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RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Luxury Residential Landscape and Garden Design
Historic Homestead in East Suffolk, United Kingdom
This property has heritage value. Even though it is currently a residential home, it was not always so. The main building is typical of the Victorian era, with prominent red brick gables, dormer windows, concrete frieze panels and Georgian cottage pane window frames. The main building was repurposed for residential use and has a Coach House on the property, both of which are located to the south of the 2.5 acre property.
The site is surrounded by woodland on three sides with a residential property located to the west. For this reason, it has notable rural appeal.
Our task has been to suggest landscape enhancements to improve indoor and outdoor living as well as opportunities for growing and agriculture.
We prepared a Masterplan for the site as a way of putting the Client's vision to paper and pulling all the ideas together in one, harmonious plan.
The Masterplan is intended to:
1. Create a Unified Vision
- Establish an overall concept that aligns outdoor rooms, views, planting, and hardscaping with the lifestyle and aesthetic goals of the client.
- Ensure all elements support one another harmoniously across the entire property.
- Anticipate future growth and change.
2. Ensure efficient Use of Space.
- Outline key areas with pedestrian and vehicular routes, focal points, utility areas, and other features.
- Sequence key spaces logically
- Consider intuitive flow and visual consistency.
3. Support Decision-Making
- Help communicate the design intent to the client, contractors, planners, and advisers.
- Used as evidence to guide discussions on budgets, phasing, or future planning decisions.
4. Enable Phased Implementation
- It allows identification of areas for phased implementation without compromising coherence.
- It keeps options open for future additions, such as water features, outdoor recreation, or extensions.
5. Minimise Risk through Effective Decision-Making
- This can include decisions on drainage, circulation, location of services, tree placement and more.
- It reduces Risk & Contributes to Cost Control.
6. Provide a Blueprint for Contractors.
7. Support Long-Term Sustainability.
The concept design for this site brings a fundamental change to the existing layout. It simplifies the site as follows:
1. It removes vehicles from the main reception space.
2. It prioritises spatial requirements for socialising.
entertaining, gathering & events into a legible hierarchy of spaces.
3. It includes plant growing as the central theme that holds everything together. This addresses the client's requirements to grow edible and ornamental plants. However, with an overall plan, growing can happen in a more planned way.
There is still much to do during the design development stage.
On heritage projects such as this, it is important to carry out historical research and to design with sensitivity to the context and the environment.
The site is surrounded by woodland on three sides with a residential property located to the west. For this reason, it has notable rural appeal.
Our task has been to suggest landscape enhancements to improve indoor and outdoor living as well as opportunities for growing and agriculture.
We prepared a Masterplan for the site as a way of putting the Client's vision to paper and pulling all the ideas together in one, harmonious plan.
The Masterplan is intended to:
1. Create a Unified Vision
- Establish an overall concept that aligns outdoor rooms, views, planting, and hardscaping with the lifestyle and aesthetic goals of the client.
- Ensure all elements support one another harmoniously across the entire property.
- Anticipate future growth and change.
2. Ensure efficient Use of Space.
- Outline key areas with pedestrian and vehicular routes, focal points, utility areas, and other features.
- Sequence key spaces logically
- Consider intuitive flow and visual consistency.
3. Support Decision-Making
- Help communicate the design intent to the client, contractors, planners, and advisers.
- Used as evidence to guide discussions on budgets, phasing, or future planning decisions.
4. Enable Phased Implementation
- It allows identification of areas for phased implementation without compromising coherence.
- It keeps options open for future additions, such as water features, outdoor recreation, or extensions.
5. Minimise Risk through Effective Decision-Making
- This can include decisions on drainage, circulation, location of services, tree placement and more.
- It reduces Risk & Contributes to Cost Control.
6. Provide a Blueprint for Contractors.
7. Support Long-Term Sustainability.
The concept design for this site brings a fundamental change to the existing layout. It simplifies the site as follows:
1. It removes vehicles from the main reception space.
2. It prioritises spatial requirements for socialising.
entertaining, gathering & events into a legible hierarchy of spaces.
