Westgarth cottage

Westgarth, Victoria 2007

 

Built in the heart of Westgarth (Northcote) in the 1880’s, the demure character of this cottage called for a modest and warm garden design.

From the main cottage, a small building extends diagonally. Housing the main activity area of the household, the oblique shaped kitchen & dining room is flanked by two small courtyards. Sliding glass doors on either side allow sunlight, easy access and views from the inside to the outdoor courtyards. Yet, falling, weathered fences, aging trees, rambling climbers, and poor drainage limits use of the courtyards. Hence, the brief was simply about making better use of the outdoor space: productive (grow culinary plants); constructive (storage) & pleasurable (settle into with a book, friends or meals). Also, earthy textures, tones & plant layers were to work on the desired ‘cottage’ aesthetic.

The fence between the two parts of the cottage faces the charming heritage street. Thus, determining a fence material that would reflect some distinct ‘heritage’ character, with a contemporary inflection, was the focal point in the concept development. At the outset, the client stressed security & privacy from the street, as well as a structure that would be a highlight viewed from the interior.

The selection of radial cut Stringybark panels, framed by reclaimed Redgum posts succeeded in meeting all the criteria. The course saw-cut texture, occasional knots and golden colours of the timber panels compliment the exterior of the house. The brickwork bears trails of bygone vine tentacles, leaving irregular layers of peeling paint. The neatly executed framing and straight cut edges of the wedge-shaped panels further compliment the strong geometric building forms.

Better still, from the interior a different effect is achieved. The uneven bark edge forms a gentle wave, creating a serene backdrop for the enclosed courtyard. A small water bowl surrounded by a subtle planting, along with large river pebbles & a few slate steps composes the quite setting. The specimen Crepe Myrtle and cascading Virginia creeper produce a delicate sufficiency of seasonal spectacle. However, along the outside boundary of the fence, a scarlet flowering Bougainvillea protects from any possible intrusion.

A sample of the inverted timber panelling is revealed to the passer-by in the sliding gate construction. As there was restricted room for a swinging gate, a sliding timber panel gate presented the chance to display the flair of radial cut timber.

The layout of the rear courtyard required simplicity in order to make optimal use of the small area. A triangle shaped raised garden served many uses. As well as hosting a Meyer Lemon, herbs and seasonal vegetables, the height of the wall provides a backing for the attached deep, wide bench. Dwarf fruit trees, fruiting vines, small fragrant shrubs, intriguing bulbs and groundcovers are intensively cultivated in the ground level garden beds. The surfacing of large random shaped Castlemaine slate pieces adds to the crispness of the renewed area. Stone pots, statues, BBQ & boot scraper all find their own place dotted about within the courtyard.

The repeat planting, slate & timber fencing fuse the two courtyards with the interior living area. The lightness and openness sets up a garden that can be appreciated both as viewer from the inside and as dweller of the outside.

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