Landscape Architect Portfolio RESIDENTIAL

E: sjzaldarriaga@gmail.com P: issuu.com/sarahjanez

1 BARATTA STREET, DONCASTER EAST

About

Complementing this newly rebuilt home is a landscape designed to reflect the clients’ passion for entertaining, that supports a range of activities throughout the year. The outdoor alfresco and pool area evoke a holidaylike atmosphere, offering stunning views from inside the house.

Key design features include a lawn space that will eventually be transformed into a basketball court, ramp access on both sides of the property to accommodate the sloped landform, a versatile front yard with a lawn option, and extensive privacy screening with large shrubs and trees to soften the hardscape. The selected plants are low maintenance, showcasing a variety of green foliage and textures.

Construction

Currently under construction

LANDSCAPE DESIGNFRONT & BACK

SITE

PLAN

BASKETBALL COURT

(8.8m x 5m) to be built in stage 2

RAISED POOL STEPPERS

Raised Silver Travertine steppers in pool

TRAVERTINE STEPS

Steps up to main entrance in Travertine paving

SURFACES AND MATERIALS

Westringia fruticosa

Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Dichondra repens

Senecio serpens

Lomandra longifolia

Casuarina glauca

‘Tanika’

2 HIGH STREET, GLEN IRIS

About

This 67 sqm space demonstrates creative use of a small, challenging site with narrow sections and an elevated deck.

A custom aluminium slat fence balances privacy with park views while containing pets. Nearby large eucalypts are visually incorporated through thoughtful design, creating a sense of connection beyond the garden. A pollinator-friendly plant palette enhances wildlife attraction, blending this private oasis seamlessly with its broader environment.

Construction

Completed in 2024

Linda G

ERIC RAVEN RESERVE

Incorporating the surrounding reserve as an integral element of the design through borrowed landscape principles.

SITE PLAN

DECIDUOUS TREE PALETTE

Deciduous trees on the east side provide summer shade and winter sunlight.

ALUMINIUM SLAT FENCE

A custom slat fence angled to frame views of the landscape and reserve from inside the dwelling.

Stone steps to follow grade of existing slope.

SEATING AREA

A kidney-shaped deck covers drainage and includes an in situ built curved rammed earth seat.

SURFACES AND FINISHES

PLANT PALETTE

SAWN STEPS

TILLS DRIVE, WARRANDYTE

About

At the end of a quiet rural street in Warrandyte, the property Bilkurra (meaning “Resting Place for Birds”) features a north-facing orientation with mature Red Box trees. Previously a paddock, the front area includes sheds, a former stable, and four Monterey Cypresses.

The new owners plan to add a shed/workshop, pool, alfresco area, boardwalk, and vegetable garden, in line with Australian rural aesthetics. Landscaping will enhance views of the north-westerly hills, screen neighbouring plantings with indigenous vegetation, and focus on native trees, including Eucalyptus and select exotic shade trees.

Construction

To be constructed

& Hamish W Warrandyte, VIC

Landscape Design

Platylobium Landscape Design Project Lead: Lucy G & Sarah Z 3D Visualisation: Sarah Z

FOOD FOREST

Designated area for citrus and other food trees.

SEATING AREA

Amenities to include: dining, bbq and firepit, with access to pool area.

SHED/WORKSHOP

The proposed location for the client’s barn-style shed/workshop to support their business operations.

GREEN HOUSE & PRODUCE GARDEN

4 RENSHAW STREET, DONCASTER EAST

About

The landscape design project for two future units in Doncaster East aims to transform the sloped land into an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance environment.

The key objectives include incorporating an Australian native planting style, removing damaged trees, installing front fencing to define boundaries without obstructing views, planting two large feature trees to screen both dwellings, implementing retaining solutions for the sloped front and back yards, and incorporating a lawn area. The design emphasises low maintenance and incorporates drought-tolerant plants to soften hardscape elements, achieving a harmonious balance that meets both practical and aesthetic needs.

Construction

Currently under construction

Eric W

Lead: Sarah Z

Design: Sarah Z

Sarah Z

Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ Lily Pilly

5m(h) x 3m(w)

Design notes:

Screening. Front hedge to soften vertical blade steel front fence.

Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Common Everlasting

0.3m(h) x 0.5m-1.5m(w)

Design notes: Underplanting largers shrubs. Soften hardscape elements such as steppers.

Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey Pots’ Honey Pots Banksia

0.8m-1m(h) x 0.8m-1m(w)

Design notes: Visual interest in rockery planting.

Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia

1m-2.5m(h) x 1m(w)

Design notes: Wide spreading to aid in weed suppression surrounding rock retaining. Visual interest in rockery planting.

PLANTING STYLE

Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’ Euky Dwarf

5m-6m(h) x 5m-6m(w)

Design notes: Client request two tall feature trees for front yard, to act as major screening for both dwellings.

Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

0.1m(h) x 0.5m(w)

Design notes: Soften hardscape elements such as steppers.

Correa reflexa Common Correa 1m(h) x 1m(w)

Design notes: Feature planting for its attractive flower and foliage.

Anigozanthos ‘Landscape Gold’ Kangaroo Paw 1m-2m(h) x 0.5m(w)

Design notes: Attractive flowering.

The future dwellings are intended for rental use, so a low-maintenance planting palette is essential. Primarily native plants will be incorporated across elevated slopes, within rockery areas, and to enhance privacy while maintaining appealing views from inside the house.

5 MARGARET COURT, WARRANDYTE

About

The landscape design project for two future units in Doncaster East aims to transform the sloped land into an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance environment.

The key objectives include incorporating an Australian native planting style, removing damaged trees, installing front fencing to define boundaries without obstructing views, planting two large feature trees to screen both dwellings, implementing retaining solutions for the sloped front and back yards, and incorporating a lawn area. The design emphasises low maintenance and incorporates drought-tolerant plants to soften hardscape elements, achieving a harmonious balance that meets both practical and aesthetic needs.

Construction

To be completed

Helen C

VIC

Lead: Sarah Z

Design: Sarah Z

Sarah Z

ENTERTAINMENT

Proposed entertainment area that include amenities such as dining, seating and bbq area.

POOL AREA

Existing pool to be renovated with seamless crazy pave pool coping.

COURTYARD

Crazy paved finish softened with bordering ground cover dichondra repens.

RETAINING

Replaced with rock retaining wall to aid with slope. Hardscape softened with vegetation that will also aid in weed suppression.

SURFACES AND FINISHES

6 WELLINGTON STREET, FLEMINGTON

About

This newly renovated Flemington residence now boasts a thoughtfully designed landscape, ensuring year-round enjoyment for the entire family. Functionality is at the heart of the design, catering to both adults and children.

As part of stage one, the front garden offers a lush, tranquil retreat, while the rear is designed for entertaining, featuring a spacious gathering area complemented by a curved rammed earth wall seat. A trampoline is seamlessly integrated among the greenery, and the improved carport access is softened with additional planting.

Stage two will introduce a carefully designed terrace, incorporating curves and vegetation to create a harmonious balance between hardscape and nature.

Construction

To be completed