They say life is like a chocolate box and Adam and Melissa have unwrapped a real cracker! They visited an old chocolate factory which has been turned into an industrial-style apartment complex. But the interior courtyard of one residence is lacking a little lustre. Together, Adam and Melissa transform the courtyard into a stylish oasis, full of renter-friendly ideas you can use at your place.
WATCH: Adam and Melissa’s courtyard makeover
Living in a former factory has become de riguer as old buildings are repurposed. They have a unique charm with lots of one-of-a-kind features. The big plus is they’re open and airy, which means you don’t need to hold back when designing rooms, such as this enclosed courtyard.
Project: How to build an industrial-style green wall
Build your own modern masterpiece! This hanging garden features rows of boxes and calls out for an eclectic range of plants.
Gather your supplies
- 2400 x 1200 x 18mm marine plywood (2)
- Black exterior paint
- Variety of succulents in small pots
Components
Split battens 60 x 1800mm (12)
Backing board 1800 x 1200mm (1)
Box sides and ends to suit pot sizes
You’ll also need
Painting equipment; circular saw; PVA glue; 30 and 50mm galvanised screws; drill; 8mm masonry drill bit; blue wall plugs; 75mm galvanised batten screws
For you to note
- Prepaint marine plywood components with black exterior paint.
- Buy plants and then customise the dimensions of your boxes to suit the sizes of your pots.
Here’s how
Step 1
When cutting split batten components from plywood sheets, cut one long edge of each batten with your circular saw set on a 45° angle.
Step 2
Glue and screw 2 split battens to the rear of the backing board with 30mm screws. Make the angled cut the bottom edge of the batten and position it facing the board. Place a batten at the top of the board and the second batten towards the bottom.
Step 3
Set out the wall for 2 more split battens that will sit below, but interlock with, the ones on the board. Consider the height of your board when setting the wall battens out. Drill holes in the wall using an 8mm masonry drill bit, insert blue wall plugs, then screw battens to walls using 75mm batten screws. Make the angled cut the top edge of the batten, facing the wall.
Step 4
Glue and screw 4 split battens to face of backing board to support the 4 rows of plant boxes. Make the angled cuts the top edge of the batten and position them facing the board. Place the topmost batten so another batten will fit between it and the top edge of the board. This will make the top row of plant boxes flush with the top of the board.
Step 5
After cutting box side and ends, use plywood offcuts to make small strips that will sit on the inside of the boxes and support the rims of your pots. Attach the strips to the inside faces of box sides and ends 10mm from the top edges.
Step 6
Assemble boxes by gluing sides and butting into ends. (The boxes don’t have bases.) Predrill and screw together with 50mm screws. Cut up remaining split battens to suit width of each box and screw to the back. Make the angled cut the bottom edge of the batten and facing the box.
Step 7
Touch up cut edges and screws using black exterior paint.
Step 8
Lift backing board and sit it on the wall so split battens on the back of the board interlock with those on the wall.
Step 9
Place boxes on backing board so split battens on boxes interlock with those on the board. Sit pots inside the boxes.
Decorating the courtyard
Complete the look with plants
Bamboo, sword plants and a dragon’s blood tree all have hard, sharp leaves that complement the angles of the courtyard. Showcase them in concrete or metal tubs and planters.
Get the step-by-step instructions for how to make a timber bench in the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, available now in selected newsagents and supermarkets – or buy online today!
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