“Refugium” seeks to provide an urban refuge from the busy lifestyle of today. An outdoor living environment which accommodates entertaining, relaxation and reflection.

The Garden is set in the rear garden of a leafy suburban Sydney block. The central pavilion has been oriented to allow passive solar design principles to be utilised.

The bluestone tiles provide thermal massing, whilst the closed roof provides respite from the summer sun. The pond acts to cool the hot summer Nor Westerly breeze which will pass easily through the pavilion

An industrial, hard wearing theme utilising concrete, masonry and stone softened by timber and recycled elements. The linear timber slats and seat plinths juxtapose the softer rustic materials.

The concept of cradle to cradle was central to the construction and the garden has been designed to be deconstructed for reuse.

Trees such as the Eumundi Quandongs and Tuckeroos provide form and scale. Acer ‘Senkaki’ provide summer shade & winter sun. Canopy trees are intended to contribute to the urban forest.

Foliage types and colours of silver, purple and deep green with seasonality promoted through plants in winter form.

Photographed By Peter Brennan