Formal affair

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This sophisticated garden has an unmistakable aura of serenity and a classic look that is truly timeless

The formal garden is always very much in favour. Defined by its sense of symmetry and respect for form and balance, the formal garden is a place of elegance and calm. A formal-style garden, moreover, transcends fleeting trends, ensuring the design never dates nor looks out of place, leading to longevity.

Of course you don’t have to fully replicate a traditional formal garden to be able to enjoy the beauty and sense of serenity this classical design style brings. Just adapt the elements that suit your individual space, being sure to remain true to the underlying principles of symmetry and balance, which is precisely what A Total Concept has done here.

“The outdoor spaces for this formal project were designed in a simplistic formal style that complements the beautiful heritage residence. With both elegance and endurance in mind, only quality materials were used,” says John Storch, landscape architect and founder of Sydney-based A Total Concept.

“Immediately adjacent to the home we located an elevated, covered travertine-paved entertaining area with barbecue facilities. From here, steps lead down to the formal lawns and swimming pool, ensuring ease of access and establishing a visual link.”

The interior surface of the pool is clad in translucent turquoise glass tiles that cause the water to shimmer and sparkle. With practicality in mind, the pool has an extended bench seat for relaxation and is long enough to swim laps.

From the raised entertaining terrace, the views towards the pool are stunning and have been maximised with the use of frameless glass fencing. For continuity, the sandstone-capped rendered masonry walls tie back to the home.

“The pool and formal lawns are set within luxuriant landscaped gardens brimming with an intentionally simple and traditional palette of evergreen border and hedging plants that does not detract from the main features of the home itself,” says John.

Planting plays an essential role in the formal garden. Clipped evergreen hedges, whether to border a path, lawn or garden bed give a garden a formal feel. Hedges can also provide shelter from the wind, act as a privacy screen, or gracefully define a boundary.

“Arbours covered in vines delineate each lawn room within the garden areas,” adds John. “The viability of the gardens are ensured by composting, heavy mulching, and a water-wise, fully-automatic drip irrigation system linked to large water storage tanks.”

The seeming simplicity of the design and judicious use of premium-quality materials visually unifies the overall project and adds immeasurable value to the property, creating “a total concept” that perfectly showcases the design skills of John and his team.

From contemporary homes to traditional residences, and from small city courtyards to large country estates, not to mention boutique and resort-style developments, A Total Concept can help with any design project anywhere in Australia. A Total Concept is a well-established, award-winning landscape architecture practice that specialises in creating beautiful outdoor rooms and stylish cabanas, expertly integrated swimming pools, and gorgeous gardens.

“We craft striking, cost-effective, functional spaces and bring together all aspects of your project from consultations, selections, approvals, construction designs, and recommending quality contractors to undertake the work, to the total management of your project,” explains John. “A Total Concept bridges the gap between the inside and out by providing a total service that creates a seamless fusion between home and garden for our clients. If you want a superior design solution, speak to A Total Concept.”

Here, the expert team at A Total Concept has succeeded in creating a stunning environment for the owners — one that reflects the practice’s philosophy of “A Total Concept” and adds immeasurably to the lifestyle amenity and value of the property. This is a garden that generations to come can appreciate and enjoy.