Every day feels like a holiday in these beach-inspired outdoor spaces.
After a morning surf or at the end of a working day, coming home is always a joyful experience for Jon and Eliza, owners of this coastal property in Queensland’s Sunshine Beach. Just passing beneath the outstretched arms of the magnificent pandanus trees in the front garden always brings a smile to their faces.
“They wanted a front garden that created an entry experience and had a sense of connection to the broader landscape and the coast,” says Scott Muzeen, owner of Ground Force Landscapes.
The existing backyard was also slated for an upgrade with a new swimming pool, paved entertaining area and pergola. Working to a design by Jade Vernon from Coco-Dash Landscape Architects, Scott and his team set about building the contemporary coastal garden spaces the couple envisioned.
“For me, the most engaging design feature is the beautiful spotted gum entry boardwalk inspired by a typical Queensland beach access,” says Scott. “This consists of ramps for mobility and pram access, and a large elevated landing. I also love the organic look of the custom cypress timber bench seats.”
The rustic seats were constructed on-site by Ground Force using four very large 80kg logs. “The timbers were sanded back, drilled and connected using high-quality stainless-steel threaded rods. Hidden stainless fixings in a concrete base keep them in place,” explains Scott.
Throughout the front and rear gardens, the emphasis is on natural materials. “Honed bluestone paving was used in the pool area, for pathways, the outdoor entertaining area and as steppers, adding a touch of luxury and ensuring design continuity,” says Scott.
In the rear garden, a “floating” pergola forms a walkway that guides you to the pool area. “The hardwood pergola ‘floats’ above the pathway and ‘hovers’ above the roofline of the house,” says Scott. “It required extensive balancing and bracing using stainless-steel rods and cables to ensure it did not move or sway.”
Australian and endemic native plants add the final flourish: Alectryon coriaceus (beach bird’s eye), Dianella caerulea (flax lily), Anigozanthos sp. (kangaroo paw), Asplenium australasicum (bird’s nest fern), Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia), Xanthorroea (grass tree) and Lomandra ‘Verday’. In the pool area, Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ creates a tropical oasis feel and acts as screening along with Atractocarpus fitzalanii (native gardenia).
“This project was a real team effort and the design was brought to fruition with integrity,” says Scott. “Jon and Eliza now have front and rear gardens they are truly proud of, that suit them as a family, and, most importantly, make them happy.”
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