Engawa—traditional Japanese verandas—blur the line between inside and outside. This deck does the same, creating a transitional space that connects the home to the garden and pond.
Japanese Deck
Create an engawa-inspired deck that blends Japanese design traditions with Australian hardwoods. The deck needed to wrap around a large above-ground natural fish pond.
Design
Every joint is hand-cut and fitted. Mortise and tenon connections lock the red ironbark frame together the way Japanese carpenters have been building for centuries. The blackbutt decking sits on top, creating a durable surface that’ll last decades in Brisbane weather.
The pond cutout required precise measurement and cutting with a hand milled fascia —making the whole installation feel integrated rather than added on.
Key Features
- Hand-cut mortise and tenon joinery throughout
- Red ironbark frame for structural strength
- Blackbutt decking for durability and beauty
- Custom cutout integrated around natural fish pond
- No visible screws or fixings in the frame—traditional joinery only
