We sat down with James, our talented Landscape Designer to discuss his ideas for this magical space.
“Stepping back into the residential design space, the Lota design was an outburst of creativity, my Renaissance of garden design. The site presented an odd triangular-shaped block, poor access, and a significant slope. However, one asset was the client's eagerness to create something unique.
My first order of business was ensuring access from the elevated residence. As soon as you open the back door, I wanted to evoke the feeling of the garden luring you out. To achieve this, an extra-wide aged timber staircase and platform were installed, placing you at a crossroads. The level difference of the arrival platform creates a sense of anticipation. To the left, it takes you down to the sunken lawn area, or alternatively, up to the fire pit/seating area, beginning your journey through the rest of the space.
The sunken grass area is nestled in its own corner and bordered by a tiered garden. The first tier is established by railway sleepers, and the second tier by a raised Corten profile.
The drama of the garden unfolds as you arrive at the fire pit area. Here, a stunning curvaceous repurposed brick wall captivates the eye with its meticulously laid smooth and seamless pattern. Complementing the area is a decomposed granite base, and three large irregular bluestone steppers elevate and bring a sense of modernity.
Stepping up and out of the fire pit area, you are met with another crossroads. To the left, down and through the untouched undulation of the garden, or to the right, through the gabion wall and up to the kitchen garden. The kitchen garden consists of large Corten rings for the raised planters, taking something that traditionally can be an "eyesore" and making it a feature. Here, you are reintroduced to the railway sleepers in the form of an informal seat.
Within this space, it is no doubt that materials take centre stage, so a paired-back, elegant native plant palette was chosen to enhance the materiality. Backhousia citriodora offers a scented element while ensuring privacy. As they mature, Westringia 'Jervis Gem' will be clipped, offering a sense of structure, while Pennisetum 'Nafray' will provide a whimsical feeling. The iconic blooms of banksia will be present, while Casuarina 'Cousin It' and Hibbertia serpyllifolia soften the edges of the walls. Taking centre stage, Leptospermum madidum will inject its vibrant green pendulous foliage, which over time will screen certain areas of the garden, adding to the sense of anticipation.
On paper, the use of so many materials in such a small space should be overwhelming, but in this garden, they not only work, but they also make it feel established and comfortable. The materials intersect, giving it a modern yet timeless aesthetic. The interconnected multiple levelled areas, linked by stairs and curvaceous paths, expand the space, and create a sense that there is no distinct beginning or end. The homeowners are thrilled that the space offers multiple destinations and feel that the space has made their house a home.”
Wow – what a journey this garden takes. Check out the Youtube Playlist to see how our incredible construction team took this Design x Build in stages.
