The brief from the client was to take a garden that had aspects of sophistication and finish off the project effectively.

The back courtyard needed to be toned down and made into a more luxurious casual setting for breakfasts.

The front area needed to be made more user friendly and functional. An ambiance was to be created for evening drinks and dinners with friends.

Click on the buttons below below to see what the area looked like prior to design and implementation.



Overview

Before

The previous owners upgraded the pool area with sandstone tiles and the back courtyard with stone cladding and decking prior to the sale of the house to our client.

The exterior space, however, was lacking in ambiance and comfortability. It had minimal plants and wide open spaces. Being in Camps Bay, thus created unwanted wind and heat pockets.

Tiles and grass covered most of the front garden, while decking and a tall stone cladded wall took over most of the back courtyard.

Style Guide

Rectangular and geometrical shapes were required to ensure that this landscape worked well with the house architecture as well as the interior living space.

The space needed to be minimalist and simple in shape using natural materials and colours of a warm pallete.

Furniture was to be similar to the interior of the home, simplistic, neutral and comfortable..

Design

The front space and the back courtyard were seen as 2 different rooms, with similar characteristics but differing functions.

The back area was designed as a quiet calm relaxing place, while the front area was designed for evening or sunset entertaining with friends.

A small water feature with solid soothing sound of water, pergola's to make the area more intimate and a braai were incorporated.

More planting spaces were included into these areas to break the spaces up and to provide shelter from the sun and wind.

Implementation

Uplifting of deck

  • Installation of new deck
  • Removal of soil
  • Building of boundary wall
  • Water feature and sleeper spout
  • Pergolas
  • Decorative walls and shelving
  • Electrical and lighting
  • Bed edging
  • Building of braai / fireplace
  • Planting and irrigation
  • Landscaping - Hedgehogs Landscaping
  • Building and electrical - Client's Contractor
  • Decking and pergola - Client's Contractor
  • Designed and Project Managed - Living Matter

  • Project completed in 2 months



    See our Partners page for implementation partner contact details.











Complete

Clean lines, strong shapes, natural wood, natural stone, ambient lighting, soft indigenous planting, all bring together this landscape into a cozy, intimate, useable, liveable exterior room.

Water incorporated into both areas bring all the elements (fire, earth, water and air) into balance, thereby creating a feeling of contentment and peace.