Two brothers: Creating a sustainable, urban sanctuary

LGA: Merri-Bek

STATUS: Concept completed
BUDGET: $30-$50k

A large, narrow block in Melbourne’s inner north was in need of a thoughtful design to make a series of interconnected garden rooms.

The clients wanted a space to entertain and host parties, and a lawn to spill out onto for relaxing. They also wanted a quiet and private meditation space at the rear of the garden. They also wanted to use materials sustainably and repurpose and enhance existing features like a pergola and existing rotunda.

The outcome of the iterative design process included an enhanced social/gathering space that utilised and enhanced an area of existing brick paving. This area is located immediately at the rear of the house so as to connect it to the kitchen and living areas.

This area includes seating, a fire pit, and an enhanced adjacent pergola with a raised decking floor and stairs to act as seating.

Wayfinding and interest are enhanced with pathways leading from the existing paving and around the lawn to the gazebo area and sheds.

Raised, wicking veggie boxes create space for a productive garden and citrus and fruit trees are used on the northern aspect.

A pond/ dry creek bed with extensive native planting sits adjacent to a dedicated lawn and the rotunda is made private through planting and converted to a a tranquil and meditation area.