When designing an outdoor space, one of the biggest decisions is how you want to utilise your backyard space. Do you picture cosy evenings by the fire, refreshing morning swims, or soothing end-of-day spa sessions? Or a mixture of these key features?
For inspiration, we’re looking to House 5 from The Block Australia. Robby and Mat created a stunning example of how these features can work together in a cohesive, luxury outdoor design. With a Trendz Twin Peak fireplace, a sauna, a pool, and even a pickleball court, it perfectly captures the balance between relaxation, recreation, and refined style.
Outdoor Fireplace: The All-Season Entertainer
Price point: Ranges from $7,000 to $50,000+
If your idea of outdoor living is about atmosphere, connection, and extending your time outside, a fireplace is hard to beat.
A Trendz outdoor fireplace, like the Twin Peak featured at House 5 on The Block, becomes the heart of the space, a place to gather, cook, or simply unwind. It offers warmth and ambience through every season and requires far less maintenance than water-based features.
An outdoor fireplace is best for:
- Year-round entertaining
- Creating a design focal point
- Low-maintenance ambience and warmth
- Increase your homes value
Not keen on the size or look of the Twin Peak, it is our largest fireplace, then check out other popular options; Mini Burton or the sleek Hudson.
View Trendz outdoor fireplace range >
Sauna: The Wellness Retreat
Price point: From $5,000+
A sauna brings a sense of ritual and retreat to your backyard. For those focused on wellness, recovery, and relaxation, it’s an incredible addition. It’s compact, energy-efficient.
A sauna is best for:
- Wellness-focused lifestyles
- Stress reduction
- Compact spaces
Consider: Saunas are more private experiences, they’re for quiet moments, not group entertaining.
How serene does the, 6 Person Dual Bench Indoor Sauna, by Steam Saunas Australia, look in House 5 The Block.
Spa: The Everyday Escape
Price point: From $5,000+
A spa or hot tub is often the middle ground between social and soothing. It’s great for relaxing alone or chatting with friends after a long day. With temperature control, you can use it year-round, especially when paired with a fireplace for post-soak warmth or a pool.
A hot Tub/Spa is best for:
- Relaxation and recovery
- Smaller groups or families
- All-season comfort
Consider: Requires ongoing maintenance, water care, and power but offers daily luxury in return.
We love the range of spas from Vortex Spas, an Australian company known for their innovative designs and energy-efficient features. Their spas offer a luxurious experience with various seating capacities, making them a great choice for both relaxation and social gatherings.
Swimming & Plunge Pools: The Lifestyle Statement
Price point: From $25,000 to $100,000+
A pool instantly turns your backyard into a destination. Perfect for families, fitness, and summer entertaining, traditional swimming pools do require a bigger investment in cost, space, and maintenance.
Recently, plunge pools have gained popularity as a versatile middle ground, smaller than a full pool but larger than a spa, offering both visual impact and year-round usability. Many homeowners now pair pools with fire features or spas, making the area enjoyable even outside the warmer months.
A pool or plunge pool is best for:
- Warm-climate homes
- Families and entertainers
- Year-round relaxation and recreation
Consider: Higher installation and maintenance costs for larger pools, though plunge pools are more compact and easier to maintain.
At The Block’s House 5, Robby and Mat showcased how water and fire can coexist beautifully. They installed two Plungie pools; a Quad (2.2m x 2.2m) plunge pool and a Max (6m x 3m) pool. Showing that a combination of both can create a stunning, functional outdoor living space.
Just imagine taking a refreshing dip and then warming up by the fire after or playing a game of Pickle Ball then a refreshing dip after.
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Creating a Space That Grows With You
House 5 on The Block shows what’s possible when design and lifestyle come together. From the Twin Peak fireplace to the pool and sauna, every feature feels connected, and that’s the key to a space that evolves over time.
You might begin with a fireplace and seating area, then add a spa or plunge pool later. The foundation is timeless design, flexible layout, and choosing features that complement each other in both function and style.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our inspiration gallery >
Have a question? Contact us