The material palette is modern and monochromatic, balancing exquisite light grey limestone pavers, black timber batten screens and silver stainless-steel appliances. An in situ concrete bench with waterfall sides and an adjacent bench seat complement the grey-toned colour scheme, accompanied by a floating concrete step down into the backyard, with a built-in outdoor umbrella providing adjustable shade through the warmer months.

The showstopper in this landscape design is without a doubt the cantilevered arbor. Custom-made in black steel, the arbor will, over time, feature a draping vine providing both a softening green outlook and natural shade.

Modest in scale but grand in intention, this intimate Glen Iris courtyard is a timeless outdoor sanctuary. Designed and built by Esjay Landscapes + Pools, it is a space that invites you to unwind, gather and enjoy refined outdoor living for years to come.

Awards

• GOLD •

Landscaping Victoria
2025 Industry Awards
Residential Landscape Construction
up to $100,000

• BRONZE •

Landscaping Victoria
2025 Industry Awards
Residential Landscape Design
under 250sqm

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Architectural Concrete: Zambelis Concrete Artistry

Photography: Tim Turner

Thinking about transforming your own outdoor space?

Whether you’re considering a courtyard redesign, a new entertaining area or a complete landscape transformation, we’d love to hear about your project. The first step is a free initial meeting with our landscape design team, where we talk through your vision, your site and your goals. Book your free initial meeting here, or visit our FAQ page if you have questions before getting in touch.

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The concrete pool and spa sit at the heart of the landscape, framed by limestone coping and a sweeping timber deck that draws the eye across the property. Generous lounging zones wrap the poolside, designed for long summer afternoons and unhurried entertaining across every season.

A fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with BBQ and charcoal grill, anchors the alfresco zone alongside a statement stone fireplace that extends the use of the space well into the cooler months. A pergola structure provides shelter and definition, while lush planting softens the perimeter and reinforces the sense of seclusion.

This Moorooduc pool and landscape project is a complete outdoor transformation, designed and built entirely by Esjay Landscapes + Pools. Every element, from the concrete pool construction through to the planting palette and entertaining areas, was considered as part of one unified landscape design concept.

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Concrete Swimming Pool and Spa: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Photography: Realty Writers

Dreaming of your own Peninsula retreat?

Whether you’re looking to add a pool, create an outdoor entertaining space or transform your property into a private sanctuary, we’d love to hear about your vision. The first step is a free initial meeting with our landscape design team, where we talk through your goals, your site and what’s possible. Book your free initial meeting here, or visit our FAQ page if you have questions before getting in touch.

The post Moorooduc appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

The design works with the existing structure rather than against it, layering new elements with care and precision. Architectural concrete forms the primary surface and bench elements, every edge clean and every junction considered. Black vertical batten screening defines the boundary, creating enclosure without heaviness, while lush planting softens the palette and brings the space to life through every season.

A soft grey and black colour palette runs throughout, unifying the hardscape and joinery into a composition that reads as a single piece. This is the kind of landscape design thinking Esjay applies across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, where space is precious and every decision carries weight: material against material, planting against structure, light against shadow.

The outdoor entertaining zone is where the courtyard earns its keep. Designed for the way people actually live in inner-city Melbourne, it is a place to cook and gather, to sit with a drink as the city quietens around you. The Esjay portfolio spans Abbotsford, Fitzroy, Collingwood and across the broader inner north, and this project stands as one of its most refined small-scale works.

Recognised with a Gold Award at the Landscaping Victoria Industry Awards 2023 in Residential Landscape Construction, the Abbotsford courtyard is a reminder that excellence in landscape design and construction is measured in resolution, not scale.

Awards

• GOLD •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2023
Residential Landscape Construction
Under $75,000

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Architectural Concrete: Hungry Wolf

Your space, however small, deserves great design.

Some of the most satisfying projects begin with a courtyard, a side passage, or a compact backyard that others have written off. If you have a space with potential and are ready to talk about what it could become, book your free initial meeting with the Esjay team here. Still in the early stages? Our FAQ page is a good place to start.

