The Nature of Change - A garden and woodland built in nature

Brief: Design a 6-acre garden harnessing the unique (-20m) sloping site, mature woodland, grass/shrubs. New two-level Modernist house being built into the slope connects the levels.
Include social areas, morning coffee spot, natural pool, gym/office, new driveway and parking (6 cars), storage, accessible public footpath and client privacy, and low-maintenance, naturalistic biodiverse planting.

Key Design Principles:
Inspired by the glacial stream that gives Green Hollow it’s unique character and views, create areas of prospect and refuge, use the natural contours to link woodland, lower garden and new house, and retain water on site, to feel ‘built in nature’.
Connect the existing mixture of woodland, shrubs and perennials to create a mosaic landscape. Paths following contours, connecting areas. Staggered wall encloses but connects with planting. Architectural frames reflect house are gateways. Repurpose materials for cohesion and repurpose materials from the old house.
Organic natural pool positioned in dip in the land, collects and retains rainwater. Swales follow natural contours, collect water and reduce erosion from run off.

Design Approach:
Re-use site-sourced materials to reduce waste and enhance character: rubble from the house demolition for low maintenance, resilient meadow planting; stone from the walled garden will be re-purposed; and woodland timber will be used to create wildlife habitats, seating and fences.
Excavated sandy, free-draining soil will be retained and re-used. Create swales and landforms to manage water flow, reduce runoff, and minimise erosion. Shrub planting will further stabilise slopes.
The design prioritises water conservation and natural circulation. Water will be retained on site for irrigation and the natural swimming pool.
Mosaic planting strategy will create diverse habitats, and a new apple orchard will support pollinators and seasonal interest. Planting will use existing trees and shrubs, and connect existing site conditions with meadows, woodland, and aquatic species.
Wellbeing and forest bathing is prioritised. Public footpath upgraded for wheelchair accessibility, with wattle fence boundary for client privacy. The garden will be maintained by a mixed-ability team from the local college (Petty Pool Trust), fostering community involvement and inclusive stewardship.