The winner of the 2017 Gardenista Considered Design Awards Best Amateur Landscape is Andrew Tatreau for his Nebraska Cabana in Omaha.
“This whole project was an exercise in resourcefulness. The only new materials were the wood for the structure and the chair cushions/palette sofa padding. I layered three 3-inch-thick foam mattress toppers covered in a waterproof mattress cover and Restoration Hardware linen curtain ($8 at Goodwill).”
Andrew Tatreau s Design Statement The concept for my cabana spawned from my realization that I never spent leisure time in my shadeless open yard I wanted to...
...create a space that facilitated intimate social gatherings and it s far exceeded my expectations My dad helped me set the posts roof and I did everything else
“I rent this house and, as a result, I’m forced to work within the constraints of existing structural components that I’m unwilling to invest in (the existing back porch, and aging concrete). Making the best of the covered area, I installed a scrap marble bar and made the hammock secluded.”
A: I live in a shotgun house (built in 1888) in Omaha’s Little Italy neighborhood on a 35-by-130-foot lot.
“My garden is a mixture of edible herbs/veggies and native prairie wildflowers. I broke up slabs of scrap marble and used them as pavers, surrounded by pea gravel.” I also wanted the cabana to be a cohesive part of the entire backyard garden rather than an independent structure.
Hyacinth beans cover the cabana, adding shade and privacy from south-facing light.” Placing vining plants around the cabana, and having them become a part of the design, makes one feel both connected to and protected by the surrounding garden.
“All of the seating was found secondhand for under $50. The glass and travertine table was $10 at Habitat ReStore. The other travertine table was $15.” In May and June, sunlight warmly peeks through the slats, making the space feel warm and rejuvenating.
“I wanted the space to feel cozy, like an interior room, but breathable and connected to the outside. The wood slats make you feel protected and private, while the windows keep the cabana from feeling overbearing. With its three sides and roof, the structure gives a kind of ‘hug’ to its occupants.”
The only big expense went into the wood for the cabana and topsoil/compost for my raised beds.
“Top left: A rogue melon plant grows inside the cabana. Top right: Marble tiles as pavers found for $1 each during various trips to Habitat ReStore. Bottom left: A brass fly ashtray on the travertine table. Bottom right: A slab of pink scrap marble serves as an end table.”
Q: What projects would you tackle if you had an unlimited budget? A: I would remove the concrete paths and replace them with spaced-out pavers with room for things to grow in the spaces between.
“Peeking over my raspberry bush and wildflower bed at the east facing side of the cabana.” A: I’m actually in transition towards working in the realm of interior and/or garden design.
“My garden this past June.” They have an incredible selection of indoor/outdoor plants, home, and garden merch.
Before
“Photo taken during the spring of 2015.”