Roy Grounds in Toorak

An exciting project with the prospect of restoring a stunning 1970s house and garden by the office of Sir Roy Grounds. The original design by landscape architect Lorand Sebestyen created a stunning Japanese garden which complemented the architecture of the residence.

In collaboration with the architects, the challenge was to re-invigorate the run-down outdoor spaces with a design that was influenced by the original landscape architect’s intent and catered to the requirements of the new owners.

The design centred around the use of hard surfaces, from random laid natural stone to exposed aggregate concrete. The driveway entry became an open paved courtyard that evokes the imagery of Sebestyen’s original sketch.

A minimal layout of exposed aggregate with bluestone pool coping to the swimming pool courtyard, bordered by decorative fence paneles and strips of bamboo allowed the focus to be the original Japanese pool house, gateway, bridge and lantern.

A planting pallette of Japanese Maples, Acacia ‘Limelight’, Clumping Bamboo and Orange Jessamine provided soft and textured borders and offset the built form of the house and garden.

A feature courtyard and existing water wall provided the setting for a formal fish pond, also reflecting the shape of the original swimming pool.

Collaboration
Architect – Xen Architecture
Landscape Construction – Nick Van Muiden (Outdoor Lifestyles)
Photography – Tatjana Plitt