From "Thatch" to "Thatched"
Alang Alang (Imperata cylindrical), also known as blady grass; Japanese bloodgrass; kunai grass or cogon grass, is a type of grass in the class Imperata.
Alang Alang, is placed in the subfamily Panicoideae, subgroup Andropogonodae, tribe Andropogoneae.
Alang Alang, is a perennial rhizomatous grass native to east and southeast Melanesia, India, Asia, Australia, Micronesia, eastern and southern Africa.
Alang Alang can reach height of 3m. The leaves are about 2cm wide at the base and narrows to a sharp point at the top. The leaves’ margins are surrounded with sharp silica crystals and are finely toothed.
The leave’s main vein is a lighter colour than the rest of the leaf and the upper surface has fine hair near the base of the plant; the bottom part is usually smooth. Alang Alang roots grow up to 1.2 meters deep. Brisbane Thatch and Decks imports A-grade thatch from Bali, the smallest province in Indonesia. Not only does Bali have the highest quality export thatch, it is also the largest tourist destination in Indonesia. Bali is renowned for its arts; music and traditional dance; fine leather- and metalwork. Bali has been a travellers-haven for decades and has recently had a rush in tourist numbers.
Bali’s exquisite tropical holiday atmosphere extends to the Australian lifestyle. It is seen on our beaches and gardens in the form of Balinese gazebos and furniture.
Brisbane Thatch & Decks can bring Bali’s wonderful vacation-feeling to you, with our wide variety of Bali huts and gazebos.
History
Balinese Pergola.
Balinese Pergola
A pergola (framework/trellis), Latin "Pergula" refers to a projective eave, is a garden feature creating a shaded pathway, or sitting area on pillars. A pergola is built to support cross-beams and a durable open framework, often upon which climbers and creepers are draped.
As a gazebo, it is often found as an extension of a structure, as well as a sheltered area on an open terrace or patio.
Fine-looking pergolas on brick and stone pillars replaced traditional pergolas in the early 18th century.
Pergolas are often erected to form a link/connection between a pavilion and an open garden feature, such as a swimming pool or recreational area. Self-supporting/freestanding pergolas, provide a sitting area that allows one to enjoy the breeze and sunshine while offering 100% protection from harmful UV-rays.
Modern day pergolas are often made of wood pillars (and not the traditional brick or stone). This ensures an increase in popularity due to affordability. Generally, pergolas are built with weather-resistant wood, such as Western Red Cedar or Coast Redwood and are painted or stained.
In Australia we often refer to Balinese pavilions, gazebo's and Bali huts as Balinese Pergolas.
Bali Hut.
Bali Hut
A hut is a structure/dwelling/house built with purpose of durability; it is built of higher quality building materials than a shelter/tent. Traditionally, huts were structures built of readily available materials such as wood, palm leaves, stones and rocks. Huts exist in almost all cultures.
In some cultures huts are used by shepherds when moving cattle between seasonal grazing areas. Worldwide, ethnic groups use huts during migration seasons.
Hut designs are based on craftsmanship, skills and architectural techniques. These structures favour airflow due to climate. The term ‘hut’ is often wrongly used to describe primitive non-western style homes in tropical and subtropical areas.
The term Bali hut is thus widely use to refer to the Balinese style roofed structures.
Thatched Cottage and Villas.
Villas and Cottages
In Roman times a Villa was a upper-class country houses since its origin in Roman Villa. After the fall of the Roman empire Villas became farming compounds, monasteries, and gradually re-evolve through the middle ages into upper class country homes.
Due to the Tuscany influence villa gardens was seen as a vital and aesthetic link to interface modern day living overlooking the agricultural landscapes.
Thatch and shingles are still very popular, traditional and widely available roofing materials used on Cottages and Villas thus recreating the original rustic and rural pre-modern dwelling atmosphere.
In our modern culture all over the world the term Cottage and Villa is used in a more romantic context for a relaxing getaway destination to escape the bussling city life and reconnect with our loved ones in nature.
A Brisbane Thatch and Decks Balinese Gazebo can be transformed into Cottage or Villa by simply just adding four walls, windows and a door. Detached from the main living area to create a cozy hideaway from every day buzz just relaxing next to the pool or in the garden.
Tiki Huts.
Tiki Huts
Hawaiian Tiki huts coming soon....
