Warkworth Outdoor Room.

The Brief

The brief for this Warkworth home was to create a true outdoor room alongside the house—one that was sheltered enough for year-round use, open enough to maintain a connection with the garden, and thoughtfully detailed so it felt like a permanent extension of the home.

Sanctuary's design response

Sanctuary Pergolas achieved this by constructing a freestanding gable outdoor room, rather than relying on the existing house for structural support. The matte black aluminium and steel frame, paired with a Colorsteel® FlaxPod Matte roof, creates a clean architectural profile, while clear acrylic glazing in the roof and gable ends allows natural light to flood the space.

Completed in November 2025, the project also included a new deck and integrated fireplace, transforming the covered area into a fully functional outdoor living space. A cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling, pendant lighting, and recessed downlights add warmth and character, making the space ideal for dining, entertaining, and relaxing throughout the year.

Structure & Finish

The outdoor room features a durable combination of aluminium and steel framing finished in matte black for a contemporary aesthetic. Engineering PS1 documentation was provided, ensuring the freestanding structure was designed to suit the site's conditions and roof configuration.

Roof, Glazing & Ceiling

The gable roof is clad in corrugated Colorsteel® FlaxPod Matte roofing, with clear acrylic glazing integrated into the roof and gable ends to maximise natural light. A cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling lining adds warmth and texture, giving the outdoor room the feel of an interior living space.

Outdoor Living Features

A new deck, built-in fireplace, and professionally installed lighting complete the design, creating a comfortable outdoor room rather than a simple covered area. Pendant lights and recessed downlights provide ambient illumination for evening use, extending the functionality of the space well beyond daylight hours.