SURF'S UP AT SHELLY

Picking up on the colours of the sand, the texture of the rocks and the undulations of the waves, the redeveloped forecourt of Shelly Beach Surf Club sits seamlessly in its coastal surrounds.

The brief given to Glenn Simpson Landscapes Pty Ltd was to take the open space around the popular club, located at one of the most frequented beaches on the New South Wales Central Coast, and transform it into an attractive, user-friendly concourse that was accessible to the general public.

The project, designed by Katherine Simmons of Wyong Shire Council, involved the creation of open parkland along with extensive concrete works. Referencing the coastal locale, sandstone was the natural stone of choice. Sandstone flagging was used for an area of feature paving that marks the transition from the forecourt to the beach and sandstone blocks for the retaining walls. These walls, along with other strategically placed sandstone blocks, can be used as casual seating, together with a custom made and fitted galvanised steel and aluminium curved suspended bench seat.

Patterned concrete was used for the areas that needed to provide vehicle and pedestrian access. Curved shapes were introduced into the concrete paving to reference the rolling surf and contrasting colours to add interest. Areas of permeable paving were also introduced. This is an eco-friendly type of paving as it allows water to pass through to the plants’ root systems.

The planting involved the use of mature trees and palms as well as a well-chosen palette of groundcovers. Plants growing by the beach need to be especially hardy therefore each was chosen for its natural ability to thrive in an exposed coastal environment.

The planting palette for Shelly Beach Surf Club comprised Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) and Livistona australis (cabbage tree palm), both used as features. As you stroll around you will also find Carpobrotus glaucescens (pigface), Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’, Correa alba (white correa), Dianella caerulea (blue flax lilly), Myoporum insulare (coastal boobialla) and Spinifex longifolius (beach spinifex).

Glenn Simpson, the founder of Glenn Simpson Landscapes, is a multi-award-winning landscaper with more than 23 years’ industry experience. He is highly regarded and respected within the landscaping industry and has built a construction team made up of qualified specialist tradespeople and skilled contractors. This team embraces each project with passion to create innovative landscapes, tailored to meet the client’s individual requirements. Glenn Simpson Landscapes, whose clients run the full spectrum from council and government to commercial and residential, prides itself on providing quality workmanship, professional, personalised service and creating customised landscaping solutions.

To view more great projects by Glenn Simpson Landscapes visit www.glennsimpsonlandscapes.com.au