Two become one in this Hamptons inspired garden located in one of Brisbane’s most prestigious inner-city suburbs
This remarkable Hamptons inspired garden, located in Ascot, one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs, shows how a sympathetically-designed, expertly-built landscape can complement —even elevate — great architecture.
“Situated in arguably Brisbane’s most prestigious tree-lined avenue, this beautiful estate boasts grand architecture and a level of craftsmanship and elegance rarely seen. It was therefore essential that the landscape be equally breathtaking, complementary to the architectural design intent, and the construction meticulous,” says Tim Stafford, director of Scapex Landscapes.
“When we were approached, the owners had purchased the adjoining property and while the neighbouring house was to remain freestanding, one of the major landscaping goals was to make both properties feel as one and, in the process, create a private and luxurious outdoor oasis.
“They wanted a garden that would be in harmony with the Hamptons-inspired architectural design — and, in particular the outdoor entertaining spaces — by balancing the tonal and textural qualities of plant foliage, natural stone and timber,” he continues. “This was achieved by using hues of deep green, olive, silver, grey and muted purple in the planting palette. Sophisticated bluestone stepping stones, along with the extensive areas of natural stone crazy paving and cobblestones, serve as a textural counterpoint to the green space while also linking the different areas.”
Alexandra Buchanan Architects designed the house extensions and Amy Webb led the original landscape concept design with Scapex Landscapes completing the detailed landscape and planting design in-house.
Scapex Landscapes’ team of qualified builders, carpenters, landscapers and horticulturalists, in conjunction with Up In Stone Stonemasons and Muller Constructions, brought their considerable skills to bear to bring the design to life. The 2022 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards’ judges were so impressed by the outcome, they named Scapex Landscapes winner of the Residential $250,000 Plus category.
The planting palette is central to the garden’s success. Just some of the plants used include Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ (a compact magnolia) which line the boundary, adding an air of formality and providing privacy, and Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia) and Randia fitzlandii (brown gardenia), used as statement pieces in key areas and for privacy.
The planting creates a sense of being cossetted when outside as well as a pleasing outlook from the house and the various alfresco entertaining areas, including the owners’ favourite place to gather with friends and family — an elegant indoor-outdoor covered dining and lounge space. This well-appointed extension to the house boasts a fireplace and a bespoke teppanyaki bar.
The awards’ judges said of the project, which was also a finalist for 2022 Residential Landscape Construction of the Year: “Several complex landscape elements were involved in this landscape project. An excellent level of skill was demonstrated in the crazy paving, steps and pillars.
“The driveway cobblestones exhibited expertise in earthworks and stone laying. The angled cobble pattern was perfectly integrated into the walls, and all drainage elements were accomplished seamlessly. The planting was well structured and all plants were healthy and vigorous creating an exceptionally well-executed landscape. A worthy winning project of excellence.”
For more information,