Sophisticated outdoor spaces bring contemporary family living to this elegant Edwardian bungalow
Renovating a period home is an exercise in balance. Original character deserves to be celebrated, while the way a family lives today calls for contemporary spaces, practical materials and an effortless connection between indoors and out. At Hawthorn House, this balance has been beautifully achieved.
Located in the Grace Estate in Hawthorn, the major renovation of this Edwardian-style bungalow presented two distinct landscape opportunities. While the front garden called for a restrained approach sympathetic to the home’s heritage architecture, the rear was given an altogether more contemporary treatment, creating a private setting for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying the pool.
KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions (KHD) enjoys collaborating with designers and builders who challenge themselves to bring out the very best in a property. Here, the selection of natural stone plays an important role in defining both sides of the home while allowing each outdoor area to establish its own identity.
At the front, Bluestone steps and paving provide an elegant transition from the streetscape to the residence. Timeless and understated, the stone sits comfortably alongside the bungalow’s red brickwork and period detailing, establishing a strong material foundation without competing with the original architecture.
The driveway required a more robust yet complementary solution, with 100x100x20mm granite cobbles selected for the surface. Their cool grey tones pair beautifully with the Bluestone, while the cobbles are glued directly to the concrete sub-base for a streamlined installation. An exfoliated finish provides high slip resistance, combining practicality with a refined appearance.
Beyond the home, the design language changes to suit contemporary family living. A covered pavilion with an integrated barbecue area provides a welcoming destination for alfresco meals and entertaining, while the pool and generous patio create a relaxed outdoor retreat immediately adjacent to the main residence.
Cairo Cream Limestone was selected for the rear paving and pool coping, introducing warmer, softer tones to this part of the garden. The natural variation within the limestone complements the blue of the swimming pool as well as the outdoor furniture, helping the different elements read as one cohesive setting.
The limestone continues into the garden through Natural Organic Steppers. Their irregular forms provide an informal pathway among the planting, softening the crisp architectural lines of the patio and pool surrounds and creating a subtle connection between the landscaped areas.
Together, the contrasting stone palettes help tell the story of Hawthorn House: respectful and timeless on arrival, relaxed and contemporary at the rear. It is a thoughtful response to a period property that demonstrates how carefully selected materials can bridge heritage architecture and modern Australian living.
KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions (KHD) offers a wide range of landscape engineering and natural stone products for domestic, commercial and local government projects. In business for almost 25 years, KHD is well known for high-quality products and an ability to work with other industry professionals to achieve the best possible project and client outcomes.
Ken Hitchcock is a landscaping professional with more than 35 years of industry experience and is the director of KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions, which he started in 1999. Ken offers a full and complete landscape engineering product range to architects, designers and builders in Victoria. KHD is committed to promoting sustainable environmental practices by supplying Australian-made products where possible from suppliers with environmental management systems in place. These high standards have meant that KHD is a preferred supplier to many award-winning landscape architects and design practices.
The KHD range has grown extensively to meet the needs of the market and to keep up with design trends. The business provides a complete range of products and solutions for the design and construction industry, including stone products, paver and deck supports, porcelain tiles, stormwater management, green walls, green roofs and soil stabilisation.
At a Glance
Stone supply: KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions
Builder: CDM Building Group
Pool built by: Falcon Pools
Paving: Cario Cream Limestone, Natural organic Limestone steppers, Bluestone
Driveway: 100x100x20mm Granite Cobbles
For more information
KHD
A: 1279 Malvern Rd, Malvern Vic
P: 03 9822 2748 M: 0419 579 437