LANDSCAPE OF THE YEAR AWARDS ENTRANT QLD
A rich and earthy palette of materials and plants nestles this garden into its bushland surrounds
One of the most sought-after locations on the Sunshine Coast, Eumundi isn’t just renowned for its hinterland hospitality and country charm — it’s noted for its stunning rural properties, many of them lavishly landscaped. The generous grounds of this amazing acreage property, designed by Matt McMahon, Principal Designer and Director of McMahon Earth Solutions, and built by his construction team, is a stellar example.
With work completed on the modern new home, the owners wanted landscaped spaces of equal impact. Spaces that would provide a suitable framework for the architecture, foster indoor-outdoor living, and offer multiple places for relaxing or entertaining alfresco. Creating a sense of cohesion between the property and the adjacent bushland was also a priority.
“The homeowners had a strong vision for the design of their garden, which provided us with a great starting point,” recalls Matt. “Given this is a sloping block, a key component of the brief was to create functional garden spaces that would be easy to access and use.
“In particular, they wanted a fire pit area where they could just spend some quiet time or entertain. Another essential was an enclosed outdoor room off the master bedroom — this needed to be an accessible yet private space, just for the owners to enjoy.
“Aesthetically, it was important that the new landscape elements complemented the modern facade of the home, hence our use of dark-coloured stone and Corten steel, with its warm, rust-effect finish.
“Finally, they wanted an extensive array of native species to be used to harmonise with the surrounding bushland and to provide habitat for the local wildlife.”
Describing his distinctive design as “contemporary acreage with industrial elements”, the landscape Matt and his team have created is expansive. Yet, with clever terracing and the strategic use of materials and greenery, different spaces have been effectively delineated.
Take the inviting fire pit area next to the alfresco entertaining area as an example. The owners requested a standing fire pit only, so the team used bluestone steppers interplanted with Sir Grange Zoysia turf to define this space. As for the garden room leading off the master bedroom, its perimeter was defined by a curved screen of vertical Corten beams and softened by outer-boundary planting.
Rustic-looking Corten steel is used strategically throughout the landscape, staircases. The metal is contrasted with the locally sourced bluestone which has been used in the form of feature boulders, and to construct steppers and retaining walls.
The palette of materials is softened by the plants, among them Xanthorrea (grass tree), Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilly pilly), Elaeocarpus ‘Eumundi’ (native quandong), Cyathea cooperi (Australian tree fern), and a variety of native grasses.
“For wow factor of an evening, there is strategically placed lighting. This includes lighting that defines key points along the sloping driveway,” adds Matt.
In the 2024 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards, this rural idyll was Highly Commended in the Residential $250,001-$450,000 category, a reflection of McMahon Earth Solution’s exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Contact Details
Landscape Design & Construction: McMahon Earth Solutions
Mobile: 0451 551 776
Email: matt@mcmahonearth.com