Bracken

Wide stone-paved terrace stepping down past tussock grasses and gravel beds into a forest of tall Spotted Gums, NSW South Coast

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

Concrete terrace and gravel path with Corten edging through tussock grasses, Spotted Gums framing ocean views at dusk, NSW South Coast
Angular Corten steel and timber viewing deck with two wire chairs among grasses and Spotted Gums above the surf, NSW South Coast
Sculptural Corten steel wedge beside a timber deck among native grasses, with timber steps rising through Spotted Gum forest, NSW South Coast
"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
Sunlit slope of tussock grasses and native shrubs beneath Spotted Gums, looking across water to a forested headland, NSW South Coast
Dark-clad house with cantilevered upper floor beside a stone retaining wall, gravel drive and ornamental grasses under coastal gums, NSW South Coast
Turquoise surf and rocky shoreline below a forested headland with a contemporary house set among Spotted Gums, NSW South Coast
Crazy-paved stone terrace with stacked stone steps and wall, two black mesh chairs beneath pale gum trunks, NSW South Coast
Corten steel-edged gravel steps climbing through native grasses and silver groundcover among Spotted Gums overlooking the ocean, NSW South Coast
Multi-stemmed olive tree on a gravel forecourt with Agave, tussock grasses and boulders, Spotted Gums and ocean beyond, NSW South Coast
Dry stone retaining wall and concrete steps behind spiky architectural plants and feathery grass plumes under Spotted Gums, NSW South Coast
Bronze bud-shaped sculpture on a concrete plinth beside a gravel path, low stone walls, flowering grasses and olive trees, NSW South Coast
Olive tree, Agave and flowering grasses in layered planting before a long stacked stone wall and Spotted Gum forest, NSW South Coast
Long concrete bench on gravel beside lawn and a stepped terrace, Spotted Gums and grasses framing a coastal inlet, NSW South Coast
Corten steel and stone steps rising between dry stone walls and strappy planting above a reedy pond and boardwalk, NSW South Coast
Spiky blue-grey rosette plants, agaves and orange-flowering shrubs before a stacked stone wall and tall Spotted Gum forest, NSW South Coast
Contemporary dark-panelled house with cantilevered upper level above a stone wall, timber boardwalk and terraced planting among gums, NSW South Coast
Timber boardwalk crossing a pond towards a concrete driveway and dark-clad house, framed by tussock grasses and stone walls, NSW South Coast
Exposed aggregate steps descending through native grasses and Spotted Gums towards a sandy beach and turquoise bay, NSW South Coast
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