Zoning Out

Effortlessly elegant and deftly designed to stand the test of time, this landscape represents true luxury

A total transformation was called for, turning the backyard into a refined outdoor environment that serves both as a private retreat and an elegant entertaining space.

“The homeowners envisioned distinct outdoor zones for relaxation, children’s play, and hosting guests — all unified by a contemporary aesthetic that complements the architecture of the home. The design brief prioritised quality, longevity, and a layout that would enhance everyday living while elevating the overall value of the prestige property,” says Dan Marsh, director of Thrive Landscapes.

Dan’s contemporary-coastal design is sophisticated yet relaxed, with clean architectural lines balanced by soft, layered planting. “A restrained material palette of natural stone, composite timber, and frameless glass creates understated luxury, while subtle textural contrasts contribute depth and warmth. The overall composition feels calm, curated, and intentional,” he says.

The pool is the defining feature of the landscape. Designed to include a capacious shallow zone, it caters to family recreation and is the perfect place to relax with friends.

Silver travertine tiles laid in an ashlar pattern provide an elegant and durable surround, while composite decking introduces warmth underfoot and softens the stone’s architectural edge.

“What distinguishes this project is the clarity of its spatial planning,” says Dan. “Sightlines were carefully considered from internal living areas, ensuring the landscape presents as a composed extension of the home. Each zone transitions intuitively into the next, creating flow without visual clutter. The result is a landscape that feels effortless yet is meticulously detailed.”

Planting was selected for resilience, structure, and tonal harmony — and it was carefully orchestrated. Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) serves as a privacy screen while maintaining airflow and a feeling of openness. Softer, layered planting introduces texture and movement to off-set the clean architectural lines of the hardscape. A largely green palette was chosen to complement the neutral material selection and ensure timeless appeal.

Feature lighting accentuates the more architectural planting plus the structural elements, while subtle garden and pool illumination enhances safety and evening usability. After dark, the garden transforms into a softly lit retreat, with reflections off the water adding depth and atmosphere.

The alfresco entertaining zone flows directly from the home’s main interior living spaces, forging a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. A built-in barbecue anchors the space, while generous circulation areas allow for flexible hosting, whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a large gathering of friends. The proximity to the pool enhances social interaction while maintaining safe and clear spatial zoning.

Designed and built by Thrive Landscapes, this opulent outdoor oasis, located in the high-end coastal suburb of Newport on Queensland’s Redcliffe Peninsula, earned Highly Commended in the Residential $150,001-$200,000 category of the 2025 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards, and was a finalist for Contractor Design & Construct Projects.

“This project reflects our belief that exceptional landscapes should feel intuitive, cohesive, and enduring,” says Dan. “True luxury in outdoor design lies not in excess, but in thoughtful detailing, spatial clarity, and materials chosen with care to stand the test of time.”