Mt. Martha III

Project Scope

We were brought onto this one early, right when the foundations were going in.


We got involved through Ross at Baka Construction, a high-end local builder who does some of the bigger projects on the Peninsula.


Andrew had a design he wasn't happy with, so we threw it out and started again.


Andrew entrusted us fully. He gave us real creative license to reimagine the space from scratch.


Every material choice was deliberate.


The home had a strong industrial, minimalist feel, and every decision we made was built around complementing that.


The other thing driving every decision was the view. The block sloped away significantly, and if we'd followed the natural fall of the land, the turf would have been too steep to use, and the outlook to Mount Martha Beach would have been lost entirely.


We weren't going to let that happen.

Challenges

The block was on a significant slope and a weird shape, which made it tricky to get the most out of the space.


Water pressure across the whole block was very low, which created issues for the irrigation system.


Crossovers had to go through council, which took time. The whole front area drained toward the front door, so we had to do a lot of work to make sure there would never be any flooding issues.

Deliverables

Core ten steel retaining walls with 5mm steel, custom made for the project

Raised turf area sitting approximately 900mm out of the ground, creating a level usable space with unobstructed views to Mount Martha Beach

Planting down both sides of the raised turf designed to frame and guide the eye toward the beach, a detail that only works because the levels were resolved first

Floating concrete steps designed to complement the industrial aesthetic of the home, built to look like tilt panels lying on their side

Extensive below ground infrastructure resolved before any hardscaping went down, drainage, stormwater, irrigation. The concrete guy would never have thought about any of it

Honey granite boulders used throughout to complement the core ten and planting

Crush rock pathways and rear steps

Front fence and automatic gate

Front nature strip cleared, soiled and seeded

Pool delivered in partnership with Dave Kerr Saltwater Pools

Crossover with council permits coordinated by Flo

Planting down both sides of the raised turf, guiding the eye toward the beach view

There's a misconception amongst locals in the Peninsula.


Most think landscaping is what you see.


The plants, the paving, and the fire pit at the end of the garden. But the people who get the most out of their land are the ones who understand that what makes a space truly exceptional is everything you don't see.


The pre-planning, designing, surveying, site levelling...


This is the reason why you have to factor in landscaping very early on in your build.


Our clients love working with us because of our shared values. We are 

process-driven & obsess over the finer details that make up the bigger picture.


This obsession leads to unique landscapes where your finest memories are made. Time spent with loved ones or just enjoying the moment whilst you're sipping on a cuppa in the morning.


It's the appreciation of the simple things.


That's why we build gardens that flo.


--


Jay Shelling - (Founder / Director)