3. It includes plant growing as the central theme that holds everything together. This addresses the client's requirements to grow edible and ornamental plants. However, with an overall plan, growing can happen in a more planned way.
There is still much to do during the design development stage.
On heritage projects such as this, it is important to carry out historical research and to design with sensitivity to the context and the environment.
A Mountainside Garden for Child's Play & Fun
This property is located on a mountainside, with beautiful views over the nearby coastline. The family of four consist of two young boys who spend much of their time outdoors with their family pets.
The garden had some existing trees and plants, but the layout was fairly random and unstructured from a planting perspective. The layout was also not conducive for imaginative play and did not meet certain functional requirements.
The brief was to design a garden that pulled all the existing features and elements together, with a focus on children's play, sports & family togetherness. Visual supervision from the family home was important, as the family live a free indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
We set about plotting all the existing elements such as rock features, trees and a few plants and pots. The approach was to outline a management and maintenance approach to ensure the existing layout and plants could support the proposed changes. The next step was to position play activities strategically within planting areas, so that the play areas offer direct contact with nature. We then introduced a variety of sizes and textures of native and water-wise plants that enhance the senses and bring seasonal colour. This would make the whole garden a fun and inviting place, luring the viewer into the garden to experience more.
The biodiverse planting also provides habitat for fauna and small creatures as the garden can be accessed from higher up on the mountainside.
The garden had some existing trees and plants, but the layout was fairly random and unstructured from a planting perspective. The layout was also not conducive for imaginative play and did not meet certain functional requirements.
The brief was to design a garden that pulled all the existing features and elements together, with a focus on children's play, sports & family togetherness. Visual supervision from the family home was important, as the family live a free indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
We set about plotting all the existing elements such as rock features, trees and a few plants and pots. The approach was to outline a management and maintenance approach to ensure the existing layout and plants could support the proposed changes. The next step was to position play activities strategically within planting areas, so that the play areas offer direct contact with nature. We then introduced a variety of sizes and textures of native and water-wise plants that enhance the senses and bring seasonal colour. This would make the whole garden a fun and inviting place, luring the viewer into the garden to experience more.
The biodiverse planting also provides habitat for fauna and small creatures as the garden can be accessed from higher up on the mountainside.
A Prestigious Homestead on a Heritage Site
Set within a landscape of notable heritage value, this Prestigious Project, an historic homestead is located on a regal heritage estate covering 52 hectares and dating back to 1657.
Much of the original estate functioned as a granary. However, due to a fire, little of the original homestead remains. During the 18th Century, the estate passed into private hands and was extensively renovated, along with 1500 areas of surrounding land.
The original character of this expansive estate was preserved & is now home to a museum and 25 prestigious properties. Through the process of renovation, a new architectural vernacular was invented, reflecting exaggerated gables & typical English features such as twisted barley sugar chimneys. Architectural elements on the estate are comprised of decorative gables, colonnades, verandas, whitewashed walls, and teak woodwork, giving structures the air of a country estate.
Historically, the estate was open to the public for playing & picnicking, amid the flowers and foliage of the garden and grounds, which displayed colors en-masse.
The homestead to which this project relates dates back to the mid-1900's. The residence provides one with an ''at home'' feeling while still evoking memories of a by-gone era.
I worked in collaboration with another Landscape Architect on this project and was responsible for the research, historic references and the landscape design work. The task was to design a garden that reflects the contextual history and sense-of-place while still responding and reflecting a contemporary society. Due to the very formal nature of this homestead and property, the concept was to develop a formal garden that echo's the past while using native flora to respond appropriately to the local context including, microclimate, soils & vegetation. The intention was to create a showcase of native plants in a formalised manner.
Historically, the site provided distinctive character areas linked to natural divisions in the landscape. These character areas included:
1. A Kitchen & Pottager Garden.
2. A Pool & Leisure Garden.
3. A Parterre de Gazon or Garden of Reflection.
4. A Central Masterpiece Garden.
5. A Maze Garden.
6. A Contemplative Garden.
Each garden room was designed to be surrounded with edges of mixed borders that blend seamlessly into the surrounds, making it look infinite and complimenting the timelessness of the architecture.
