Emu Point Retreat by DRIFT Landscape Studio, in collaboration with CBD Design, addresses site challenges while offering a low-maintenance, visually engaging space.

Located in Emu Point, Albany, WA, this landscape design takes cues from the natural coastal environment, with an emphasis on creating a functional, low-maintenance space that integrates with the site and the architectural design. The project addresses challenges such as strong easterly winds, salt spray and sandy terrain, using design features that minimise maintenance while respecting the surrounding landscape.

The layout is characterised by curvilinear forms, with winding paths and curved walls that navigate the site’s irregular shape and grading challenges. The design avoids the need for steps, ensuring accessibility throughout. Silvered timber arbours introduce texture, while sandblasted marble and grey Portuguese limestone cobbles echo the materials used in the home’s architecture and provide a tactile connection to the local jetty.

The planting design draws inspiration from the surrounding dunes, featuring a matrix of endemic Poa poiformis (Coastal Tussock Grass) to form the base of the landscape. This grass is complemented by herbaceous plants, including native species that offer seasonal variation. Westringia ‘Grey Box’ is clipped into neat balls, providing year-round structure amidst the softer planting.

Succulents such as Sedum and Kalanchoe sp., along with resilient groundcovers like Thymus, Rosmarinus, Dymondia, and Kniphofia, were selected for their ability to thrive in the harsh conditions of salt exposure and wind. These plants are well-suited to the coastal environment, requiring little maintenance and offering an adaptable solution for the clients who enjoy gardening while ensuring minimal intervention.

A sculptural piece by April Pine stands in the garden, its form directing attention toward the beach and further emphasising the connection between the home and the coastal landscape.

Drift Landscape Studio
driftstudio.com.au