Quarry Box

Our brief for this compact Bronte residence was to rework the front entry and revitalise the rear garden, strengthening the connection to the site’s history and sense of place.

At the front, a considered palette of native coastal shrubs and grasses extends across the nature strip and entry garden, creating a seamless transition between the street and residence. A mature Dracaena cochinchinensis provides a sculptural focal point, subtly marking the arrival while contrasting with the softer, naturalistic planting.
The rear garden is defined by a dramatic sandstone escarpment, a tangible remnant of Bronte’s quarrying past. Rather than compete with this existing character, the design works within the established landscape, retaining mature trees and replacing the existing lawn with organic bluestone steppers immersed in layered groundcovers. The result is a lush, textural garden that brings a strong sense of greenery into the living spaces while creating a secluded and intimate outdoor setting.

A restrained palette of timber, stone and Corten steel complements the abundant planting, allowing the natural character of the site to remain central to the design. The garden is conceived as a cohesive extension of the architecture—naturalistic, tactile and deeply connected to its coastal setting and sense of place.