The Cypsella Garden

Cypsella is an experiment in creating a relaxing environment in limited outdoor space - as we get busier and busier, the home is becoming more and more important as a sanctuary, a place to recharge and reconnect with yourself and those close to you.

In the increasing instance of smaller outdoor spaces, Cypsella is many things in one - an art installation, a retreat, an entertainment area, an extra family room, and so much more.

This garden attempts to tap into the carefree fun and togetherness of playing in a backyard tent. The tent concept has been transformed into a modern structure with a sculptural presence.

Cypsella is the botanical name of a winged seed that forms part of the humble dandelion that, when blown gently, floats to ground to take root there and flourish.

In the same way, this garden is a nod to simplicity, and the structure a reminder of simple pleasures and the wonders of nature's design of a simple seed; and a reminder that to flourish can take many forms.

The garden has a similar feeling, with a huge 'cypsella' roof, hovering lightly over the entertainment area, to create a touch of drama and spectacle, as well as providing shade and comfort.

The garden takes its design cues from nature, and is in and of itself a visual experience as much as a tactile one. Using established materials in new ways, and adding innovative products, Cypsella simply defies simple explanation. Many of the plant species have not only been chosen for their hardiness and relevance to the site, but many replicate the whorl of the cypsella through their foliage patterns.

Cypsella was designed with a young executive couple in mind, but with the depth and versatility that an adult-themed relaxation space could easily evolve into a family space or kids retreat!

Plants List

The planting palette features a mixture of lush natives, to give a semi-tropical feel to it - foliage colour is important, especially in the whiter tones that pick up the colours of the screens and pod, and darker greens to provide contrast. In essence, foliage colour is predominantly white/blue/grey in the front of the garden, then changes to darker greens and purples as it meets the white build elements.

95% of the plantings are indigenous to Australia, and all are suitable for use in Melbourne and the mainland states.

Materials & Features

Sponsored Materials

Eco Outdoor - limestone paving and HEAT Barbeque

Ecosmart Fire - Cyl ethanol fire burner
The Ecosmart Cyl was chosen to fit the Cypsella's round profile, and because it adds a welcoming glow as a centrepiece to the sunken lounge area. Ethanol is a very sustainable fuel, and cheap and clean to run. The Cyl can also easily be removed and placed elsewhere in the garden, allowing the bay in the centre console to be used as an ice bucket.

Lump Sculpture Studio - 3D Panels
Lump Sculpture Studio's newest product has not been seen before. They are made from a very lightweight material, and are extremely versatile - so the perfect choice with our custom designed embossing, giving the Cypsella a stylish and very hip look!

Bespoke Items

Most of the garden is made from scratch - even the furniture has been custom designed to ensure that there are no limitations to realising the idea and seeing it through to a complete and unique design.

The Pod Sunken Lounge
The Cypsella Pod sunken lounge is made from outdoor grade structural ply and timbers, with limewash and lacquering treatments; this is intended to combine a soft and organic feel with the glossy artificial materials of the exterior surfaces.

The Cypsella Roof
The roof is in thin rolled steel supported by steel posts and cabling, with the 'fans' of the cypsella made from outdoor grade aluminium-laminated board. This product is usually used in cladding of buildings, but we wanted to use it in a different way. It's tough and extremely light, so we thought a great choice to not only create impact and show something new, but to lessen the weight burdens on the grounds, as well as the added benefit of having a little movement in it when the wind blows.

The Seating
All cushions have been custom-made especially for this project. We wanted to make sure the flow continued around the lounge area, that all seating was plush and very comfortable, and that it is stain resistant, is practical in that it could be washed if soiled, and can be rearranged into different configurations depending on requirements.