Jamie Durie designed this minimalist, Australian contemporary garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean. His brief was to incorporate a swimming pool, spa and entertaining area into the design, while making the most of the spectacular views.
Main entrance
The main entrance is flanked by giant strelitzias (Strelitzia nicolai) and lime acorus (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’).
Poolside
Mushroom and rust coloured walls surround the pool, giving the area a feeling of serenity and enclosure. The wall colours are offset by Balinese terracotta wall hangings and pale lemon floor pavers. Stairs lead up to a curved jarrah daybed overlooking a hot tub and fabulous ocean views beyond. In this part of the garden, Jamie chose plants with interesting leaf shapes which add a strong architectural element to the design. They include troughs of small-leaved strelitzias (S. reginae var. parvifolia), African milk tree also known as green dragon (Euphorbia trigona) and barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). Several large cycads or sago palms (Cycas revoluta) have also been included as low maintenance, almost sculptural elements.
Entertaining area
On the lower level water tumbles over a glass-backed fountain, then at the bottom it splits and flows away in two different directions. On one side it runs down a set of water stairs, and in the centre of each step is a bowl planted with Scleranthus biflorus, which almost seems to float in the water. This is a lime green, tough, mound forming plant. On the other side the water weaves round kentia palms (Howea belmoreana) planted in copper, boat-shaped containers. Water to feed the whole system is held in a tank about the size of two spas underneath the lawn. Seats from the built-in benches can be removed to give easy access to the pipework. In front of the lawn is a barbecue area featuring a mosaic table imported from Morocco.
Top balcony
A smaller Moroccan mosaic table is situated on the top balcony. Here a glass balcony railing ensures uninterrupted ocean views, while a low water feature provides a focal point. The water feature is made of two marblo shelfs cantilevered into a sandstone block. A timber bowl with copper trim sits on each shelf. A stepped planting of yuccas (Yucca elephantipes) is being established along one side of the balcony in two large copper troughs, for privacy from the neighbouring property.
Further information
Landscape design:
Jamie Durie
Patio
Level 1 66-72 Reservoir Street
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Phone: (02) 9280 3550
Paint and pond colours: Main paint used on the outside of the ponds was Porters Bondcote ‘Trust Green’. Luxapool ‘Slate’ featured on the inside of the ponds.
Ponds and water feature constructed by:
Wright Pools
PO Box 269
Frenchs Forest, NSW, 2086
Phone: (02) 9450 0788
Moroccan furniture:
Nicholas Agency
10 Barry Avenue
Mortdale, NSW, 2223
Phone: (02) 9579 2200