Located on a mountainside with expansive views over the coastline, this residence is home to a young family with two children who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. The garden contained mature trees and existing planting, but the layout was unstructured, limiting both functional use and opportunities for play.

The brief was to create a family-oriented landscape that brought structure, coherence, and purpose to the garden. Key objectives included providing spaces for imaginative play and sport, ensuring visual supervision from the house, and enhancing the garden as a shared setting for family life.

The design process began with a careful survey of existing elements, including rock formations, trees, and established planting. A management and maintenance framework was outlined to support integration of these features with the proposed changes. Play activities were then positioned within planting areas, enabling children to experience direct interaction with nature.

The planting strategy introduced a palette of native, water-wise, and biodiverse species selected for sensory interest, varied texture, and seasonal colour. These plantings create an engaging and inviting environment while also supporting habitat for local fauna. Together, the structured design and ecological planting palette transform the garden into a dynamic, multifunctional landscape that balances play, family connection, and ecological value.

Services provided: Family garden design, play space integration, planting design, biodiversity strategy.