The landscape design for this property in Merricks, Victoria was driven by a desire to create a unified dialogue between contemporary architecture and the broader rural and coastal context, drawing on both the Australian bush landscape and the timeless restraint of Mediterranean gardens.

The material palette of burnished concrete, compacted toppings, timber, and cobblestone was deliberately selected to complement the home’s architecture while offering durability and a subdued, natural tonality that allows the landscape to settle comfortably into its setting.

I wanted the experience to unfold as a series of connected outdoor rooms, moving from intimate courtyards with olive trees and clipped forms to more open, productive, and recreational spaces.

Planting is composed of layered drifts of native and exotic grasses, shrubs, and groundcovers, arranged in a naturalistic but controlled manner. The palette reflects coastal-bush species, suited to the local climate and reinforcing ecological sensitivity. Edges are softly defined, avoiding rigid geometry and instead echoing the organic patterns of the surrounding landscape.

Key elements I’m particularly pleased with include the infinity edge pool framed by the exterior walls of the home, the cobblestone courtyard with its sculptural olive feature tree, and the subtle integration of a custom weathered-steel pool fence that weaves through the plantings.

It was a pleasure collaborating with Forster Constructions, their attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship ensured the harmonisation of the built form and landscape, preserving the design intent of Webster Architecture and NBLA. The result is a finished landscape and built outcome of remarkable quality.