Amongst the Trees
Set in a secluded valley in north-west Sydney, Amongst the Trees is a resort-like family retreat where spectacular alfresco spaces are brought to life by a considered curation of Eco Outdoor materials.
For Dean Herald, founder and principal designer of Rolling Stone Landscapes, Amongst the Trees was a deeply personal passion project: to create a lush outdoor space for his family that encompassed the beauty of their home’s natural, bushland setting on the fringes of Sydney. “The location of this property is quite unique,” he says. “It’s set in a valley, it’s surrounded by the most amazing trees … among this, we’ve been able to create this estate for our family.”
Herald designed the garden with two distinct demarcations in mind: areas for gathering and entertaining, and more private zones for quiet and retreat. At the centre sits a breezy outdoor pavilion with a lounge area and kitchen, framed by an expansive infinity pool and complemented by a secluded sauna tucked deeper into the trees. Together, they imbue the property with the luxurious atmosphere of a boutique resort, while retaining its sense of homeliness.
Material selection was key in achieving this. “When considering the materials for this project, we were drawn to Eco Outdoor,” Herald explains. “There’s a history we have with them, there’s a confidence we have with them. That gave us the ability to select products that are fit for purpose and that would also give a lovely tone to the spaces.”
Herald was determined to avoid painted finishes, instead focusing on materials that add depth and texture. In the pavilion, the kitchen is lined with Calisto glazed lava tiles, the soft, milk-white glaze and speckled surfaces gently catching the light. The standout feature is the striking wood-fired oven, wrapped in blue Halley glazed lava tiles, whose inky, cerulean tones bring richness and drama. Select pieces from Eco Outdoor’s acclaimed Utzon(s) collection populate the breezy space, including stools, a dining table and benches, along with a lounge chair, sofa and double day bed from the Corda collection.
Underfoot, Maia Technifirma runs throughout the pavilion and pool surrounds. Chosen for its durability and creamy grey hue, it echoes the look and feel of natural stone with an inherent strength that makes it ideal for heavy-duty zones. Paired with Sarelle crazy paving, the two surfaces accompany one another perfectly, creating an easy, elegant flow.
The crystalline infinity pool is the undeniable star of the project. Lined with Deepdive glass mosaics, the mottled blues and fossil-like patterns were inspired by classic dive pools, while the glossy finish gives the water a shifting, diaphanous quality. Meda bricks bring textural nuance to the waterfall wall and fireplace, the light-grey limestone and clean lines complementing the pavilion flooring.
An elegant sculpture marks the beginning of a shaded, verdant pathway to the “wellness area”. Here, a timber-lined sauna features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that invites the greenery in, while a curved outdoor shower finished in Marsh glass mosaics sits quietly among the ferns. The jade and forest-green tones of the tiles mirror the surrounding foliage, enhancing the feeling of being utterly immersed in nature.
The planting is lush and generous. Greenery spills from the pavilion’s concrete rooftop planter, frames the pool and softens every path and stepping stone. For Herald, the aim was simple. “For anyone who visits, we hope they see it’s well considered and certainly hope they find a space where they can be themselves and enjoy what we’ve created.”
