Sight-line

The sweeping vistas and towering oaks of an English formal garden were often planned a hundred years before they reached maturity. On a smaller scale, forward planning can have dramatic impact on a modern environment.

The symmetry of this home and garden was possible because architect Russell Scott, builder Denton Homes, and landscape designer Dean Herald, of Rollingstone Landscapes all worked together from the outset.

Close collaboration at the initial stages of planning meant exact symmetry could be achieved between the interior, the formal-style garden, the pool and the gazebo, says Herald.

"Working together at the blueprint stage meant drainage and other underground services could be built around a central grand design rather than fitting the gazebo or pool in as an afterthought."

Standing at the front door, the design provides a sight-line straight through the centre of the home and across the garden and pool out to the gazebo. All elements are centred along this line.

"With so much effort put into creating an attractive home it makes sense to be able to appreciate it from a distance," says Herald. "This design invites occupants to gravitate out to the gazebo, where the view of the home can be best appreciated."

Large bifold doors open out to the garden at the rear of the home, providing an easy pedestrian flow out to the garden.

"Diamond-shaped tiles indoors are echoed in a diamond motif set into the garden's paving, which again leads the eye down the garden towards the gazebo."

The gazebo itself reflects the style of the home it looks back on. Roof tiles on the structure replicate those used on the house, as does the surface render and paintwork. Architectural detailing, such as the corbels, also match those found on the house.

Story by: Trendsideas