Noble Architecture’s transformation of a formerly underutilized outdoor space in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has resulted in a lively Modern Mediterranean garden. By reimagining the north-facing courtyard, the design creates separate areas for relaxation and entertainment, effectively replacing a dull, grey corner with a warm and inviting extension of the home.
Reclaimed Materials and Soft Curves
The courtyard’s perceived width is expanded through the use of reclaimed pavers, laid at a 45-degree diagonal, which creates a sense of depth. The surrounding Australian native planting adds a touch of softness and color, complemented by Mediterranean-inspired finishes. Mature trees and established hedging provide a sense of seclusion while defining distinct zones for socializing, dining, and unwinding.
The courtyard’s gentle, rendered walls eschew straight lines in favor of flowing forms, guiding visitors through the space and toward built-in seating areas. Custom Corten steel edging separates planting areas, while climbing vines ascend stainless steel tension wires, with creeping figs and native Bower Vine expected to add another layer of greenery over time.
The preservation of the original site’s character was achieved through the reuse of every original paver. Integrated solar lighting enables the space to be used after sunset, and the textured planting layers will continue to evolve as vines mature across walls and trellis systems. A planting palette featuring native grasses, flowering shrubs, and established trees will become increasingly rich and diverse.
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A Corner Designed for Conversation
A custom banquette seating area, tucked beneath the shade of an established tree canopy, features sweeping curves that create a sense of shelter without isolation. The addition of outdoor upholstery enhances comfort, making the corner an appealing destination for morning coffee and evening conversations.
An original lion-head wall fountain, carefully restored, has become a focal point in the garden, with the gentle sound of flowing water helping to soften background city noise and create a peaceful atmosphere. The incorporation of repurposed vintage stone friezes into the planting beds reinforces the sense of history, allowing older elements to coexist with contemporary additions.
An Outdoor Kitchen Built Into the Environment
The courtyard’s rear section is dedicated to entertainment, featuring a custom barbecue niche seamlessly integrated into the paving. Long-format Lutyens bricks from Natural Brick Co. create a unified masonry feature, with the bricks themselves made from 45 to 50 percent locally sourced hemp and solar cured to reduce embodied carbon.
