Courtyard Garden

Details

Working alongside Studio John Irving Architects and Knight Associates, we developed the garden for this renovated Ponsonby cottage, creating a landscape that connects the new living spaces with the existing home and helps soften the transition between architecture and garden.

The original backyard sat steeply above the house, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to create a more generous relationship between the interior and exterior.

A substantial retaining wall establishes a new level for the garden, with planting used to soften its presence and create a richly layered backdrop to the living spaces.

The planting combines shrubs, trees and vines to build depth, texture and privacy, while carefully considered layers create a sense of enclosure without compromising light. The garden was designed to be experienced from within the home, with the planting becoming an important part of the outlook from the kitchen, dining and living areas.

Rather than creating a strong division between house and garden, the landscape extends the relaxed, open character of the interiors outdoors.

The garden becomes a continuation of the living spaces – lush, private and immersive, while providing a sense of connection to the established character of the Ponsonby neighbourhood.