The post Abbotsford appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

Combining character, a monochromic colour palette and cleverly integrated features, the warm and welcoming landscape reflects the architecture of the spacious, highly functional family home, offering its residents a range of outdoor spaces that are both useful and beautiful.

At the front of the property, a custom designed mailbox sets the stage for a grand entry. The garden welcomes guests with an exposed aggregate driveway, hardwood timber batten screens and lush, cascading greenery that waterfalls down from planter boxes on the homes facade.

The centrepiece of the backyard is an alfresco zone and pool area with extravagant limestone paving, which has been laid with care and craftsman precision. The modern concrete BBQ bench, floating landings and seat are accompanied by a state-of-the-art wood fire pizza oven. An off form concrete shower stands proudly as the feature of the backyard, the space completed with a Goalrilla basketball ring, high quality Gardens at Night lighting and a fully automated irrigation system.

Built to the highest standard with masterful landscaping and inspired by the traditional quality of Brighton, the project is a showpiece of cutting-edge design and luxury, delivering unparalleled chic, function, and flow in this idillic beachside location.

Awards

• GOLD •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2023
Residential Landscape Construction
$150,000 – $300,000

Project Overview

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Design: COS Design

Pool Build: Bayside Pools

House Build: MPR Design & Build

Photography: Erik Holt Photography

The post Brighton appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

Constructed in conjunction with the new house build, the entire landscape features an array of exquisite and luxurious hard surfaces that transition around the perimeter, ensuring the ultimate in entertainment, movement, escape and harmony for the residents.

At the front of the property, a custom designed mailbox sets the stage for a grand entry. The front garden welcomes guests with charcoal exposed aggregate driveway and pathways, a white front masonry rendered fence, black oiled Silvertop Ash timber screens and modern in-situ concrete entry landings.

The backyard features an alfresco zone and pool area with extravagant limestone paving, which has been laid with care and craftsman precision. Lucious green turf expands the backyard, complete with in-ground trampoline, high quality Gardens at Night lighting and a fully automated irrigation system.

Awards

• WINNER •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2022
Residential Landscape Construction
over $250,000

• WINNER •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2022
Hard Structures in the Landscape

Project Overview

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Maintenance: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Design: COS Design

House Build: MPR Design & Build

Photography: Elise Scott Studio

The post Elsternwick appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

The front of the property is a visual celebration, juxtaposing the stunning, modern architectural floating concrete entrance landings with a sustainable, permeable driveway – creating harmony and importantly, additional off-street car parking to ensure that all residents can park close to their home. The front garden also features a custom designed and built, black powder coated letterbox.

Through the garage, the sideway courtyard paving was laid with the ultimate precision, promising an inviting and creative pathway extending into the back garden. Along the rear of the property, bamboo creates a warm, natural screen and is kept neat by seasonal trimming.

Lush planting around the property was carefully positioned by our team. As the plant-life continues to establish, the gardens are now maintained with selective pruning of the highlight trees, as well as regular thinning out and definition of shrub shapes by our skilful horticulturalists. It’s a pleasure to watch this garden flourish, and will continue to evolve into its stylish and exquisite full potential.

Awards

• COMMENDED •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2022
Residential Landscape Construction
$30,000 – $75,000

Project Overview

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Design: COS Design

House Build: i2Homes

Swimming Pool Construction: Icon Pools

Architecture: Justin Architecture

Photography: Jaime Diaz-Berrio

The post Elsternwick appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

As you walk down the corridor and through the elegant archway, a beautiful pool catches your eye, forming the centrepiece of the backyard. Our team have designed an out of ground pool, which is nestled amongst the entertaining area, overcoming the restrictions of confined space, compliancy and in turn balancing overall flow with a mixture of lush planting and playful foliages.

The use of natural tones – timber, concrete, monochromatic black, grey and white; ensures the design palette blends seamlessly with the interiors of the home. The contemporary, green toned pool tile completes the swimming pool, creating a visual spectacle, and allowing it to sit effortlessly amongst the garden and lawn.

