A bespoke coastal property has been applauded for having the best garden in the country.
Banksia House, at Kings Beach, received the accolade at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects National Awards, at the Adelaide Festival Centre on Thursday.
Designed by 7b landscapes + interiors, the new garden questions the conventional luxury holiday home style by gifting most of its large residential block over to landscape rather than adding to the scale of the house.
The landscape architect and architect (Majstorovic Architecture) forged a link between nature and structure. Gardens, courtyards and paths intertwine with the building.
Kirsti Sheldon from 7b landscapes + interiors said the native plants created a distinctly Australian residential garden character.
“Homes in South-East Queensland often have intensely tropical gardens, with homeowners (even landscape designers) feeling this is the best, or only, way to achieve a lush, holiday resort-style garden,” she said.
“We sought to demonstrate that a layered native garden is perhaps more successful, in addition to being more culturally and climatically relevant and sustainable.”
Everyday activities such as cooking, dining, lounging, sleeping and bathing can happen either in or outdoors.
Multiple fireplaces and fire pits feature in the garden, while two outdoor showers covered in creeping ficus, a concrete outdoor bath and ensuite showers that open to private courtyards give the illusion of bathing in a rainforest.
By predominantly using native plants, the project also ensures a sustainable future that demands minimal upkeep and water.
The jury commended the architects, the builders, the property and its garden.
“Banksia House demonstrates a highly cohesive collaboration between the project teams to create a timeless residence that seamlessly blends nature and home,” they said.
“The design responds to the clifftop coastal setting with a fortress-like robustness of industrial details, coalesced with a diverse mix of textures, tones and patterns.
“The strategic use of natural and raw materials, along with the predominantly native coastal vegetation selection, will ensure that the home embraces its exposure to the weather and improves with age.”
The AILA is the peak body for landscape architecture in Australia, championing quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities and greater environmental stewardship.
Banksia House is among local properties showcased at Sunshine Coast Open House, the region’s largest public architecture and design festival, held on October 21 and 22.
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