Hanging Garden, a 15m long ceramic mural around the pool of a robust off-form concrete house in Sydney, was a collaboration between artist Lymesmith and Neeson Murcutt Architects.
Rising above large sandstone outcrops that cuts a diagonal across the site, and a lush garden, the mural is a landscape element experienced as part of the ensemble of the house. Its color palette – of deep red, orange, and clay pink, along with white and dark blue– perfectly blends into the natural elements. In such a way, the winding wall becomes a genuine part of the garden without mimicking any part of it – it has a beautiful sense of itself, distinct, and yet absolutely belonging to this place.
On the other hand, It isn’t possible to see the entire mural at once. To encounter the artwork requires moving between the house and the pool via paths and stairs, unveiling a dialogue between the site and architecture. At the same time, it makes the handmade glazed terracotta tiles wall stand out, becoming the focal point of the whole garden, thanks to its bright colors, pattern, and texture. The warm tones, the palm trees, and the games of light reflecting from the swimming pool create an emotional and peaceful atmosphere, supporting the fullness of family life.