Much of the original estate functioned as a granary. However, due to a fire, little of the original homestead remains. During the 18th Century, the estate passed into private hands and was extensively renovated, along with 1500 areas of surrounding land.
The original character of this expansive estate was preserved & is now home to a museum and 25 prestigious properties. Through the process of renovation, a new architectural vernacular was invented, reflecting exaggerated gables & typical English features such as twisted barley sugar chimneys. Architectural elements on the estate are comprised of decorative gables, colonnades, verandas, whitewashed walls, and teak woodwork, giving structures the air of a country estate.
Historically, the estate was open to the public for playing & picnicking, amid the flowers and foliage of the garden and grounds, which displayed colors en-masse.
The homestead to which this project relates dates back to the mid-1900's. The residence provides one with an ''at home'' feeling while still evoking memories of a by-gone era.
I worked in collaboration with another Landscape Architect on this project and was responsible for the research, historic references and the landscape design work. The task was to design a garden that reflects the contextual history and sense-of-place while still responding and reflecting a contemporary society. Due to the very formal nature of this homestead and property, the concept was to develop a formal garden that echo's the past while using native flora to respond appropriately to the local context including, microclimate, soils & vegetation. The intention was to create a showcase of native plants in a formalised manner.
Historically, the site provided distinctive character areas linked to natural divisions in the landscape. These character areas included:
1. A Kitchen & Pottager Garden.
2. A Pool & Leisure Garden.
3. A Parterre de Gazon or Garden of Reflection.
4. A Central Masterpiece Garden.
5. A Maze Garden.
6. A Contemplative Garden.
Each garden room was designed to be surrounded with edges of mixed borders that blend seamlessly into the surrounds, making it look infinite and complimenting the timelessness of the architecture.
A Children's Paradise on this Lifestyle Estate
If ever there was a garden that was designed purely with children in mind, this one is it!
The entire concept of this garden was developed around the play, interaction and education of the children in this family.
From small, intimate pockets to dress up and play, to swinging in trees and climbing a castle, all types of play have been strategically positioned to ensure maximum visibility and a positive relationship between the garden and the home.
Growing is another activity the family enjoy together. One section of the garden has been allocated as an orchard. This has been positioned for optimal light and growing conditions, as well as providing a visual buffer or screening on an otherwise exposed corner.
Here is an opportunity to play hide and seek. This garden invites you to enjoy and have fun!
The entire concept of this garden was developed around the play, interaction and education of the children in this family.
From small, intimate pockets to dress up and play, to swinging in trees and climbing a castle, all types of play have been strategically positioned to ensure maximum visibility and a positive relationship between the garden and the home.
Growing is another activity the family enjoy together. One section of the garden has been allocated as an orchard. This has been positioned for optimal light and growing conditions, as well as providing a visual buffer or screening on an otherwise exposed corner.
Here is an opportunity to play hide and seek. This garden invites you to enjoy and have fun!
Luxury Residence on the Water's Edge
This is another property on a Golf & Country Estate.
There are few that match this estate, due to it's location in a wineland and agricultural area, steeped in a rich history of centuries of growing amidst a natural environment that is unrivalled. This is not just a Golf & Country Estate, it oozes lifestyle. It responds to the history of the place & to the local ecology. It is set within a context of high species endemism, overring unrivalled biodiversity.
The landscape design responds to this setting. It applies layer upon layer of native vegetation, which separate the home from the roadway in a very formalised and structured manner.
The main entrance is formal with a contemporary low-level water feature, over which a timber deck straddles, taking the visitor into the home.
The home is open plan and spacious. It lends itself toward elegant fine dining. The main dining and social space for this home is associated with the water. The living areas have extensive facades with unframed glazing so allow for uninterrupted views over the natural water body.
This is a home to relax and unwind, have friends and family over and soak up the goodness of life.
