The concept for the garden focuses largely on biodiversity and environmental sensitivity, while considering the bigger picture of how the house will fit into the local environment. The garden will play an important role in how the architecture settles in to the coastal surroundings. Considering the bold architecture, the garden has been designed to soften the building. The dark colours contrast with the softer greens and greys of the planting palette, and the architectural lines are softened by the winding paths and natural textures of the surrounding grasses, trees and materials. The garden gives a sense of balance.

We are recommending the removal of existing vegetation on site. With this, there is a responsibility to make a contribution back to the local environment through well-considered indigenous planting. The vegetation which is being removed will be replaced and rejuvenated with similar indigenous species. The She-oak will be replaced with another, which will allow it to be managed more effectively. The Moonahs which are to be removed are being replaced with a Dwarf Eucalyptus and a Coast Banksia. Both of these trees are bird attracting and will have a better appearance. There is an understanding that the new trees will not provide the ecological value of the existing trees immediately, so a number of fast growing plants such a Hedge-Wattle have been used to provide habitat during the interim. The planting design demonstrates an understanding of ecological processes and uses broad combinations of indigenous trees, shrubs, and ground-covers to create wildlife habitat and promote biodiversity. To further improve conditions for wildlife, there will be a number of raised bird feeders, bird houses, and insect hotels used throughout the garden. These features will also use selected timber from the existng vegetation which is to be removed. The use of indigenous plants also means the garden will require less soil amelioration initially, and less inputs throughout it’s life.

The materials used in construction will be locally sourced from the Geelong area, and recycled materials will be used wherever possible. The 3.5 x 6m driveway at the front of the house and paths will be constructed from permeable material to minimise water run off. A ring of slate paving will surround the outdoor entertaining area to help maintain a circular edge, and a number of granite landscape rocks throughout the garden will direct the path and link the garden together. The front fence is an informal prefabricated ‘beach-style’fence built from sustainably farmed Eucalyptus hardwood, with recycled hardwood to be used for the posts. The fence will be around 1200mm high with 65mm spacing between stakes. Next to the driveway will be a rustic steel style mailbox.

The only built structure in the design is the steps leading up the the front and side doors of the house. These will be steel frame with steel mesh landings. The front step will feature a large platform in between steps. A similar structure will be used as a shower base, with the potential to use run off from the shower to irrigate a garden bed.

Overall, this design takes into account the local surroundings through considered planting, and suitable material selection. It focuses on creating an environmentally sensitive garden in terms of minimal inputs and improved biodiversity of plants, which will lead to higher biodiversity of wildlife. It does all of this while complementing the modern architecture, assisting the building to settle in to the local surroundings.