With its curvy cabana, built-in daybed and sophisticated pool, this reimagined landscape offers a luxurious resort lifestyle
Landscape of the Year Awards Entrant NSW
Emulating both the high-end design of the residence and the laidback lifestyle of the coastal location, this reimagined garden offers a luxurious outdoor entertaining experience with a tropical flourish.
“The design brief was to upgrade the rear garden and swimming pool surrounds to better reflect the calibre of the home and its setting. The existing spaces felt fragmented, with ageing decking, awkward level changes, and pool fencing that limited both access and visual connection,” explains Mark Tisdell, director of MUD Landscape Design.
“The rear garden is designed to conjure a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere, with a strong emphasis placed on extending the home’s living spaces out into the landscape. The layout prioritises comfort and usability, creating inviting outdoor areas for lounging, entertaining, and spending time poolside.”
Mark’s design adroitly addresses all of the key issues that plagued the old garden. He reconfigured the pool fencing, replaced the timber decking with concrete and stone paving, and improved the connection between entertaining and pool areas.
“A focus of the design was the creation of a pool cabana with a built-in daybed and a distinctive roof featuring a soft curve, LED lighting, and an integrated fan,” says Mark. “The sinuous and generously proportioned formed-concrete combination daybed and bench seat softens the space while the addition of free-form stone cladding and a planter brimming with large-leafed elephant ears (Alocasia), turned the rear wall into a focal point. The result is a great place to relax and connect with friends and family.
“The material and planting palettes were selected to feel refined, understated, and create an aura of calm. Durability, ease of maintenance, and ensuring the garden will age well were other considerations.
“Elegant travertine paving has been used in a variety of formats — crazy pave, French pattern, and slim battens on the step risers. This ensures material consistency while introducing detail and interest across the different landscape zones.”
The fillet curve on the stairs references the shape of the cabana roof and provides a beautiful design detail that can be viewed from the entertaining area — a refined space equipped with a built-in outdoor kitchen featuring a bar fridge, slimline barbecue, rangehood, and gas pizza oven.
Layered planting draws the eye into the garden, while careful plant selection ensures a resort-like atmosphere. A focal point of the planting is a raised circular planter with a double-trunk dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), the planter’s edges softened by trailing she-oak (Casuarina ‘Cousin It’).
The lighting design was just as carefully considered, with a mix of soft architectural lighting, accent lighting on key plantings, and wayfinding lighting above the steps.
Mark shares credit for the outstanding outcome with Soli Pankhurst from Reflection Pools who managed the delivery of the entire project. He also gives credit to the clients. “The homeowners were clear from the very start,” says Mark. “They wanted to do it once and do it right, investing in a durable, long-term solution that would feel cohesive and complement the property and their lifestyle.”
For more information
MUD Landscape Design
Mobile 0401 557 756
Email hello@mud.design