Huts
A hut is a structure/dwelling/house built with purpose of durability; it is built of higher quality building materials than a shelter/tent. Traditionally, huts were structures built of readily available materials such as wood, palm leaves, stones and rocks. Huts exist in almost all cultures.
In some cultures huts are used by shepherds when moving cattle between seasonal grazing areas. Worldwide, ethnic groups use huts during migration seasons.
Hut designs are based on craftsmanship, skills and architectural techniques. These structures favour airflow due to climate. The term ‘hut’ is often wrongly used to describe primitive non-western style homes in tropical and subtropical areas.
The term Bali hut is thus widely use to refer to the Balinese style roofed structures.
Types Balinese Thatched roofing.
3x6 Bali Gazebo next to pool Merbau deck Timber cross handrail
Gazebo with Decks next to Brisbane river
3x6 Bali Gazebo next to pool Merbau deck Timber cross handrail
Balinese Gazebo
Gazebos date back to more than 3000 BC, and are found in the architectural structures of ancient China, Persia and many other European countries. In present-day Australia, England and America, gazebos are constructed of wood and covered with a variety of roofing materials, such as thatch, colorbond roofing, timber and clay-shingles. Gazebos include tent-style structures, raised with poles and covered by fabrics such as TFS.
Balinese gazebos are self-supporting structures, roofed with blady grass (Alang Alang). Traditionally these structures are not enclosed; and are built to provide shade, shelter and aesthetical value to a garden, beach, park or resort. Gazebos are popular in warm and sunny climates where outdoor life plays an important part in social life.
With our sunny climate, Aussies enjoy the tradition of open-air socials. Brisbane Thatch and Decks can help you spend more outdoor time with family and friends in the backyard, garden or next to the pool under a thatched gazebo (100% UV protection).
Brisbane Thatch and Decks gazebos include pavilions, pergolas, kiosks, belvederes, follies and rotundas. Our gazebos can be custom-made to any size or shape, in order to suit your needs, we can even put up gazebo-screens in order to keep flying insects out.
A pavilion built to take advantage of a view is referred to as a gazebo.
Balinese Pavilion.
Brisbane Thatch and Decks
Brisbane Thatch and Decks
Brisbane Thatch and Decks
Brisbane Thatch and Decks
Balinese Pavilion
A pavilion is built especially to enjoy a panoramic view and is referred to as a gazebo.
Interestingly the word ‘pavilion’ is a combination between ‘pavillon’ (French) and ‘papilio’ (Latin) which translates to butterfly house.
Architecturally, pavilion can refer to a free-standing structure located near a main residence, with the main purpose of relaxation and recreation.
Balinese Patio.
Balinese Patio
Patio, in Australia, generally refers to the undercover area which houses the BBQ and outdoor dining setting, traditionally, behind the residence. A patio is an outdoor area also referred to as a ‘courtyard’, generally used for dining and leisure.
A patio often connects parts of a house and is often paved. Patio may also refer to an undercover central courtyard (similar to Spanish architectural style dwellings).
Al Fresco Dining.
Al Fresco
Outdoor dining areas in moderate climates, also referred to as al fresco dining areas, are popular in summer months when temperatures and weather are most favourable. Al fresco, is a casual dining style that is popular for outdoor entertaining.
In order to accommodate the social activity associated with al fresco dining, some city councils have passed regulations permitting it in public areas.
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Decks in conjunction with Balinese Patios extends the luxurious indoors to same level outdoors living and presents an unforgettable Al Fresco dining area.
Thatched Cabana.
A Cabana
Cabana's traditionally will be found near large bodies of water in tropical climates used for recreation. It is Basically a small freestanding hut build with a thatch roof on a rustic floor.
These days we build and install them next to swimming pools at resorts and hotels to enjoy a cocktail or two in the blissful insulated shade provided by thatch so we can spend more time outside with friends and family..
Thatched Palapa.
A Palapa
Spanish born Malayan word meaning pulpous leaf or dried palm leafs. Palapa refers to open sided thatch roofed dwelling. Very popular in hot weather like the Philippines and West Mexican Cultures. That person next to the Palapa is a Aussie though. Highly trained and qualified as a carpenter. He's job is to build you thatch roof structure so you can relax next to your pool without flying to Mexico.