Project Name: Monaco
Location: Broadbeach Waters
Project Duration: 4 Weeks
Completion Date: December 2024
Project Cost: $160,000
A bold reinterpretation of a waterfront backyard, the brief called for a Palm Springs-inspired tropical oasis that defied the norm and paid homage to the garden aesthetics of Frank Sinatra’s home. Unique, timeless, and brimming with personality, every element of this project was designed to deliver impact while remaining resilient in a challenging canal-front environment.
This design blends vibrant tropical elements with contemporary detailing, resulting in a luxurious landscape that maintains functionality while seamlessly integrating with the home’s architecture.
The client’s vision was ambitious: a striking landscape that moved away from convention while remaining practical for everyday use. The challenge lay in balancing strong design aesthetics with practical demands, including the waterfront environment, king tides, restricted site access, and the complexity of sourcing feature specimens such as the Japanese Black Pine. The project needed to achieve immediate impact while also providing functionality, durability and personality.
Our strategy was to create a garden that offered drama, texture, and movement while remaining practical for the canal-side location. Key goals included sourcing rare feature trees, designing around potential saltwater exposure, and ensuring every material and planting choice supported longevity. We planned the space around strong focal points, including statement water fountain feature pockets framed with tropical foliage and feature boulders, while layering groundcovers and structural elements to create depth. Collaboration with the builder was central to adapting the design for the site’s unique conditions, building raised planters to protect vegetation from saltwater.
To bring the vision to life, we delivered a complete landscaping package including:
Every element was installed with precision, from the removal of glass pool fence panels for access to the hand excavation and placement of materials. The project showcased the team’s technical problem-solving and ability to adapt under pressure.
The finished garden feels bold yet cohesive, capturing the Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic while remaining deeply personal to the owners. The 40-year-old Japanese Black Pine stands as the centrepiece, a living sculpture framed by tropical foliage, layered groundcovers, and carefully integrated boulder features. Raised planters provide resilience against the canal’s tidal conditions while adding structure and depth, and artificial turf along the waterfront delivers year-round greenery and durability.
Achieving this result demanded patience and precision. The Japanese Black Pine was sourced after months of searching and transported with meticulous care. Canal-side works were dictated by king tides, with teams moving in as the water retreated each day. Access restrictions meant materials were carried through tight entries, with glass pool fencing temporarily removed to allow soils, drainage systems, and mature trees to be positioned without compromise.
The finished garden integrates seamlessly with the home, with expansive glass windows framing views of the central landscape. The result is a resilient, high-impact garden that balances the client’s vision with the practical demands of a canal-front site.
