This skilfully terraced, laidback coastal garden has gone from drab and out-of-date to a showcase of sophisticated contemporary design
Landscape of the Year Awards Entrant NSW
Perched above the shoreline of Sydney’s Palm Beach, this impressive landscape and swimming pool renovation is a considered response to place and lifestyle. Designed by mike CASS creative and executed by Design-It Landscapes, the project transforms a 50-year-old kidney-shaped pool and steep garden into a sophisticated, contemporary outdoor
living environment.
“Rather than removing the pool, the brief centred on reworking what was already there. The goal was to respect the original footprint while elevating its function, finish, and relationship to the surrounding landscape,” says Mike Cass, director of both companies. “The result is a modern interpretation of the classic kidney shape, designed to accommodate new seating zones, integrated steps, and an extended beach-style entry that invites people to slow down and gather in the shallows.”
Located on a steep 1100sqm block, the coastal site demanded a holistic approach, resulting in a layered landscape that works with the slope rather than against it. An expertly terraced garden, with something new and enticing to enjoy on every level, it more than fulfils the owners’ brief: a place to gather and entertain in which every centimetre of the property is maximised.
“The design responds with multiple spaces where people can come together, whether for big celebrations, long summer days or quiet moments overlooking the water,” says Mike. “The upper level is home to a cedar-framed spa; the one below features a curved polished concrete bench that wraps around a fire pit. Lower-level decking by Smartdeck introduces additional zones for relaxation and entertaining.
“Throughout the project, materiality plays a defining role. Hand-shaped Italian sandstone coping, cut down from oversized slabs, introduces a crafted, sculptural quality along the pool edge and is paired with polished concrete detailing. Inside the pool, a combination of custom-cut Italian sandstone and Microcement by Cemher creates a refined surface that gives the water a soft, luminous appearance.
“Connectivity is a recurring theme,” adds Mike. “A six-metre bridge constructed from mixed reclaimed Australian hardwood links the upper level of the home directly to the pool, reinforcing the sense that the outdoor spaces are an extension of everyday living.” Custom white powdercoated stainless-steel fencing, designed by Mike, provides safety without obscuring views.
The plant palette includes Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), native ginger (Alpinia caerulea), lily turf (Liriope ‘El Marco’), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi), Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica), English box (Buxus sempervirens), and Korean velvet grass (Zoysia tenuifolia). These soften the built elements and, in some areas, enhance privacy.
More than just a facelift, this project ably demonstrates what remarkable results can be achieved when existing structures are reimagined with care and creativity. By responding to the lay of the land and prioritising connection, this outstanding renovation showcases a contemporary and thoughtful approach to outdoor design.
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