Cove House

Aerial view of circular grass terraces cascading down a harbourside cliff with a sunken fire pit and coastal plantings

This was a unique opportunity to develop the landscaping and gardens for an iconic home overlooking Sydney’s’ Port Hacking across to Bundeena. The home was designed in 1969 by Reuben Lane, who once worked under Oscar Niemeyer and it was completed in 1973. The original brief by Reuben’s client was to be bold and not be constrained by the usual square and rectangular shapes. The brief from our client was similar, to design the surrounding landscaping, swimming pool and gardens with the same approach and to be brave.

Location

Cronulla

Completion

2017

Service

Landscape Architecture, Construction, Horticultural Services

Architect

Reuben Lane (1933-2012)

Awards

Shortlisted for Houses Awards

Close-up of curved white concrete retaining walls planted with agave, pampas grass and clipped low shrubs
Rooftop terrace with columnar cactus and a round outdoor table overlooking Port Hacking with a boat on the water
Full façade of the iconic curved white 1969 home with a rectangular pool, sweeping stairs and cactus planting
Steel pool ladder in a curved narrow pool set against white rendered walls in strong angular shadow
Overhead view of infinity pool with glass fence, curved lawn and palm trees overlooking the rocky foreshore
Looking down the coastal slope from a curved terrace over pampas grass and box balls to the rocky harbour edge
Close-up of a yucca and grass tree planting spilling over a curved white rendered garden wall
View through a curved white colonnade across layered terraced gardens with frangipani, agave and a sunken fire bowl
Circular sunken fire pit area with curved white bench seating surrounded by lavender, rosemary and agave terracing
Columnar and prickly pear cacti against a white rendered wall and the home's distinctive conical roof element
Giant taro and tropical foliage in a curved planter beside the sweeping white curves of the home's exterior
Dusk view of the sculptural white home with cactus garden, circular stepping stones on lawn and harbour views
Sunset view from the home's curved balcony over the circular grass terraces cascading to Port Hacking
Infinity pool at dusk with palm trees reflected in still water and a glass fence framing Port Hacking views