Sitting on top of a windswept dune, the Cliff House by Auhaus Architecture stands strong against the harsh coastal conditions. With such a strong form, our role was to settle the house into the sand dunes and surrounding coastal landscape.
Only plants that could thrive in frontline coastal conditions were selected. These included a mix of native grasses, groundcovers and mounding shrubs to provide interest and contrasting texture. The entrance garden blends seamlessly with the sand dunes and leads visitors through the timber screen to the entry forecourt.
The roof garden, which sits above the garage, softens the view from the protected courtyard and pool, and the foliage softens the strong lines and edges of the architecture.
Landscape Architect: BWLA
Photography: Derek Swalwell, Mitch Lyons
At BWLA, we are passionate about great design. Being able to create a space for someone that reflects who they are, but also enhances the way they live, is what inspires us. Our gardens need to perform in so many ways. Whether they are an escape from the business of life, a place to entertain and be social, or to produce food to eat and flowers to cut; they need to fit seamlessly into how we each live every day.
We understand that the success of our work relates to how well the garden speaks to the architecture of the house, but also how it respects and blends with the landscape beyond. Working on gardens from courtyards to acreages, from coastal to rural and city properties, we love the challenge of working in different environments, different cities, and different climates. Each site has its own story to tell and we feel privileged to discover and tell these stories.