From the sleek infinity pool to the welcoming fire pit zone, this sophisticated garden epitomises modern luxury
Landscape of the Year Awards Entrant NSW
The most engaging landscapes have a sense of place, looking as if they were “meant to be”. They will forge connections. To the land they occupy, the house they embrace, and the people who use them.
A well-designed landscape works with the terrain, not against it. It has great flow, a sense of proportion and scale, considers sightlines and vistas, and affords you the lifestyle you desire.
Designed by Matt Bandiera, director of Outdoor Escape Landscaping, the outdoor spaces that grace this property embody these principles. They are the perfect complement to the home, an architectural masterpiece blending modern luxury with resort-style living, and the family who live in it. Also, the steeply sloping site and the mesmerising water views.
“This leafy landscape provides multiple spaces in which to play, relax and connect, just as the family requested,” says Matt. “In particular, they sought an elegant wet-edge swimming pool with sufficient space for poolside lounging as well as a shaded fire pit zone for casual get-togethers.
“They wanted the entertaining areas to blend together while other garden spaces were to be tucked into their own pockets. Ensuring seamless indoor-outdoor continuity was essential, as was creating a refined landscape that maximised the panoramic waterside vista.
“The poolside retreat is one of the main social hubs and includes a fan, fridge, television and closable aluminium bifold doors,” says Matt. “There’s also a connecting indoor-outdoor entertaining area with a kitchenette and barbecue.
“Then there’s the lower fire pit area — a warm and welcoming space. And for those private times, there are peaceful rooftop gardens off the bedrooms and home office.”
Plants form part of a garden’s structure and are a means of expressing a particular style, conjuring a desired ambience, and directing the eye. “We employed an array of plants throughout for lushness and to create focal points,” says Matt.
“The planting palette includes succulents, groundcovers, screening plants, cascading species, and plants that make a statement. The strategically placed planting ensures all areas of the garden have a distinct feel while maintaining overall cohesion.”
The key plantings include olive trees (Olea europea), she-oak (Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’), ponytail palms (Nolina), century plant (Agave attenuata), and dragon trees (Dracaena draco), all ably supported by an automated rainwater irrigation system.
The paving is a mixture of Technifirma porcelain and crazy paving, while random stone cladding was used for feature walls. For night-time use, outdoor lighting was installed on each garden level, and there are speakers and smart systems throughout for effortless luxury outdoor living.
In the 2025 TLA Landscape Excellence Awards, this project won Gold for Residential Construction $100,000-$200,000 and Silver for Residential Maintenance 750m2-1500m2. Expertly terraced and thoughtfully zoned, this family retreat is the perfect outdoor escape — and it works in absolute harmony with the amazing home and the stunning Sydney harbourside location.
For more information
Outdoor Escape Landscaping
Mobile 0403 839 457
Email matt@oel.net.au
