West Leederville

Contemporary Twist. GFE was appointed by the professional owners of a newly extended and renovated home to design and construct a high impact, modern garden that made practical use of the outdoors in contrast to the traditional architecture of the house. The garden had to be easy to maintain, waterwise, and a little different from the norm while incorporating a workshop, carport, water feature, children's play area and screening of the existing ugly fibre cement fencing.

A square metal fence profile that the owners chose for the front garden fence, along with the angle of the roof pitch became the inspiration for the front garden design.  These squares were rotated to make the diamond outline for the raised garden beds and paving inserts a contemporary twist on a traditional formal garden. A section was cut out of the front wall to realign the front entry and regain a sense of formality and grandeur. New piers were built to match the existing piers for the entry to the carport and a rendered wall built to retain the sloping garden to the left of the proposed carport.

Contrasting paving was used to accentuate the square diamond patterns of the garden beds. These were edged with the vibrant coloured plantings and the central diamond beds were highlighted with plantings of cycads while a hedge screened the neighbouring property.

Extensive earthworks and retaining walls were used in the rear garden to frame and extend the alfresco area. Limestone was chosen to match the existing mortar colour and to contrast with the red brickwork. Decking provides a dramatic angular emphasis across the elevated walkway to the upper level containing the pool area and children's play area, complete with sunken trampoline set in the lawn, swing set and cubby house.  Elegant curved steps lead down onto the sunken lawn enclosed by raised limestone beds planted with Magnolia, Frangipani, Duranta, Dianella and Phormium thereby providing sanctuary' while entertaining or relaxing in the garden. A stunning curved rock clad water feature edged in copper mirrors the steps opposite.

The garden was designed and constructed using sustainable and waterwise products and practices wherever possible. Overall the owners were delighted with the result and the garden has drawn lots of admiration from passersby, particularly the ones who saw it before!