Balmain

Tiny but mighty

There are plenty of places to play and rest in this lush private courtyard

words kylie baracz photos murray fredricks photography

The typical Aussie backyard has certainly acquired a more modern slant over the last few years, and this lush courtyard is no exception. Although lacking in square metres, this oasis provides plenty of places for this young family and their adorable dog, Doug, to play, rest and entertain.

“The clients were seeking a design that increased the visual aesthetic of the area,” says Mark Bell, owner of Bell Landscapes. “We also had to ensure plenty of room for their beautiful children and Doug the Pug to play.”

The central courtyard is highly visible from both inside and outside the dwelling, as the home wraps around it. This provided great potential for the team at Bell Landscapes to create a space with varying levels, fl oor surfaces, plant selection and functionality.

To create a warm and inviting ambience in the space, bluestone paving was laid in a unique “crazy” pattern, providing texture and a hint of fun. “It’s a bit retro with the oversized stone slabs and we love the detail of this with the sandstone, spotted gum and foliage to soften it,” says Mark.

Sandstone walling was created using existing stone from the site, integrating beautifully with the textural exposed brickwork and bluestone paving. It also provides a subtle nod to the Balmain area.

When initially excavating and clearing the space, the Bell Landscapes team found four levels of paving — pebblecrete, brick, tiles and a concrete slab — all stacked one on top of the other. “Needless to say, that caught us off guard,” says Mark. “Classic Balmain, full of history!”

To soften the featured bluestone, sandstone and exposed brickwork, vibrant native grasses and Viola hederacea, Native Violet, was cleverly planted along the edges of the space, creating height and a feeling of openness. Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’, Slender Weaver’s Bamboo, lines the boundary, offering privacy and shade, while other chosen plant species soften, add beauty and create interest to the garden.

“The majority of the plants are Australian natives, so they are perfect for this location and environment,” says Mark. All the plants are watered via a slow-drip tube irrigation system to minimise water use.

s an inviting, comfortable, family-friendly n with beautiful earthy materials. It has a lovely warmth which is achieved by the selection of natural built materials, together with the layout of the various plant species

MARK BELL

ED'S F VE

The balance of hard and soft elements

The elongated Stenotaphrum secundatum, Soft Leaf Buffalo Grass, area was a must for the owners to allow space for play and entertaining, and the perfect spot for Doug to lie out in the sunshine. To create places of rest, floating timber seating was placed along the boundary so the family can relax and watch the children play.

“This is an inviting, comfortable, familyfriendly garden with beautiful earthy materials,” says Mark. “It has a lovely warmth which is achieved by the selection of natural built materials, together with the layout of the various plant species.”

This small but mighty courtyard not only ticks the boxes for this young family, but its lush and open tranquillity provides a relaxing play space for the owners to entertain in for years to come. belllandscapes.com.au