Sans Souci

At this property, our clients came to us with a unique vision for their landscape design. They had an underutilised front yard primarily viewed from above when walking across a raised pedestrian path to the front entry. This sunken garden space, set well below street level, offered a certain level of privacy. The clients aim was to transform it into a useful yet aesthetically pleasing area, mostly viewed from a bird's-eye perspective, but also inviting enough for the owners and their family to explore and enjoy.

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Working with this young family was a delight. They wanted a space where they could relax together or use as a separate retreat from their main entertaining areas in the rear, providing an escape from the daily hustle and bustle of a busy working life. We introduced the concept of using curves to create a strong contrast against the angular nature of the house. This garden design was intended to surprise viewers, as most wouldn't realise it existed below street level, making the approach both unexpected and delightful.

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The soft curves, along with the use of natural timbers and stone, added warmth to the space, welcoming all who beheld it. A stark white wall epitomized the clean, bold nature of the house, all wrapped in a beautiful and soft planting palette of coastal greys and blues. The clients envisioned this space as a unifying area for the family, whether playing basketball on the driveway or kicking balls back and forth. This inspired the extension of the bench seat beyond the fire pit area into the garden, creating additional viewing platforms.

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The choice of turf was intentional, designed to require minimal maintenance while still being adaptable. It can be left to grow long for a low-maintenance look or kept trimmed for a show-stopping lawn that provides additional play space for the children. This design responds to the changing needs of the clients and the different times of the year when days are shorter and play becomes less frequent.

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Ultimately, this design turned a neglected space into one with undeniable charm, frequently used and often admired.