The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted above average temperatures in the lead up to summer. Here are some of Canberra’s experts in keeping their customers cool.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted above-average rainfall across most of the eastern half of the country, with a possibility of a brief La Niña during spring before returning to neutral by the end of summer. 

It has also predicted warmer-than-average minimum and maximum temperatures in the lead up to summer. 

With this in mind, now’s the time to start thinking about ways to beat the heat.   

Thoughtfully curved pergolas for extra space

Specialising in designing structures that maximise a house’s livability, Canberra Creative Pergola’s owner Andy Stodulka knows a thing or two about pergolas. 

“After 30 years of finessing the steel-framed cantilevered pergola designs, I was surprised to invent a new and simpler column design which allowed relatively easy curving to achieve special aesthetic looks and space enhancement,” he says. 

With more than 35 years of experience within the engineering industry, Andy says he accommodates what the clients actually want, not what could simply be done. 

“Ultimately, it’s my job to make the customer happy,” he says. 

Looking at the successes, wins and satisfaction over 30 years of pergola design and the manufacture of more than a quarter of a million square metres of sun protection, Andy says the greatest reward is the ultimate happiness of his clients.

“Steel-frame pergolas were created through love,” he says. 

“Love of family and love of people, with the aim of conservation of the environment.”

Outside of conservation, Andy says another goal of his was to restructure the typical pergola design to provide more structure. 

Andy’s goal when he first began looking at the typical pergola structure was to provide extra space. 

“Most are leaning and provide no headspace in the corners,” he says. 

“So I created something that provided extra space, was UV protected, waterproof, had less pillars and had a curved roof.”

Canberra Creative Pergolas offer obligation-free designs and quotes. Call Andy on 0411 725886, email [email protected], visit canberrapergolas.com.au or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Weird, wacky and wonderful homemade ice cream

For more than 35 years, Rhonda Arnall has become a staple for local craft markets and fair attendees looking for a cold, sweet treat. 

Easily recognisable by her cheery yellow ice cream van, Rhonda’s business, the Chameleon Icecreamery, specialises in homemade boutique ice cream and sorbet. 

With more than 150 flavours in her repertoire, Rhonda isn’t shy to branch out to the weird and wacky. 

Some of her strangest combinations have included mint and potato, wasabi and red bean, as well as sheep’s milk and passionfruit. 

Goat, camel, rice, soy, almond and oat milk have all also made an appearance for lactose intolerant or non-cow’s milk drinkers, ensuring there is something for everyone. 

“I’m experimenting all the time,” says Rhonda. 

“I don’t know what I’m going to make next and that’s the challenge to come up with something new and imaginative.”

With more than a few awards under her belt for her ice creams, including some at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, Rhonda sources many of her ingredients locally, if not from her own backyard.

A chef, Rhonda used to own the Chameleon Restaurant in Aranda, before stumbling into ice cream-making after the man who made it for the restaurant convinced her to buy his business.

“He wasn’t nearly as adventurous as I am now with his flavours, but he wanted to make a rhubarb and watermelon ice cream,” she says. 

Cooking the rhubarb for him as she watched the process, Rhonda says that was the moment he convinced her to buy.

The Chameleon Icecreamery, call 0418 323236 or visit facebook at The Chameleon Icecreamery

Window furnishings that keep a house cool

High-quality blinds and awnings can make a huge difference in how homes perform in the summertime, says Regency Knights manager Jeff Olsson.

Reducing heat from entering windows and keeping interiors cooler, blinds and awnings can also ease the load on air conditioning. 

He says a combination of blinds works best for the average Canberra home. 

“Honeycomb blinds for bedrooms keep light and heat out, while sheer curtains or light-filtering fabrics in living spaces are perfect for daytime comfort and privacy,” he says. 

“For alfresco areas, external awnings or Zipscreens are ideal to keep those spaces usable year-round.” 

Jeff says window furnishings can transform a room by adding warmth, softness and a sense of completion to any space. 

“The right fabric or finish can complement the interior design, while also improving comfort, acoustics and energy efficiency,” he says. 

Priding themselves on transparency, professionalism and care throughout every stage, from consultation to installation, Jeff says quality service means taking the time to understand each client’s needs and providing expert advice that ensures they get the perfect result. 

“It’s important for homeowners to know that investing in quality window furnishings is not just about style,” he says. 

“It’s about long-term comfort and energy efficiency. 

“The right products can make your home significantly cooler in summer and more comfortable all year round.”

Regency Knights, 1/60-62 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick, call 6221 9350 or visit regencyknights.com.au

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.