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)

Interiors

Brendan Wong Design

Awards

Shortlisted for Houses Awards

Circular lawn terraces with white curved edges stepping down to the rocky Port Hacking foreshore under a cloudy dusk sky, Sydney
Sweeping white roof edge above circular lawn terraces and clipped shrubs, with sandstone rock shelves and open water beyond, Sydney
Sculptural white columns and curved glass facade rising above feathery ornamental grasses beside a mature palm, Sydney
Curved white rendered home with glass-fronted pool, wide grey stone stairs and columnar cactus in a white pot, Sydney
Pool terrace with grey stone paving and navy lounge chairs beside a white rendered home and curving path above Port Hacking, Sydney
Elevated view down the pool to a curved lawn with tall palms, decorative metal gate and swimmers in clear water beyond, Sydney
Circular white fire pit on grey stone paving seen from above, with curved bench, agaves and silver groundcover over turquoise water, Sydney
Grass tree and rosemary softening the curved white rendered planter walls, with yucca and silver foliage behind, Sydney
Curved white bench and round fire pit on grey paving framed by rosemary, yucca and silver groundcover, with Port Hacking beyond, Sydney
Stepped circular lawn terraces with white curved edges beside feathery plume grasses, clipped shrub balls and native bushland, Sydney
Giant taro and tropical foliage in a curved planter beside the sweeping white curves of the home's exterior
Prickly pear and columnar cacti planted along a white textured wall below curved conical roofs, with stepping stones and bay view, Sydney
Round concrete stepping stones set in lawn beneath a sweeping white rendered canopy with an oval cut-out, Sydney
Angular white-edged lawn terrace with feathery grasses, mounded groundcovers and grey stone stairs descending to a rock platform, Sydney
Sculptural cacti and prickly pear casting shadows on a textured white wall, with a fan palm and spiralling roof behind, Sydney
Flowering frangipani above angled white terrace walls planted with agaves, silver foliage and clipped hedging, with a round fire pit below, Sydney
Sweeping white roof with oval windows above a clipped hedge and branching cactus, and a yacht sailing on Port Hacking, Sydney
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