Of contemporary coastal style, cleverly accented with subtle Mediterranean influences, this made-for-entertaining rear garden commands attention for its clean-lined, modern design, warm colour palette, emphasis on natural textures, and laidback feel.

“The client envisaged a relaxed and refined contemporary outdoor space that complemented the home’s coastal setting. Practical zones for entertaining, lounging, and play were required. Views across the garden and swimming pool were to be kept as open as possible with minimal visual interruptions, especially around the pool fencing,” says Andrew Holland, Creative and Managing Director of Hollandscapes.

“Low-maintenance planting with a lush, architectural feel was also desired. The client pictured feature trees, sculptural forms, and greenery that framed the space without overwhelming it.”

To reference the colours and textures of the coast, Andrew developed a natural, soft-toned palette of materials, one that incorporates stonework which also serves to ground the design and give it an appealing timeless quality. In particular, the use of stone cladding enhances the architectural language of the garden while integrating flawlessly with the home’s coastal-modern design. This cladding is complemented by the sandblasted limestone crazy paving from Stone Style that harmonises with the tones of the home and imbues the space with warmth and sophistication.

Defined levels break up the space, delineating the covered outdoor dining space, the fire pit area, expansive lawn, and pool zone while maintaining a natural flow between them. “The natural stone retaining walls and split-level layout that creates clear zones for entertaining and relaxing are standout features of the design, with frameless glass pool fencing keeping the space open and promoting a sense of seamless connection,” says Andrew.

“For the entertaining areas, the client wanted something elegant but understated that would be suitable for family catch-ups, outdoor meals, and quiet relaxation. The curved, off-form concrete bench seat, positioned against the pool’s stone-clad retaining wall, provides permanent, durable seating for larger gatherings and doubles as a sculptural element that visually anchors the area. Paired with a central Corten steel fire pit, this corner transforms into an inviting hub for evening entertaining, making this a welcoming space, day and night.

“All of the outdoor entertaining zones were thoughtfully designed to maximise functionality and flow, and promote year-round enjoyment,” continues Andrew. “Large, wide steps lead up to the expansive elevated lawn area — a versatile space perfect for gatherings, play, or just lounging about. Adjacent to the lawn is a custom-built outdoor barbecue bench and kitchen, creating a dedicated zone for cooking and entertaining that integrates seamlessly with the garden’s overall aesthetic.”

As the client desired, sculptural planting adds structure and softness without overwhelming the design. The planting palette, which includes a feature Dracaena draco (dragon’s blood tree) for height and interest, was carefully curated to reflect the garden’s coastal-modern design. The focus was on form, such as the distinctive cacti planted along the boundary of the pool and fire pit area, year-round interest, and drought tolerance, which is especially important in a coastal climate.

Soft gravel, pale paving, warm-toned furniture, and blackbutt decking that will silver gracefully over time tie everything together, creating a coastal vibe that is calm, timeless, and effortlessly elegant. The final touch comes in the guise of subtle wall-mounted lighting, complemented by garden spikes that paint a beautiful nightscape.

“Bringing the client’s vision to life has been a rewarding experience,” says Andrew. “The result is exactly what we hoped for: a beautiful, functional, and enduring outdoor space.”

For more information

Landscape design & construction: Hollandscapes
Mobile: 0401 072 252
Email info@hollandscapes.com.au

Photography by Martin Seigner

The post Coastal Cool appeared first on Completehome.

Brimming with lush plants, this garden always offers a warm welcome

Designed to ensure a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, this garden offers a family of eight a private, plant-filled sanctuary. Working to a design by Eve Valensise of Even Spaces, Andrew Holland, Director of Hollandscapes, and his team transformed this property on Sydney’s leafy North Shore into a warm and welcoming haven in which layered textures and lush planting work hand-in-hand.

“For the planting we used a tropical palette which involved selecting plants that would provide a variety of textures, heights, and colours to create a vibrant, multi-dimensional landscape,” explains Andrew. “The infusion of warmth came through the materials’ palette with the inclusion of hardwood decking and Australian sandstone complementing the overall design aesthetic extremely well.”

The rear deck was built using spotted gum, the same hardwood timber used in the home’s construction. “A continuation of the interior kitchen and living area, the deck is the main outdoor entertaining space for the family and the perfect place from which to survey the verdant garden and swimming pool,” says Andrew.

The timber is complemented by the sandstone slabs that were crafted on-site to create organic steppers through the rear and side gardens. The same stone was laid in a crazy paving format to fashion the pool surrounds while large hydrasplit sandstone blocks were used to construct the northern boundary section in the front garden.

The lush side garden features a tropical planting palette that you meander through on your way to the backyard. Syzygium australe ‘Resilience’ (lilly pilly) was used for screening in this area with smaller plants providing contrast and depth. These include Sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law’s tongue), Dichondra repens (kidney weed), Blechnum fernandezianum (hard fern), and Alpinia nutans (dwarf cardamom).

“To engender a sense of calm in the midst of everyday life, we created a pond in the home’s internal courtyard,” adds Andrew. “This is an integral element of the project which can be viewed from inside the home on three sides. Sliding glass doors allow the courtyard to fully open up to create one unified indoor-outdoor space.”

So that the outdoor areas can be used — and admired — at night, Hollandscapes installed subtle landscape lighting, adding a whole new level of interest and intrigue to the landscape during the evening hours.

From the extensive soil remediation work that was needed before the lawn or new plants could be installed, to the custom-crafted sandstone-stepper garden paths, Andrew and his team took exceptional care, delivering a series of meticulously landscaped spaces the family adore.

In 2024, the judges of The Landscape Association’s Landscape Excellence Awards were just as impressed with the end result, which is why this luxuriant project received Bronze in the Residential Construction $100,000-$250,000 category.

Contact Details

Landscape Construction: Hollandscapes
Mobile: 0401 072 252
Email: info@hollandscapes.com.au

The post Family Affair appeared first on Completehome.