west bend HOUSE

Highways aren’t always made of concrete. The Merri Creek – which winds its way from the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and down through Naarm’s northern suburbs – is a wildlife corridor for significant populations of venomous tiger and brown snakes.

Although these species pose a risk to humans and pets, their access to dwindling habitat must be maintained.

Near Westgarth, the West Bend property descends steeply to the bubbling waters of the Merri Creek’s eastern flank, where snakes cool off during the heat of the day, or glide through undergrowth in search of small prey.

Working with MRTN Architects, SBLA Studio developed a series of terraced, endemic planting beds – buffer zones for the property’s human and snake inhabitants. Using the existing soil topography and local rocks, the terraces start with thick native grasses at the water’s edge, becoming more exposed with each elevation, allowing the residents to safely enjoy their passion for gardening.