internationally.

Below are a four of my favorite landscape and pool designs from OFTB:

Elsternwick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:

Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:

Toorak, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:

Elsternwick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:

and a few more examples of their incredible work:

Their team of landscape architects, horticulturists and in-house pool builders who work closely on each project to create highly individual, imaginative and exciting landscape outcomes:

Director: Gary Kilworth
Construction Manager: Josh Considine
Senior Landscape Architect: Lewis Marash
Landscape Architect: Lily Sabo
General Manager: Ezio Ficorilli
Accounts Manager: Jodie Kilworth
Office Manager: Bernie Ficorilli
Construction Supervisor: Craig Bailey

Out From The Blue

Art collectors and lovers of classic California architecture and midcentury modern furniture will appreciate this extensive look at architect Cliff May's Alisal Ranch, a classic ranch style home, which just went on the market with an asking price of $1,750,000. Filled with Eames classics and Nelson lamps, these 34 images of the home's interior and exterior will get any art and architecture fan salivating.

Cliff May, known as the father of the California Ranch Home, was the architect of the Alisal Ranch in the incomparable Santa Ynez Valley, which is now on the market after an extensive renovation by the current owner, architect Barry Berkus.

Timeless, but not dated, the 4,388 sq. foot four bedroom, five bathroom home situated on 1.6 acres is located outside of Solvang, CA and has light-filled interiors, an open floor plan, four fireplaces, a large pool with overhang and an interior ceiling made of grape stake.

The Living/Dining/Great Room:

The Kitchen with Nelson Bubble lamps, Thermador range and Viking wine cooler:

Bedrooms and baths (including a Japanese style soaking tub by Ofuro):

The classic mid-century style ranch home is set on a high hill within the preserved 10,000 acre Alisal Ranch and is surrounded by verdant mountain and hillside vistas.

The pool area with overhang and outdoor barbeque:

A meticulous restoration with careful updating and special lighting to accommodate an art collection will please both the sophisticated art collector, as well as the architectural aficionado.

Numerous built-ins are perfect for showcasing art, books and collectibles: