Modernist marvel
By Lynne Testoni
This Palm Springs-inspired design includes plenty of space for children to play and adults to relax.
The design of this beautiful backyard on Sydney’s northern beaches combines beauty and practicality. Inspired by mid-century modern architecture and the iconic homes of Palm Springs, the house is a contemporary version of these early homes with a minimalist façade.
Outdoor Establishments worked with the owners to create a playful garden, with areas where the kids can kick a ball around, play fetch with the dog, or have tea parties on the grass.
The owners love interesting plants, especially those that provide screening as privacy is a key concern for them, and gave the team from Outdoor Establishments a list of their favourites (and a few of their hates). The resulting space is a secluded sanctuary, shielded from the neighbours while reflecting the materiality and details used throughout the home.
The garden won significant accolades at The Landscape Association’s (TLA) annual Landscape Excellence Awards in 2024, including Landscaper of the Year – Residential Design. It was also recognised as a gold winner and best in category for Residential Design over 500 sqm.
The brief
In their brief to Outdoor Establishments, the owners asked for a space to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the garden’s evolution, with plenty of space for children to play and run. Privacy was crucial while retaining the view corridor to Little Manly Cove.
They were keen to have a natural, informal garden rather than a formal, structured one. While they are happy to do some light maintenance and help the plants get established, they anticipated supplementing their efforts with quarterly visits from a professional maintenance team.
The primary living level comprises loosely connected living and workspaces with views of the gardens and an outdoor living room immersed in the landscape. The alfresco and lawn area offers a clear view of the new pool and cubby. The height of these areas was set based on factors such as the tree protection zone of an existing Lilly Pilly and an existing sewer easement.
Structures and walls
Walling around the pool area serves a dual purpose, providing acoustic insulation and storage solutions. Material choices, including concrete, harmonise with the architectural style of the house and existing outdoor structures.
Pool and surround
The clients wanted a simple, streamlined, rectangular shape for the pool with an integrated spa if space permitted. To soften the pool area and add some privacy, they wanted to incorporate greenery, particularly along the back boundary.
Storage solutions for pool toys and paraphernalia were a key part of the brief, with a designated storage area for outdoor equipment such as the lawnmower and garden tools. Additionally, they wanted to accommodate pool infrastructure, such as pumps and filtration systems, in a neat and accessible manner.
Plantings
Plantings throughout the garden focused on the owners’ request for privacy screening, with shrubs and trees added to all the boundaries. Bambusa textilis var. gracilis, a beautiful upright bamboo, was planted along the southern boundary, while raised planters were placed around the pool, filled with three large Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm), as well as plantings of Alpinia nutans, Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’, Crassula ‘Gollum’, Zamia furfuracea, Lirope ‘Evergreen Giant’, Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ and Thysanolaena maxima.
A new lawn was also installed, along with steps leading up to a new cubby house for the children, and surrounded by plantings of Waterhousia floribunda, Strelitzia nicolai, Thysanolaena maxima, Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’and Alocasia ‘Calidora’.
A rooftop garden offered opportunities for plants to cascade down the building’s face, enhancing the connection between architecture and landscape. This garden included a variety of agaves, along with underplantings of Carpobrotus glaucescens ‘Aussie Rambler’, Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’, Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus and Rhipsalis baccifera.
The front garden was also part of the project, including a new driveway garden featuring Metrosideros thomasii, Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’, Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’, Santolina chamaecyparissus, and Aloe ‘Always Red’, underplanted with a mass planting of Dichondra repens.
About the awards
The Landscape Association’s (TLA) 2024 Landscape Excellence Awards winners were recently announced at the Landscape Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. These Awards celebrate the very highest standards and achievement in Landscape Construction, Design, and Maintenance in the Residential and Commercial sectors. They recognise innovation, creativity, and outstanding craftsmanship and are the highest accolades in the industry.
The Awards are one of many benefits of a TLA Membership. To learn more about membership or contact the team directly, visit www.landscapeassociation.com.au.