With a focus on detail, transition and small interactions, this design takes you on a journey through the space, and offers comfort and serenity. Featuring a pool which no doubt steals the show, the new landscape brings a family’s dream to life, for entertaining all year round.

Awards

• BRONZE •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2023
Residential Landscape Design
Under 100m2

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Pool Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Maintenance: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Photography: Tim Turner Photography

The post Malvern East appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

Construction was completed with intricate limestone paving and cladding, frameless glass pool fencing, and a highlight radial timber screen which perfectly frames the backdrop.

This outdoor space is the ultimate in both craftsmanship and usability and on-going, as we care for the gardens, it certainly has become one of our favourites. The maintenance plan ensures that this recently built outdoor space continues to reflect the owner’s investment, and removes most of the hard work for the family, ensuring optimal usability and lifestyle for many years to come.

Awards

• COMMENDED •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2021
Pool in the Landscape – Construction

Project Overview

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Pool Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Design: COS Design

Landscape Maintenance: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Alfresco: Sanctum Homes

Garden Lighting: Gardens at Night

Pool Heating: Sunbather Solar Heating

Pool Cleaning: Paramount In-Floor from Pool Water Products

Pool Tiles: Charcoal Mosaic 48x48mm Spa

Feature Wall Pool Tiles: Bisazza Glass Mosaic from Perini

Pool Lighting: Spa Electrics

Pool Glass Fencing: Clear Brilliance

Kitchen Cabinetry: Myalfresco

Photography: Tim Turner

The post Glen Iris appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

The unique design balances the small external area with a playful pool and spa layout; a statement lookout as you move through the inside of the house, and forms the centrepiece of the new landscape design. Working with the existing alfresco structure, we ensure the design equilibrium flows throughout, with careful consideration of transitions, materials and scale.

With a modern combination of concretes, natural stones, recycled red bricks, and vibrant plantings, we adapt a natural palette of textures and colours which reflect the home’s beautiful interiors. The design is carefully constructed with a harmony of hard surfaces and soft garden beds, featuring a contemporary sports area and basketball hoop, allowing all the family to utilise their backyard for sports training, without taking anything away from the high end finish.

A space which perfectly compliments the style of the house and lifestyle of each of its occupants, with a lifetime of memories to be made.

Awards

• HIGHLY COMMENDED •

Master Pool Builders Association Australia
Australian Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence 2023
Best Landscape Design
Under 200 sqm featuring a Pool or Spa

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Pool Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Maintenance: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Photography: Erik Holt Photography

The post Brighton appeared first on Esjay Landscapes + Pools.

Designed to make clever use of the limited courtyard space, the feature of the garden is undoubtedly the swimming pool. Fringed with greenery, elemental textures of granite pavers and porcelain tiles in soft greys, are the perfect aesthetic against the reflective water. At the north end of the pool, a luxurious sun lounge sits on white pavers, positioned to allow ground cover to flourish. The selection of timbers and stone mirror the natural tones of the landscape. Texture driven plantings of soft green and grey foliage provide a calming backdrop for mauve flower spires and gossamer grasses, that catch the morning and afternoon sunlight.

The modern swimming pool is accompanied by a stunning new landscape. A formed concrete outdoor kitchen, equipped with built-in granite sink and stainless steel cooktop takes the backyard BBQ to a new 
level. The existing deck is revived and contemporary furnishings added, enhancing the tones and character of the surroundings.

The finishing touch is a fire pit with sculptural corner bench seating, which extends the entertaining zone and oozes with warmth throughout the seasons. An ideal spot for an intimate Winter wine, or a place to sit and relax on a nature bursting Spring evening.

This backyard is the perfect setting for memorable get-togethers with family and friends, or a much coveted summer pool party.

Awards

• COMMENDED •

Landscaping Victoria
Industry Awards 2022
Pool in the Landscape
Pool Design

Project Overview

Landscape Design: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Landscape Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Pool Construction: Esjay Landscapes + Pools

Photography: Elise Scott Studio

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