A Sympathetic Collaboration

A sympathetic collaboration

Adelaide Landscape architectural firm, WAX Design was engaged to transform the outdoor space of this family-friendly home.

11 April, 2018

In the process, they created a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that responds to both the heritage and contemporary architecture.

With a desire to maximise the outdoor space and to meet the needs of a multi-generational family, the clients of this home asked a lot from their residential garden. They wanted a space that suited their lifestyle now and into the future as the family grows, explains project designer and WAX Design director Amanda Balmer.

WAX Design was also met with the task of creating a garden that respected both the traditional and contemporary architecture. “The front garden responds to the heritage vernacular of the sandstone cottage whilst giving hints of the contemporary extension of the home. The rear garden is all about entertaining, integrating the elevated feature pool, with a large timber deck, dining and outdoor kitchen area”, says Amanda.

Pool Wax Design 02 — A considered palette of materials showcased the pool

See more images of the home’s architecture here.

As with every project, trying to juggle the needs of the owners and functionality with aesthetics can be a challenge. This project was no different suggests Amanda who shared the much heated debated of relocating an existing garden shed away from the rear of the pool. “The end result is that the pool is the hero of the garden.

Materials were also key to achieving the balance between beauty and functionality. Eco Outdoor bluestone was used throughout the front and rear garden spaces in a range of formats. In the front garden crazy paving delineating a sense of arrival to the front door and surrounding the focal, heritage palm tree. “Bluestone was also used to create a seating alcove amongst the gravel path and in the tranquil southern courtyard setting which is accessed from the master bedroom.”

Pool Wax Design 03 — Detail of the main garden’s feature – the pool.

In the rear garden, WAX Design opted for the Eco Outdoor Andorra® limestone to complement the contemporary architectural form designed by Troppo Architects. As the pool was the garden’s main feature, the design team used the limestone on the façade, creating visual impact. “Working closely with Eco Outdoor & Elite Pools we trialled several different formats to achieve the delicate rhythm of the narrow, linear tile which continues from inside the pool, down the external façade and up into the overspill trough”, explains Amanda. “This linking element helps to ground the elevated pool and sharply contrasts the feature rock wall behind.”

From the outset, sustainability was at the fore. Incorporated into the space was a productive garden, small orchard and a coop housing the resident chickens. Large-scale permeable surfaces helped reduce stormwater runoff and solar passive shading principles were adopted.

The success of this garden isn’t solely due to the considered design. It is also a reflection of a strong creative team and relationship with the client. Amanda explains the strong collaboration between all involved on this project ensured a successful cohesion between the interior and exterior spaces of the home. The result? A home with a garden that compliments the built form and a space the family can enjoy for many years to come.