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Jack Merlo

Landscape Design

As one of Australia’s leading landscape architecture studios,  Jack Merlo takes immense pride in bringing a unique architectural approach to landscape design, resulting in beautiful spaces that people can appreciate for years to come. Founded in 2005, following a series of high-profile awards, the studio is known for bringing a tailored and considered response to every project that brings clients’ visions to life.

Jack enjoys close working relationships with many leading architects and developers, and is highly sought after as a partner on high-end, multi-residential projects. In recent years he has designed landscapes that range from private courtyard gardens to expansive rooftop lounges and many other innovative outdoor spaces. Each project receives Jack’s personal attention, from the initial client brief to the final contract documentation.

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Dialogue

Jack Merlo

What was the brief from Buxton Projects that informed the landscape design?

Buxton Projects had a clear vision for the landscaping at ADA. The goal was to design well considered, generous and highly functional outdoor spaces that provide a lush backdrop to the residences, maximise usable space and work hand-in-hand with the wonderful architecture.

What were some of the challenges and how did you work around these?

As with any multi-residential development, providing privacy between the outdoor spaces is always a challenge. We worked closely with Conrad Architects and Buxton Projects to design planters and screening that achieves privacy without the use of physical screens. This took a lot of consideration, but because of that the outdoor areas feel private and secluded, without compromising on space or views.

How has the landscape design of ADA embraced the local fabric of Toorak?

We do a lot of work in Toorak and Stonnington more broadly. Toorak is known for its lush large gardens and ADA is no exception. There’s canopy trees, verdant screening, and floral layering and foliage plants to ensure the garden changes and responds well to the seasons. The planting schemes will be familiar to people who know the neighbourhood. They resonate with Toorak. These apartments are house-sized. They open out to large gardens and terraces, which provide an extension of the internal living spaces—much like stand-alone Toorak homes.

How did the architectural vision shape your response to the selection of planting within the residences?

The architecture is defined by its use of clean lines, high-quality natural stone and timbers, and hand-crafted metal detailing. The greenery and its application complements those elements to seamlessly blend the architecture, landscape and interiors.

What inspires your creativity when conceptualising an initial idea for clients?

We take pride in bringing a unique architectural approach to landscape design, creating spaces that people will appreciate for years to come. Each and every project we take on is an individual and considered response to the vision of the client. We work closely to understand their particular aims, and we bring ordered, organic and site-specific landscaping that improves the built environment.