North Adelaide

This project involved the complete transformation of a narrow rear garden, turning what was once an under-utilised space into a functional and inviting setting for everyday use and entertaining. The client’s brief was to create a garden they could enjoy – somewhere to gather with friends and family, while still feeling calm, cohesive and easy to move through despite the limited footprint.

A continuous palette of tumbled limestone was used throughout to ground the space and bring a softer, more natural feel. At the centre of the garden, a newly designed and constructed chimney anchors the layout, with curved burnished concrete seating wrapping either side to create a place to sit, gather and connect. A custom steel fire grate has been integrated into the fireplace, reinforcing it as a key feature within the space. Under-seat lighting has been installed beneath the concrete seating, casting a soft glow across the limestone and creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere into the evening.

Three custom steel arbors add vertical structure, designed to support Stephanotis floribunda as it grows and settles over time. The garden itself is newly planted, with layers of greenery that will continue to fill out and soften the space as it matures. A custom pizza oven bench creates another focal point, with the copper Polito oven adding warmth and character. Existing elements, including the client’s elk horns, have been thoughtfully retained and incorporated, giving the garden a more personal feel.

To the rear, a custom-built shed has been designed to connect into the existing carport, providing practical storage while still sitting comfortably within the overall layout. The result is a garden that feels relaxed, functional and considered – a space that’s easy to use, and one the clients can genuinely enjoy and share with others.