Bracken

Dark clad contemporary home on a coastal headland with stone retaining wall, ornamental grasses and Spotted Gum backdrop

Located over four hours south of Sydney, this project spans across a compact, narrow headland that affords wonderful views through mature Spotted Gums.  During the devastating fires of 2019, the original garden that was created in conjunction with newly built residence was sadly lost.  The house, as well as the Spotted Gums, were largely spared and they provided the backdrop and inspiration to create an entirely new landscape. More ambitious than the previous, our aim was to celebrate the site and to enhance the scale and drama of the surrounds.  Stone walling, Corten steel details, stone tiling and an extensive network of gravel paths now surround the home and lead to a series of destination points that allow our clients to enjoy key moments throughout in this unique location.  The new planting, though extensive, is low key.  It connects the home to the towering trees, softening the subdued materials palette throughout the landscape and restoring much needed cover to this exposed site.

Location

McKenzies Beach, Malua Bay

Completion

2023

Service

Landscape Architecture, Construction, Horticultural Services

Timber driveway path leading to a dark rendered garage under a flat-roofed contemporary home, framed by Spotted Gums
Low coastal scrub and ornamental grasses on a headland with bare Spotted Gums framing views across the bay
A Corten steel fire pit structure and wire chairs on a timber deck amid lush coastal planting with ocean views
A Corten steel triangular fire feature emerging from sweeping ornamental grasses with a timber boardwalk beyond
"The surrounding canopy of Spotted Gums provides a dramatic change in mood between sunrise and sunset as the light level shifts."
Matt Cantwell
Creative Director
Wide view of the contemporary dark home elevated above stone retaining walls, agave, Corten details and Spotted Gum woodland
Yucca, agave and native banksia planting among boulders beside a stone retaining wall, backed by Spotted Gum forest
The contemporary home viewed through overhanging magnolia branches, with a timber boardwalk, water feature and stone walls
Pampas grass and coastal shrubs glowing in evening light beside a stone retaining wall and Spotted Gum woodland
A sculptural bronze artwork on a plinth beside a gravel path, surrounded by pampas grass and stone walls
Gravel garden with agave, ornamental grasses and a multi-stemmed olive tree framing coastal ocean and headland views
Agave and pampas grass planting beside a stone retaining wall and olive tree, with Spotted Gum forest behind
A long concrete bench seat on lawn beside a gravel path, with bare Spotted Gums framing coastal headland views
Wide coastal view from the beach showing the house nestled among Spotted Gums on a rocky ocean headland
A stone-paved destination terrace with wire chairs and stone steps, framed by Spotted Gums and olive trees
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