A north-facing Woollahra courtyard transformed into a private urban sanctuary, combining reclaimed paving, sculptural rendered walls, layered Mediterranean and Australian native planting, and bespoke outdoor features for relaxation and entertaining.

Project Overview

Tucked away within an elevated, green pocket of Sydney's east, this courtyard transformation turns what was once a grey, awkwardly arranged and largely unusable outdoor space into a light-filled, lush green sanctuary. Designed around the site's north-facing aspect, the landscape combines a refined Modern Mediterranean aesthetic with resilient Australian native planting to create a versatile outdoor environment for everyday respite and entertaining. The project formed part of a broader property refresh undertaken ahead of sale. Within a demanding three-month programme, Noble Architecture led the landscape design and project management, transforming the neglected courtyard into an enduring extension of the home.

Spatial Design and Outdoor Living

The original courtyard felt cramped, disjointed and disconnected from the house. A revised spatial layout introduces clearer geometry and softer architectural forms, creating a greater sense of generosity within the narrow footprint. Gentle rendered curved walls sweep through the space, drawing the eye towards a custom banquette seat beneath the established tree canopy. The walls soften the courtyard's geometry while creating a more intimate and sheltered place to sit. A purpose-designed barbecue niche is integrated into the paving. Handcrafted Lutyens long-format bricks by Natural Brick Co. extend from the paving to form the benchtop and integrated front fascia, concealing gas bottle storage and creating a cohesive material expression.

Materials, Reuse and Sustainability

Material selection was guided by longevity, tactile quality, visual cohesion and the opportunity to retain existing elements. Original courtyard pavers were reclaimed and relaid on a 45-degree diagonal grid, preserving their aged patina and authentic site history. The new arrangement establishes a stronger spatial geometry and helps visually extend the courtyard. The Lutyens bricks used in the barbecue niche contain approximately 45–50% locally sourced hemp and are solar-cured rather than kiln-fired, reducing their embodied carbon. Custom Corten steel edging defines the planting zones, while existing heritage masonry and carefully selected new materials balance the established character of the property with a contemporary landscape.

Colour and Material Palette

The colour palette draws directly from the heritage tiles of the front porch, with their earthy mineral pigments of terracotta, ochre, muted sage, cream and charcoal. These tones are carried through the masonry, outdoor furniture frames, upholstery and planting, creating a visual connection between the house and garden. Layered foliage textures, flowering species and seasonal blossom replace the former expanse of grey concrete with a richly textured green setting.

Planting and Green Structure

The planting strategy works with the existing site conditions, retaining established feature trees to provide shade, shelter and a sense of maturity. Camellia sasanqua hedging and plaited Weeping Figs strengthen privacy, while the existing Evergreen Ash canopy provides dappled shade over the courtyard seating. Stainless steel tension-wire systems support native Bower Vine, Pandorea jasminoides 'Lady Di', introducing vertical greenery along the boundaries. Standard and variegated Creeping Fig soften masonry edges. The planting combines Australian native species with selected Mediterranean and exotic plants, bringing together contrasting foliage textures, flowering varieties and layered green tones. This allows the garden to develop a more established, time-worn character over a relatively short period.

Privacy, Comfort and Atmosphere

The courtyard's existing heritage brick boundaries and mature trees provide a framework for privacy and enclosure. Additional screening from Camellia sasanqua hedging and twin Weeping Figs creates a sheltered environment without compromising the north-facing aspect. A restored lion-head wall fountain introduces the sound of flowing water, softening the surrounding urban noise. Integrated solar lighting extends the use of the courtyard into the evening, while custom outdoor furniture completes the setting. Together, planting, water, shade and materiality create an outdoor environment that functions as both an entertaining space and a private retreat.

Design and Project Management

The project required a coordinated approach to landscape design, materials, trades and installation within a fast-track three-month programme. Noble Architecture provided the landscape design and project management, coordinating the works through to completion, including material selection, landscape construction and final outdoor styling. Rather than treating the courtyard as a temporary cosmetic improvement ahead of the property's sale, the approach focused on creating a lasting addition to the home: a functional, carefully resolved outdoor space with enduring value for its future occupants.

Project Credits

Landscape Design and Project Management: Noble Architecture
Photography: Tom Ferguson Photography
Videography: CAPCHA and Martin Siegner
Builder: Simon Manson
Landscape Contractor: Sage Gardens Sydney
Brick Supplier: Natural Brick Co.

Plant Schedule

Retained Feature Trees and Screening

• Evergreen Ash — Fraxinus griffithii

• Plaited Weeping Fig — Ficus benjamina

• Camellia — Camellia sasanqua

Australian Native Planting

• Bower Vine — Pandorea jasminoides 'Lady Di'

• Kangaroo Paw — Anigozanthos 'Bush Elegance'

• Hardenbergia — Hardenbergia violacea 'Free 'n Easy'

• Hardenbergia — Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'

• Wedding Bush — Ricinocarpos 'Bridal Star'

• Grevillea — Grevillea 'Bulli Princess'

• Dianella — Dianella caerulea

• Lomandra — Lomandra 'Tanika'

• Gymea Lily — Doryanthes excelsa

• Pennisetum — Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Nafray'

Mediterranean and Exotic Planting

• Creeping Fig — Ficus pumila

• Variegated Creeping Fig — Ficus pumila 'Variegata'

• Tractor Seat Plant — Ligularia reniformis

• Silver Lady Fern — Blechnum 'Silver Lady'

• Algerian Ivy — Hedera canariensis

• Sweet Violet — Viola odorata ('Purple Violet')