Tranmere Full Residential Landscape Garden Transformation

THE BRIEF
The clients wanted a complete garden transformation that made better use of every square metre of their property, while improving street appeal, functionality and long-term property value.
As a growing family, they needed their outdoor space to work for everyday life as well as entertaining. The brief called for one large, usable backyard with enough lawn for children and outdoor activities, a covered entertaining area, a sauna and outdoor shower for relaxation, and an easy-to-access raised vegetable garden for growing herbs and vegetables.

Just as importantly, the garden needed to feel natural and established rather than overly structured. The overall design direction was organic and relaxed, using soft curves, large natural stones, native planting and raw materials to create a landscape that complemented the Hobart environment.
With both clients leading busy lives, keeping maintenance low was also a priority. Automated irrigation, outdoor lighting and a robotic lawnmower were incorporated to make the garden easier to manage year-round.

THE CHALLENGE
Like many residential landscaping projects in the Hobart region, the sloping site presented several challenges.

Limited access made excavation, material movement and construction more complex, while the slope reduced the amount of level, usable space available in the backyard. Building up and reshaping the rear of the property was essential to maximise the lawn and create a more practical family outdoor area.

The changing levels also meant some sections of the garden received less sunlight than others, so planting needed to be carefully selected to suit different conditions across the property.
Drainage, retaining and access between levels all had to be considered as part of the overall landscape design, without losing the soft, natural character the clients wanted.

OUR SOLUTION
Our landscape design focused on creating a large, functional backyard while allowing the gardens, pathways and materials throughout the rest of the property to feel organic and natural.

The rear yard was reshaped and levelled to maximise usable lawn space, with Corten steel retaining walls helping manage the change in levels while adding warmth and texture to the landscape. A raised Corten steel vegetable garden was also incorporated, giving the family an accessible and practical space to grow herbs and vegetables.

A Pergolux pergola provides a dedicated outdoor entertaining area overlooking the lawn, while a Tasmanian-made Schweiss sauna and outdoor shower create a separate place to relax and unwind.
To reduce ongoing garden maintenance, a Husqvarna robotic lawnmower was integrated into the lawn area, complemented by automated irrigation and automated outdoor lighting throughout the property.

Natural materials play a major role in the overall character of the garden. Soft curves help the landscape flow around the home, while natural slate-paved paths and patio areas connect different parts of the property. Large basalt stone steppers form an impressive staircase leading towards the front door, creating a strong arrival experience while still maintaining the natural aesthetic.
Tasmanian native plants were used extensively throughout the garden to create a landscape suited to Hobart's conditions, complemented by several feature olive trees for contrast and structure. Rock mulch provides a warm, natural ground finish that ties together the planting, stonework and raw steel elements.

The finished landscape combines practical family living with a distinctly Tasmanian feel. Natural stone, Corten steel, native planting and organic forms give the property a relaxed and established character, while thoughtful additions such as automated irrigation, outdoor lighting, the robotic lawnmower and raised vegetable garden make it easy to live with and maintain.

Tranmere Full Residential Landscape Garden Transformation