Dapto

Set on a steep site overlooking the Illawarra escarpment, this Dapto garden was designed as a layered Mediterranean coastal retreat. The challenge was to work with the natural fall of the land and transform a difficult slope into a series of connected outdoor spaces that felt purposeful, cohesive and easy to move through.
 

At the centre of the design, a free-form swimming pool softens the strong level changes across the site, while curved steps, arched forms and generous terraces establish a relaxed architectural language. An elevated outdoor living area extends from the home, creating a comfortable place to entertain while maintaining views across the pool, garden and escarpment beyond.
 

A restrained palette of warm stone, textured finishes and repeated curved forms helps unify the different levels and ensures the structural elements feel integrated into the landscape. Layered planting adds softness, rhythm and seasonal interest, balancing the built form with a distinctly Mediterranean coastal character.
 

At the lower level, a broad lawn and informal firepit area create more relaxed spaces for children, family gatherings and evenings outdoors. Together, the garden’s different levels offer places to swim, entertain, play and pause, while remaining part of one considered landscape.