Cool, Calm & Covered: A Year-round Outdoor Oasis In Clyde North

Challenge

In March 2025, Sam Outdoor Living was approached by a homeowner in Clyde North, VIC 3978, who wanted to reimagine their outdoor area into a versatile space for both entertaining and everyday relaxation. The client’s goal was clear: create a stylish and functional environment that could be used throughout the year—rain, shine, or heatwave. With a total footprint of 34 square metres, the design needed to complement the home’s modern aesthetic while delivering durability, weather resistance, and minimal maintenance.

Solution

To meet the client’s vision, Sam Outdoor Living proposed a custom-built 8.4m x 4m flat-roof patio, engineered around the high-performance Stratco Cooldek® roofing system. Known for its superior insulation and clean architectural lines, Cooldek® was the natural choice for comfort and longevity. The team selected 50mm thick Cooldek® panels, which feature a polystyrene core sandwiched between a pre-painted steel top and underside. This design not only offers excellent thermal insulation—reducing radiant heat by up to 30%—but also contributes to a sleek, minimalist finish that fits seamlessly with the home’s style.

Supporting the structure are 150mm x 150mm powder-coated aluminium posts, chosen for their clean look and corrosion resistance. A 140mm x 50mm Probeam® steel beam from Stratco was used for its high load-bearing capacity and slim profile, allowing for an open, unobstructed space beneath the roof. Water runoff is efficiently managed through a 200mm edge gutter system, designed to integrate cleanly into the structure while providing ample drainage capacity during heavy downpours.

To elevate natural lighting and architectural appeal, the patio incorporates Palram Ez-Glaze flat polycarbonate sheeting and Sunlite® 10 TwinWall sheeting (10mm thick). These translucent panels were carefully integrated to let soft, diffused light filter through, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while blocking harmful UV rays.

Finally, the space was enhanced with eight recessed downlights, providing functional, ambient lighting that allows the area to transition effortlessly from daytime relaxation to evening entertaining.

Results

The completed project has transformed the client’s backyard into a year-round haven. The Cooldek® roof keeps the space cool in summer and provides shelter during winter, while the robust Stratco and Palram materials ensure it remains low-maintenance and visually striking for years to come. Since installation, the outdoor area has become a favourite gathering place for family and friends—a seamless extension of the home that adds real lifestyle value and aesthetic appeal. The client has praised the structure not only for its look and durability but also for how effortlessly it fits into their daily life, offering comfort, shade, and light in perfect balance.