100 AUSTRALIAN GARDENS BOOK THINK PUBLISHING
FASCINATING FORM
Refined outdoor living is the only way to describe this special design by Matthew Gee and Ryan Healy of Newforms Landscape Architecture.
At the front of the home, a lit walkway provides for a dramatic entrance that stretches through to the rear of the lot, taking you past the feature courtyard furnished with a large metal light box, incorporated to increase the visual depth of the space and effectively creating a more dynamic environment to be experienced both inside and outside the surrounding rooms. In addition, a curious water feature consisting of layered stone cubes acts as the containing element to a humble pond filled with fish. With a mild Asian theme, this area perfectly graces and complements the home with an air of peace and serenity. Following through to the rear is the largest area, home to a magnificent pool, spa and pavilion. Here, a minimalist approach has been taken in order to keep the design fresh and low maintenance. Bamboo was planted around the pool to add a structural element, as well as a sense of verticality, in order to compliment and soften the building bulk to the rear of the existing dwelling. The carefully selected plants also provide colour and textural contrast through all four seasons.
The alfresco pavilion to the rear-left of the luxurious pool area acts as a refuge for relaxation, with ample space available for cooking and eating. In addition to its compelling design, structural steel sections allow for the formation of a cohesive connection between the existing dwelling and the added landscape elements.
ARCHITECTURAL REFLECTION
With form, colour, texture and depth amongst other finely crafted elements, this front garden is dripping with modern appeal and was designed to blend perfectly with the exquisite dwelling it introduces. The backbone of the design is the exposed aggregate concrete pathway, which snakes its way through the carefully manicured garden beds and up each of the tiers. Planned sections for landings and pockets of bold plantings were incorporated to create an aesthetic balance with the rest of the area.
Inspired by the strong geometry of the house, emphasis is placed on lines, flat surfaces and mixed use of materials and contrast. The domineering nature of the architecture, in particular the cantilevered second level, is balanced through strong defined angles and a combination of hard surfaces.
No modern garden would be complete without a cutting edge water feature. This particular water feature is located directly below the cantilever and includes water lighting in order to cast interesting shadows and create a glistening shimmer effect.
A variety of resilient, low maintenance and drought hardy plantings were used, such as Phorium Tenax, Dianella Little Jess and Agave Attenuata. A display of striking succulents was also included and provides a vibrant green colour palette.
Project Details
FASCINATING FORM
Designer: Matthew Gee
Project Lead: Ryan Healy
Builder: PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Photography: David J. Adams
ARCHITECTURAL REFLECTION
Designer: Matthew Huxtable
Project Lead: Matthew Huxtable
Builder: PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Photography: David J. Adams
PHASE3 Landscape Construction Pty Ltd.
Unit 4, 11 Milson Place, O’Connor, WA 6163
Phone\ (08) 9337 6985 Email\ contact@phasethree.net.au
Website\ www.phasethree.net.au
