Set against a striking elevation change, this Saltleaf project transformed a small courtyard space into a multi-use garden with a courtyard plunge pool. Strong architectural lines anchor the space, while bold planting introduces softness, scale, and soul. The result is a landscape that feels both confident and considered. Every detail is designed to make the most of a compact footprint. Tight access made planning key to the project’s success.
This garden isn’t shy, it makes an impression from the first step. Being seen from within the house looking out over the fully tiled plunge pool, it draws you out and rewards you with a space to unwind. Layered planting guides the journey to the rear garden. Ground covers, sculptural cactus, and tonal blues work in harmony to create a private space that invites both movement and rest.
With an existing backdrop of a wall of slender weaver bamboo, Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’, we worked with our clients to develop a master plan to incorporate a courtyard plunge pool into the yard while still allowing space to entertain. Reclaimed bluestone steppers and crazy paving build the form for the base, with a matching bluestone coping wrapping the concrete swimming pool. The trace green 50 x 50 pool tiles create a fully tiled interior that reflects a beautiful blue hue, echoing the colours of the surrounding planting. Recycled railway sleepers lead up to the rear of the yard along with a burnished concrete BBQ bench with integrated seating.
“Creating backyards to be enjoyed with friends, building pools to be swum in by families and designing gardens that grow and develop. The works we create provides real job satisfaction”
Matt
Soft Power: The Planting Palette Sculptural exotics like Euphorbia ‘Cowboy‘ and Agave geminiflora make bold statments, paired with Kalanchoe ‘Silver Spoons’ throwing blue fireworks throughout the space. Naturally weathering timber provides a warm contrast against the spilling Casuarina ‘Cousin It’. Blending soft and hard elements was front of mind when the design came together. Viola hederacea weaves between the steppers, grounding the greenery in a courtyard with no room for lawn.
The space has been made to stroll back from the beach, take a plunge in the pool to refresh, and take a moment to enjoy a quiet, private escape. What we love most about this space is its balance. It’s structured but not stiff, bold but not brash. It invites you to enjoy and sit in the space, to notice the light, the detail, the quiet confidence in how everything holds together.
This space invites you to stroll back from the beach, take a plunge in the courtyard plunge pool, and pause for a quiet, private moment. What we love most about this garden is its balance. It’s structured but not stiff. Bold but not brash. It encourages you to sit, take in the light, notice the detail, and appreciate the quiet confidence in how everything holds together.
In a region known for its natural beauty, tucked between the escarpment and the ocean, this garden stands out by leaning into contrast. Manmade meets natural. Formal meets free. And in that tension, something beautiful grows.
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Bluestone Coping and Crazy Paving – Artisan Exterior
Organic Stepping Stones –Artisan Exterior
Trace Pool Tile – Artisan Exterior
Hardwood Timber, Aging Naturally – Wonson’s Timber
Off Form Concrete Benchtop –Saltleaf
Euphorbia acrurensis – Cowboy Cactus
Phormium tenax – NZ flax
Stephanotis floribunda –Madagascar Jasmine
Casuarina glauca – Cousin It
Agave geminiflora – Pin Cushion