There are few that match this estate, due to it's location in a wineland and agricultural area, steeped in a rich history of centuries of growing amidst a natural environment that is unrivalled. This is not just a Golf & Country Estate, it oozes lifestyle. It responds to the history of the place & to the local ecology. It is set within a context of high species endemism, overring unrivalled biodiversity.
The landscape design responds to this setting. It applies layer upon layer of native vegetation, which separate the home from the roadway in a very formalised and structured manner.
The main entrance is formal with a contemporary low-level water feature, over which a timber deck straddles, taking the visitor into the home.
The home is open plan and spacious. It lends itself toward elegant fine dining. The main dining and social space for this home is associated with the water. The living areas have extensive facades with unframed glazing so allow for uninterrupted views over the natural water body.
This is a home to relax and unwind, have friends and family over and soak up the goodness of life.
Mountainside Residential Getaway for a Sporting Family
This elite residence expanded over a decade, as the owners acquired the adjacent mountainside properties to use at their leisure. This is a family home with an abundance of garden space to relax, unwind and play sports. The three children all pursue sporting activities of various types and need the space to explore these options outdoors.
We were involved in the project from the onset and worked with the client over many years to bring it to its current form.
Positioned on the side of a mountain, this property (which is now three properties combined into one) interfaced with a nature reserve. This brings a variety of advantages and risks. Among the advantages includes:
1. Quick access to the mountain and walks in nature,
2. Amazing views,
3. Abundance of native vegetation and an amazing quality of life.
4. Peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of a busy urban area.
Some of the challenges include:
1. Risk of fire in the adjacent nature reserve and management issues associated therewith.
2. Erosion and flooding during heavy downpours.
3. Enormous mountainous boulders that are difficult to move when forming the site.
4. Lots of mature trees centrally located on the site.
The majority of the site was formed under my direction. It was separated into three terraces. The lower terrace for the home and courtyard spaces, the middle terrace for play and recreation within eyeshot of the home, the upper terrace for a variety of sports including football and formal cricket nets.
A search and rescue was initially carried out under my direction. Many of the bulbs and native shrubs were rescued and used in the garden. There were sufficient plants of one species that were suitable for a hedge and so, the owners were able to optimise the use of the existing plant material.
The trees were initially all retained and a forest garden was created in the centre of the garden with ferns and shade-loving bulbs to thrive. Play equipment was initially positioned in this shaded garden, making it protected and enjoyable for children.
Some of the Eucalyptus sp. trees were senescent and in due time required felling. However, with the benefit of time, native trees had been interplanted between the trees so that once the aging trees were felled, the native trees were well-enough established to come-into-their-own and shine!
This garden is still being shaped as the needs of the family change and nature grows.
We were involved in the project from the onset and worked with the client over many years to bring it to its current form.
Positioned on the side of a mountain, this property (which is now three properties combined into one) interfaced with a nature reserve. This brings a variety of advantages and risks. Among the advantages includes:
1. Quick access to the mountain and walks in nature,
2. Amazing views,
3. Abundance of native vegetation and an amazing quality of life.
4. Peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of a busy urban area.
Some of the challenges include:
1. Risk of fire in the adjacent nature reserve and management issues associated therewith.
2. Erosion and flooding during heavy downpours.
3. Enormous mountainous boulders that are difficult to move when forming the site.
4. Lots of mature trees centrally located on the site.
The majority of the site was formed under my direction. It was separated into three terraces. The lower terrace for the home and courtyard spaces, the middle terrace for play and recreation within eyeshot of the home, the upper terrace for a variety of sports including football and formal cricket nets.
A search and rescue was initially carried out under my direction. Many of the bulbs and native shrubs were rescued and used in the garden. There were sufficient plants of one species that were suitable for a hedge and so, the owners were able to optimise the use of the existing plant material.
The trees were initially all retained and a forest garden was created in the centre of the garden with ferns and shade-loving bulbs to thrive. Play equipment was initially positioned in this shaded garden, making it protected and enjoyable for children.
Some of the Eucalyptus sp. trees were senescent and in due time required felling. However, with the benefit of time, native trees had been interplanted between the trees so that once the aging trees were felled, the native trees were well-enough established to come-into-their-own and shine!
