With the client wanting a new front entry it was up to SBL Landscape Construction to design something safe and functional. The client liked the idea of using steel to create a staircase up to their front entry but didn’t want a standard staircase so we designed one which used interlocking steel landings welded together. This created the desired look and also gave us room to play with the surrounding soft landscape allowing planting of rambling plants to cascade in and over the steel as they matured. The stairs were infilled with a 20mm tuscan aggregate which looks great and allows drainage.

At the front door we install a radial timber deck, not only is this sustainably sourced it looks fantastic. We also install some large 1200mm x 800mm bluestone steppers down the side of the property to allow access to that area.

With all these hard surfaces installed (steel, timber, stone) it was essential that the softscape aspect of the job performed well. The client likes native, drought and frost tolerant plants so a mixture was selected to create a depth and soften off the hard exterior of the landscape. As these plants mature they will also help keep the house cool (the house faces west) by providing some protection from the westerly sun.