Sydney-based Secret Gardens blend inspiring stories into thoughtful and unique gardens, combining craftsmanship and a dialogue between nature, design and personality. Each project has been crafted to respond to its site and the journey of its clients, to serve as an individualistic connection between a home, a family, a site, and nature.
Secret Gardens believes that each project is born from understanding each client's unique stories and preferences, which serve as the foundation for the design process. This open communication between client and designer, along with collaboration and prioritisation of craftsmanship, are integral to overall design process. Additionally, each project requires that the site context be carefully assessed in order to ensure the design responds to the natural constraints of the environment.
Although each Secret Gardens project is distinctly unique, they are all informed and inspired by Secret Gardens design ethos. Secret Gardens believe in the transformative power of nature and its ability to enhance the human experience through thoughtful and purposeful design; a devotion to which is evident in every landscape they craft. As a result, nature is seamlessly integrated alongside the built environment, blurring divisions between inside and outside and creating harmonious and immersive experiential spaces. Prioritising a mutual relationship between the built environment and landscape is at the crux of their designs, which serve as extensions of loved living spaces.
'Bracken', emerged following the devastating bushfires of 2019, and echoes Secret Gardens commitment to spaces that elevate the experiences of everyday. Secret Gardens were tasked with the design and construction of a large garden on a challenging and exposed site.
"The backstory serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of nature in the face of adversity, but also highlights the ecological changes, challenges and opportunities brought about by such events". - Nick Tuttle, Senior Landscape Designer
Before construction on 'Bracken' could begin, the team at Secret Gardens had to evaluate a series of factors and their influence over the sites design. Secret Gardens designed much of Bracken with the belief that we are experiencing a shift in our collective appreciation for native flora, and that natural beauty and refined material selection were integral to the project.
The previous garden provided little opportunity to enjoy the surrounds of the house and the gardens - there were no destination points and minimal circulation around the headland site. Following the brief outlined by their clients, Secret Gardens prioritised the creation of a variety of seating areas, points of interest and a network of paths throughout the garden to encourage and facilitate movement throughout the site. The access path that accompanies the southern side of the building was carefully constructed to push uphill and away from the home, enhancing the architects desire to have the home 'float' above the landscape.
Of equal importance to the design of 'Bracken' were design elements and concepts that would uphold its newfound conceptualisation as a symbol of regeneration and renewal. Supported by design elements that celebrate resilience and growth, particularly those who prevent erosion and mitigate bushfire risk, 'Bracken' is thoughtful about its integration of plant life and structure to ensure longevity.
The 'Bracken' project is characterised by its integration of native Australian flora, which Secret Gardens says was significant to the design for a variety of reasons. Inclusion of native Australian flora works to actively support the sites ecosystem and promote biodiversity that may have been lost. Additionally, the native flora plays an important role in fostering a sense of connection to the surrounding environment and cultural heritage, enriching the overall aesthetic and adding layers of significance. Ensuring that the extent, proximity and type of vegetation planted close to the home was carefully considered in light of the fire was also critical to the design of the garden.
The previous garden lacked structure and wayfinding, which was found to utilise curves in the remaining pathways through the garden. A series of retaining walls, constructed of stone and Corten steel were employed extensively across the 'Bracken' project site, specified to aid in the erosion problem and integrate structure and geometry across the site. As well as slowing down the run of water through the site, the retaining walls also act as additional planters above the exposed clay. The walls and planters are strategically placed to conincide with the new paths, to form a natural perimeter to the garden. The steel, largely chosen for its compatibility with the rugged Australian landscape, accentuates the sites exposed location and highlights the natural patina over time, serving as an ode to the resilience of the site.
Secret Gardens blend context, location, personality and design into one-of-a-kind artisanal gardens. 'Bracken' serves as an ode to the work of Secret Gardens, depicting the fluid distillation of client stories, site context and sustainable and resilient practises into a garden that is as equally meaningful as it is beautiful. Bracken honours the parameters and cultural significance of its site through the integration of resilient Australian flora, serving to not only accentuate the natural environment but signify endurance and longevity in trying conditions.
To view more of Secret Garden's exciting work, you can head to their CO-architecture company profile and learn about their studio, services and other projects including Crane Lodge.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: McKenzies Beach, NSW
Garden Design and Construction: Secret Gardens
Photographer: Nicholas Watt