This garden is still being shaped as the needs of the family change and nature grows.
Lakefront Masterpiece
This residential masterpiece is set on a Golf and Country Lifestyle Estate with a difference. The Estate is home to a variety of wildlife, accommodated in ecological corridors that form a network between the golf greens. This network is home to countless varieties of plant species that have become home to the local fauna.
The residential component of the estate merges seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This residence is a timeless masterpiece, that has the advantage of easy access to it's wonderous surroundings.
The home has been designed in an H form, to maximise private courtyard space at the entrance and entertainment area. The entertainment wing extends far into the landscape and is clipped by a linear exercise pool, which extends into the courtyard. Hard and soft landscaping add to the flavour of the design by creating pockets and niches of varying sizes, for private relaxation and reflection or more open and social enjoyment.
The entire property is wrapped with planting, so that there is a sense of being isolated from the rest of the world. Dense planting between the residence and the roadway is intended to provide a visual and ecological buffer between the road and the home.
From the driveway, a series of staggered timber decks leads one to the front door, lined with formal water features each side to provide a Japanese-style look-and-feel. The rest of the hard and soft landscaping is relatively informal, coming close to the home in places to allow for that connection with nature we all long for.
The residential component of the estate merges seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This residence is a timeless masterpiece, that has the advantage of easy access to it's wonderous surroundings.
The home has been designed in an H form, to maximise private courtyard space at the entrance and entertainment area. The entertainment wing extends far into the landscape and is clipped by a linear exercise pool, which extends into the courtyard. Hard and soft landscaping add to the flavour of the design by creating pockets and niches of varying sizes, for private relaxation and reflection or more open and social enjoyment.
The entire property is wrapped with planting, so that there is a sense of being isolated from the rest of the world. Dense planting between the residence and the roadway is intended to provide a visual and ecological buffer between the road and the home.
From the driveway, a series of staggered timber decks leads one to the front door, lined with formal water features each side to provide a Japanese-style look-and-feel. The rest of the hard and soft landscaping is relatively informal, coming close to the home in places to allow for that connection with nature we all long for.
Stylish Seafront Entertainers Cottage
This site is located in a prime seafront location. It is a property that has developed and changed over time, with the most recent changes resulting in the need for an entire rework of the garden.
The opportunities include:
- Magnificent seafront views.
- An interesting mix of native flora, which is adapted to the environment.
- The organic shapes of the splash pool and entertainment areas lend themselves to a more relaxed sense-of-place.
The constraints include:
- Harsh weather conditions due to seafront prominence and exposure.
- A small site with tight spaces.
- Issues with legibility around the entrance.
Consideration of materials was important, as the architecture incorporated a careful combination of fine grained metal roof sheeting, frameless glazing and hardwood timber shutters. The extent of the glazing to maximise views out into the garden and beyond implies very little wall space other than supporting columns in corners.
The landscape design intended to compliment the local vernacular architecture that has a relaxed feel. Organic shaped low retaining walls mirror the pool and contrast with the rectilinear buildings. These retaining walls make provision for the tiered and layered planting that starts at the lower level (ie: below ground level) with levels that gradually step up to meet the finished ground.
The end product is a building that is well seated in its context, sheltered and screened by planting groups, with occasional breaks to create interest. Heavy screening in the form of hedges line the eastern boundary to create maximum privacy between the site and the public footway that runs alongside it.
The vegetation has an unmanaged feel to it, giving a sense that it sits within an untouched landscape and also allowing the planting to grow wild.
This is an upmarket and informal entertainers delight!
The opportunities include:
- Magnificent seafront views.
- An interesting mix of native flora, which is adapted to the environment.
- The organic shapes of the splash pool and entertainment areas lend themselves to a more relaxed sense-of-place.
The constraints include:
- Harsh weather conditions due to seafront prominence and exposure.
- A small site with tight spaces.
- Issues with legibility around the entrance.
Consideration of materials was important, as the architecture incorporated a careful combination of fine grained metal roof sheeting, frameless glazing and hardwood timber shutters. The extent of the glazing to maximise views out into the garden and beyond implies very little wall space other than supporting columns in corners.
