Bicton Project designed by Ritz Exterior Design Australian-based landscape architects Ritz Exterior Design (RED) were contacted to create an environmentally friendly garden project in Perth, with an elevated sense of good taste, yet simple and in harmony with the stunning surroundings and the modern architecture of the house. The Site Assented over a limestone cliff, this modern, riverside residence has a privileged view of the Swan River. The front yard was originally a large lawn surrounded by boundary retainer walls, which the architects left in place. The pool area was already built, but left completely apart from the rest of the garden by some steps that cut the yard; the location of the house made filling the terraces with soil extremely expensive, because digging the limestone required heavy machinery. The design had to be humble in order to respect the house design and the magnificent scenario.
An overview of the garden and house. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
The exterior is divided into three different zones: the front yard, the pool area, and the terrace with a fireplace. The first thing you notice when entering the house is the organic, laser-cut fence, a very clever choice for a contemporary house and a minimized barrier between the street and the yard. The front gate is made from recycled timber wood, found in the area but in perfect condition, to give life to the access.
Laser cut fence. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Laser cut fence. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Once you make it through the gate, you’ll find a floating bed whose structure is also made of recycled timber. The intention was to “create a place to be, rather than just be a spot you would walk past,” says the designer. Right next to it, a wooden bench seat is beneath two beautiful planters, protected from the sun by a geometric laser-cut screen.
Floating bed. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
A water feature is located right next to the main entrance of the house; it can barely be seen from the street door, so it’s a small element that talks about the strong connection the water has with the house.
Small water feature. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
The view is a key element for the backyard design. None of the levels interrupts the river sight. Instead of using the existing steps in the pool area, the designers took the decision of splitting the steps over three large terraces, making a more direct connection between the spaces possible.
View of Swan River. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Perfect spot for rest and relaxation. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
The first terrace is blessed with a fireplace for coffee time, a really clean design that invites you to spend a smooth afternoon with your guests after dining or swimming in the pool. Recycled timber is also used on this side of the garden.
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The pool is separated from the fireplace by a small lawn that guides the eyes straight to the river every time you walk by. Even though the pool is not big, It looks perfect-sized and very well complemented by the adjacent cantilevered structure that is lowered to minimize the impact of the view from the pool itself and the upper terrace.
Fireplace and seating area. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Fireplace and seating area. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Pool with views all along the Swan River. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
Lomandra Tanika and Seascape work together as a low-maintenance, water-conscious mass planting grass, while Ornamental Snow Pears gives an elegant appearance to the garden.
Inset ornamental grasses. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
The Banksia tree is a wind-resistant plant, perfect for a location that could be difficult for other species.
Leucospermum cordifolium is used all along the front of the property. Indirect lighting highlights the beauty of each plant, and the considerable separation between some of them permits better development and faster growth.
Planting on the Bicton project. Credit: Ritz Exterior Design
A run through of the award winning Bicton project by Ritz Exterior Design
It is no surprise that this landscape design has been honored by the landscape industry and featured on TV and in magazines. When a great design comes out, it’s very hard to hide. This carefully thought project accomplished its goal of making the customers happy — and grabbing everyone else’s attention. A great surrounding is always a lot of help, but you have to know to maximize its potential. This is how it’s done.
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Article written by Eduardo Reguer Return to Homepage
Published in Blog
