design ideas Archives - Reds Landscaping

Concrete architecture in landscaping is often seen of as a brutalist approach to landscape design. It is however possible to soften the design of concrete architecture with the use of landscape design techniques such as ponds or garden beds as well as using textiles such as cushions. The concrete architecture can also be softened with the use of naturalistic materials in the garden design such as timber or terracotta pots. The bringing together of cottage garden design with concrete architecture create a fusion of two very different garden design themes.

Naturalistic materials like these garden rocks help to soften the look of the in-situ concrete stairs.

Concrete Architecture design ideas

Concrete Designs

To see how to use concrete architecture in garden design, a visit to one of the bigger garden shows will help. Possibly the most famous of these shows is the annual Chelsea flower show held over 5 days in May each year. Unfortunately, there will be no show in 2020. Due to the time constraints of a 5-day garden show, much of the concrete will be precast elsewhere and craned into place. To see examples of in-situ concrete, a visit to some of the recently constructed Melbourne public spaces such as Balwyn Community Centre or the Sunbury Global learning centre will provide some ideas.

Concrete Architecture can be softened with garden plants and garden furniture. Sunken garden Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner 2018. Kate Gould Gardens. Designed as a concept for a traditional square London West-End garden.

Concrete Designs

Formal blocks of stone and concrete with foxgloves. Skin Deep. Garden designed by Robert Barker design. The blocks represent different human faces and skin conditions. Note the use of colour and texture in the concrete blocks. Plants were also chosen for form and texture.

Landscape design Ideas Urban Flow by Tonny Woods

An outdoor kitchen design using a concrete bench with cooktop, wooden paling fence and vertical kitchen garden. Urban Flow by Tony Woods combines bold landscape design with practical solutions.

Garden Pond. Landscape design idea. A pond with overhanging flowers will soften the look of the garden.

Great colour coordination with the natural concrete colour with matching outdoor couches. Note how the cushions match the colours of the garden. Chelsea Flower Show 2018. Landscape design by Hay-Joung Hwang.

The LG Eco-City Garden by Hay-Joung Hwang, represents one housing unit in a vertical forest. Note the use of coloured stone to provide a theme through the garden. The concrete has been softened with the use of soft furnishings, abundant lupins and a pond with concrete stepping stones.