The landscape design intended to compliment the local vernacular architecture that has a relaxed feel. Organic shaped low retaining walls mirror the pool and contrast with the rectilinear buildings. These retaining walls make provision for the tiered and layered planting that starts at the lower level (ie: below ground level) with levels that gradually step up to meet the finished ground.
The end product is a building that is well seated in its context, sheltered and screened by planting groups, with occasional breaks to create interest. Heavy screening in the form of hedges line the eastern boundary to create maximum privacy between the site and the public footway that runs alongside it.
The vegetation has an unmanaged feel to it, giving a sense that it sits within an untouched landscape and also allowing the planting to grow wild.
This is an upmarket and informal entertainers delight!
Fun in the Sun on a Premier Biodiversity Estate
Lake Michelle offers premier lakeside living within the serenity of nature. The lifestyle is tranquil and idyllic, well suited to family living with a focus on outdoor lifestyle.
The estate boasts a Boathouse to strengthen the community focus. This provides opportunities for social and business events. The estate offers an abundance of open space for active and passive recreation, including bird watching, jogging / running and children's play areas. Private moorings at individual properties facilitate access to boats from the residents' garden gate.
Wildlife and biodiversity is in abundance, evident in the natural flora and fauna.
This residential garden was designed for a family of four. The two children were pre-teenagers and the parents encourage an active lifestyle. Some aspects of the garden were established, such as a single mature tree with a large crown and a row of more recently planted Olea sp. (Olive trees). The family utilise the garden for:
- Active outdoor play.
- Indoor / outdoor socialising and entertaining.
- Relaxation.
- Growing edible plants.
- Observation of wildlife.
The clients had started installing a boardwalk from an existing lawn area to the garden gate which leads to the lake, with pathways through the natural vegetation, leading to the boat mooring.
We were briefed to design this space to fulfill the following objectives of the owners:
- Create a cohesive design
- Maximise biodiversity.
- Introduce colour and height variation.
- Promote the planting and growing of edibles.
- Provide planting specifications.
A site assessment was carried out to determine the site opportunities and constraints. A concept layout was prepared for feedback from the clients. The concept included all the existing landscape infrastructure such as the trees, shrubs, boardwalk and benches.
The final scheme brought all of the existing and proposed elements together into one, unified layout that was used for installation. This scheme reflects a balanced layout with a central boardwalk forming the visual connect from the house to the lake. An array of native plant mixes were used along the rear boundary to enhance the natural aspects of the property. In time, this would form a colourful and biodiverse backdrop, seamlessly integrated with the natural vegetation and aquatic planting beyond the boundary fence. View lines were considered in the final positioning of the bench to maximise the opportunities for observation of birdlife. Raised planting beds were introduced between the existing Olea sp. (Olive) trees for the planting of edibles. This provides an opportunity for the children to learn by growing and harvesting. The central lawn area was formalised into a rectilinear shape, contrasting the organic and free-form nature of the planting mixes. Discrete pathways in the form of stepping stones provided access from the central lawn area to key areas, such as the seating areas. This would also serve as access for maintenance.
The scheme was prepared with a specification and recommendations for the owner to carry out self-installation.
We had previously designed a garden for this home owner, which they were delighted with and contacted us to assist with their new garden. The first garden project will form part of a separate post.
The estate boasts a Boathouse to strengthen the community focus. This provides opportunities for social and business events. The estate offers an abundance of open space for active and passive recreation, including bird watching, jogging / running and children's play areas. Private moorings at individual properties facilitate access to boats from the residents' garden gate.
Wildlife and biodiversity is in abundance, evident in the natural flora and fauna.
This residential garden was designed for a family of four. The two children were pre-teenagers and the parents encourage an active lifestyle. Some aspects of the garden were established, such as a single mature tree with a large crown and a row of more recently planted Olea sp. (Olive trees). The family utilise the garden for:
- Active outdoor play.
- Indoor / outdoor socialising and entertaining.
