For Mother Nature, uninhibited terrain is the perfect blank canvas – one that can be enriched through a clever application of hardscaping and lush foliage. But when the sky is (literally) the limit, the right direction can be determined by a simple question: what’s the vibe? Here, two projects with juxtaposing vibes showcase the abundant, untapped potential of the great outdoors. From a traditional touch to a masterclass in modernity, each space creates a uniquely paradisiacal property.
MODERN MUSE
In Godfrey Hill and Nico Venter’s Johannesburg home, clean lines and curved landscapes transform a backyard with an “awkward triangle” pool into a sleek, shape-shifting oasis. “The landscape design follows the same principles as the architecture,” explains Hill, “low-maintenance, rational and purposeful. There is no lawn – instead, the garden is inspired by moroccan courtyard landscapes, using hard surfaces, planting and proportion rather than water-intensive greenery. It complements the house architecturally and makes sense environmentally.”
Photography by Greg Cox; Production by Sven Alberding.
OLD-SCHOOL EDGE
Meanwhile, in Bartonville, Texas, Dan Houchard of Houchard Design Group employs strategically framed views, layered foliage and water features from Pietro Architectural. The home’s stone architecture is complemented by refined plantings and carefully composed sightlines that guide the eye across open lawns and native textures. Every element works in concert to enhance the home’s natural beauty, blending craftsmanship and comfort in a landscape that feels both elegant and enduring. The result: a timeless backdrop that still feels distinctly Texan.
Photography by Jenifer McNeil Baker, Jenifer Baker Photography.
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