Clever Plot

Two different garden areas are seamlessly woven together to create a unified narrative.

- Georgina Reid

I don’t divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one,” wrote famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Strong connections between built and living forms contribute greatly to the aesthetic success of a space, transforming a building from a series of walls and a roof into a home – a place of retreat, shelter and beauty. This garden in the northern Sydney suburb of Balmoral is an example of such dialogue.

The property has two distinctly separate outdoor spaces – an enclosed central courtyard and a north-facing backyard with sweeping ocean views. Landscape designer Richard Unsworth of Garden Life was engaged by the client to create gardens within each of the spaces that were welcoming, playful and elegant.

First up was the courtyard garden. “The space is on view the minute you enter the front door of the property,” Richard says. “It’s really important that it’s both striking and inviting.” Richard’s design connects seamlessly with the interior renovations of the property by Tina Engelen of Co-Ap. “Tina’s renovation of the home is very high end and slick. We reflected this in the garden,” he says.