- Relaxation.
- Growing edible plants.
- Observation of wildlife.
The clients had started installing a boardwalk from an existing lawn area to the garden gate which leads to the lake, with pathways through the natural vegetation, leading to the boat mooring.
We were briefed to design this space to fulfill the following objectives of the owners:
- Create a cohesive design
- Maximise biodiversity.
- Introduce colour and height variation.
- Promote the planting and growing of edibles.
- Provide planting specifications.
A site assessment was carried out to determine the site opportunities and constraints. A concept layout was prepared for feedback from the clients. The concept included all the existing landscape infrastructure such as the trees, shrubs, boardwalk and benches.
The final scheme brought all of the existing and proposed elements together into one, unified layout that was used for installation. This scheme reflects a balanced layout with a central boardwalk forming the visual connect from the house to the lake. An array of native plant mixes were used along the rear boundary to enhance the natural aspects of the property. In time, this would form a colourful and biodiverse backdrop, seamlessly integrated with the natural vegetation and aquatic planting beyond the boundary fence. View lines were considered in the final positioning of the bench to maximise the opportunities for observation of birdlife. Raised planting beds were introduced between the existing Olea sp. (Olive) trees for the planting of edibles. This provides an opportunity for the children to learn by growing and harvesting. The central lawn area was formalised into a rectilinear shape, contrasting the organic and free-form nature of the planting mixes. Discrete pathways in the form of stepping stones provided access from the central lawn area to key areas, such as the seating areas. This would also serve as access for maintenance.
The scheme was prepared with a specification and recommendations for the owner to carry out self-installation.
We had previously designed a garden for this home owner, which they were delighted with and contacted us to assist with their new garden. The first garden project will form part of a separate post.
A Lifestyle Property with Access to Nature
This residence is located on a luxury residential Eco-Estate. It is one of a number of projects we have worked on this estate.
This home has been designed for a family who have an active outdoor lifestyle. The house layout was developed in the form of two living wings centered around a private courtyard. The floor to ceiling glazed elevations of the living space offer views over the private courtyard in one direction and panoramic views further afield in the opposite direction. Due to the residence having a substantial set back from the roadway with sufficient space for a formal entrance & koi pond feature, it's privacy is maintained.
The gallery is an internal space that connects the building wings. It is a linear passage with glazed elevations, bringing light into this passage, making it completely permeable visually. The gallery encloses the courtyard space to the west, protecting it from the summer winds. A pleasant indoor-outdoor flow has been achieved between the gallery, central family room & external courtyard space,. A lap pool edges the garden on the opposite side of the courtyard, thereby enclosing and defining the space. The courtyard is laid to lawn with flagstone pavers to one side and a small, sculptural tree forms the focus point.
The resting wing consists of bedrooms & bathrooms. This wing is located to the rear of the property abutting a nature reserve, thereby maximising privacy. The main bathroom has a feature shower that extends beyond the building envelope with 360 degree views into the dense indigenous garden foliage.
GARDEN DESIGN
The garden design accommodates the natural slope, with limited cut and fill. It features biodiverse native planting that is low-maintenance & water-wise with seasonal colour, such as Clivia sp., Zantedeschia sp., Chasmanthe sp. Various bulbs & edible plants have been included to enhance the residents culinary interests.
Trees and succulent plant material have been specified at the interface between the nature reserve and this residence. The east and west boundaries are well vegetated, serving as the main ecological corridors that connect with the nature reserve, facilitating the movement of fauna. Feature planting has been used at the main bathroom shower to stimulate the senses and ensure year-round interest.
Please get in touch if you have any landscape planning, design or management requirements and find a link outlining the professional services we offer.
Please get in touch if you have any landscape planning, design or management requirements and find a link outlining the professional services we offer.
This home has been designed for a family who have an active outdoor lifestyle. The house layout was developed in the form of two living wings centered around a private courtyard. The floor to ceiling glazed elevations of the living space offer views over the private courtyard in one direction and panoramic views further afield in the opposite direction. Due to the residence having a substantial set back from the roadway with sufficient space for a formal entrance & koi pond feature, it's privacy is maintained.
