SOFTENED GEOMETRY
THE PLACE - Surrounding the new home designed by UCHI Architects, the site had been reduced to a storage area for construction materials. Overgrown and lacking direction, the landscape was devoid of character save for its two saving graces: a large Cypress and a weeping Acer. These mature trees provided the only existing structure, offering a starting point for the transformation.
THE BRIEF
The vision was to create a functional family sanctuary. The clients requested generous zones for dining and relaxation, alongside space for a dedicated outdoor office. However, the design also had to navigate specific structural requirements: establishing a continuous visual axis from the front door right through to the rear, and creatively managing a significant lateral drop across the width of the house.
THE DESIGN
Rather than flattening the slope, we used the level change to create interest. The necessary retaining wall was transformed into a striking focal point featuring a contemporary water blade, turning a structural necessity into a calming architectural feature.
The hardscaping reflects the house’s material palette: warm sandstone and cor-ten steel match the brick and timber soffits, while dark clay pavers echo the grey roof and window frames. This coordination extends to the planting, where the cor-ten water feature highlights the seasonal drama of the weeping Acer’s striking autumn orange.
To soften the rectilinear layout, the planting scheme is predominantly green and textural. We used this lush, verdant backdrop to highlight the hardscaping, punctuating the borders with elegant hints of white and vibrant splashes of orange to tie the whole scheme together.
