How a landscape designer can elevate your architecturally designed home

Whether transforming urban or rural landscapes into sustainable and tranquil private gardens or creating award-winning public spaces in the heart of Melbourne. Wayne De Klijn puts the architecture first in his honest approach to landscape design.

“I always consider the view lines and spaces within the architecture. Then I assess the surrounding exterior environment to connect the inside to out with an extension of outdoor living/entertaining spaces, play spaces, swimming pools, link pathways to garden room, productive gardens and focal features,” says Wayne De Klijn, Principal at AQL Landscape Design.

Wayne is not only a Registered Landscape Architect but also a seasoned horticulturist, landscape contractor, and the driving force behind AQL Landscape Design. With 44 years of industry experience, his expertise spans everything from consultancy, design and construction to mentorship within the industry.

Wayne’s initiatives, like the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show’s landscape apprentice competition, and AQL's projects featured as university case studies, are inspiring the next generation of landscape professionals.

Understanding the home and the people who reside in it

Wayne begins each project with a personal, in-depth consultation. “Initial steps in understanding the home's style are to sit with the clients to discuss their home, family (including pets), and functionality of the dwelling and family requirements,” he explains.

A walkthrough of the home follows, examining view lines from windows, entry and exit points, and key interior spaces like the kitchen, lounge and bedrooms. “These view lines and spaces are considered when we assess the surrounding exterior environment to connect the inside to the outside.”

Creating a strong visual and spatial connection between a home’s interior and its landscape is one of Wayne’s guiding principles.

“I believe landscape architecture plays a crucial role in connecting a home's interior living with its exterior environment, forming one harmonious living space,” he says. [This is achieved by] “extending architectural lines into the landscape, using natural elements to blur those boundaries between indoors and outdoors, and enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the property.”

Thoughtful design goes beyond the greenery

For Wayne, a successful landscape goes far beyond the placement of plants. “To ensure the landscape complements a home's architecture, I focus on principles like sustainability, wellness, socialisation, unity, balance, proportion and scale,” he says.

While curb appeal and beauty are immediate payoffs, Wayne is quick to point out the deeper, often unseen value of landscape design. “A well-designed landscape enhances an architecturally significant home by improving functionality, creating a sense of privacy, boosting general attractiveness… and contributing to the overall enjoyment of the property over time.” 

“Beyond style, a quality landscape offers sustainability, wellness benefits, space for recreation, areas for food production, and even increases property value.” 

Sustainability is more than a trending term for Wayne’s projects. His designs incorporate passive heating and cooling tactics, renewable energy options, recycled and local materials, and efficient water management. AQL Landscape Design’s organic gardening techniques include selecting suitable plant species that are conducive to the eco habitat and climatic conditions, which are all part of a responsible, long-lasting flora.

Beyond style, a quality landscape offers sustainability, wellness benefits, space for recreation, areas for food production, and even increases property value.

So, what defines a successful landscape design for an architecturally designed home?

In the hands of a visionary like Wayne, landscape design becomes more than just a finishing touch; it’s a natural energy that elevates architecture and enriches the way people live in and experience their homes.

Enhance, connect, and complete the architectural narrative of your next home project by contacting AQL Landscape Design or view more projects on ArchiPro today.