The gallery is an internal space that connects the building wings. It is a linear passage with glazed elevations, bringing light into this passage, making it completely permeable visually. The gallery encloses the courtyard space to the west, protecting it from the summer winds. A pleasant indoor-outdoor flow has been achieved between the gallery, central family room & external courtyard space,. A lap pool edges the garden on the opposite side of the courtyard, thereby enclosing and defining the space. The courtyard is laid to lawn with flagstone pavers to one side and a small, sculptural tree forms the focus point.
The resting wing consists of bedrooms & bathrooms. This wing is located to the rear of the property abutting a nature reserve, thereby maximising privacy. The main bathroom has a feature shower that extends beyond the building envelope with 360 degree views into the dense indigenous garden foliage.
GARDEN DESIGN
The garden design accommodates the natural slope, with limited cut and fill. It features biodiverse native planting that is low-maintenance & water-wise with seasonal colour, such as Clivia sp., Zantedeschia sp., Chasmanthe sp. Various bulbs & edible plants have been included to enhance the residents culinary interests.
Trees and succulent plant material have been specified at the interface between the nature reserve and this residence. The east and west boundaries are well vegetated, serving as the main ecological corridors that connect with the nature reserve, facilitating the movement of fauna. Feature planting has been used at the main bathroom shower to stimulate the senses and ensure year-round interest.
Please get in touch if you have any landscape planning, design or management requirements and find a link outlining the professional services we offer.
Please get in touch if you have any landscape planning, design or management requirements and find a link outlining the professional services we offer.
Garden Design for an Outdoor Lifestyle on an Eco-Estate
This project is located on an elite residential estate.
The setting is home to a wide variety of native flora & fauna, offering discerning homeowners the opportunity of being close to nature in a contemporary, family-friendly, secure environment.
Striking a seamless balance between ecological sensitivity and meeting the modern-day lifestyle needs of residents, the estate is interspersed with footpaths, parks, streams, lakes and riverine areas, with a Lifestyle Centre that provides residents with contemporary facilities.
With a fervent passion for safeguarding the natural environment, this estate appeals to nature lovers as well as those who enjoy living near to a major urban centre.
The house was designed for indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on outdoor entertaining. The property is 644m2 in size, with a requirement for vehicular access from the north and south boundaries.
The property narrows in the western corner, with the levels naturally sloping up toward this corner. Steps have been kept to a minimum and the final scheme reflected a more favoured natural gradient wrapping around the west garden.
The Landscape Plan focuses on introducing a level of formality to compliment the architecture and reflect the lifestyle of the owners while still allowing for biodiversity. Colour has been introduced in key areas to add interest and an element of natural screening has been provided to the service courtyard.
The outdoor living area is the focus of the design. The backdrop of the pool was considered to be important as this is where the owners and their guests will focus their attention when entertaining.
The setting is home to a wide variety of native flora & fauna, offering discerning homeowners the opportunity of being close to nature in a contemporary, family-friendly, secure environment.
Striking a seamless balance between ecological sensitivity and meeting the modern-day lifestyle needs of residents, the estate is interspersed with footpaths, parks, streams, lakes and riverine areas, with a Lifestyle Centre that provides residents with contemporary facilities.
With a fervent passion for safeguarding the natural environment, this estate appeals to nature lovers as well as those who enjoy living near to a major urban centre.
The house was designed for indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on outdoor entertaining. The property is 644m2 in size, with a requirement for vehicular access from the north and south boundaries.
The property narrows in the western corner, with the levels naturally sloping up toward this corner. Steps have been kept to a minimum and the final scheme reflected a more favoured natural gradient wrapping around the west garden.
The Landscape Plan focuses on introducing a level of formality to compliment the architecture and reflect the lifestyle of the owners while still allowing for biodiversity. Colour has been introduced in key areas to add interest and an element of natural screening has been provided to the service courtyard.
The outdoor living area is the focus of the design. The backdrop of the pool was considered to be important as this is where the owners and their guests will focus their attention when entertaining.
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