The Residence – Gardens
From Leaking Farm Dam to a European-Inspired Aquatic Paradise
Some projects stay with you. Not because they were easy or because they were the biggest but because of the journey.
“The Residence” is what we’ve come to call this property. It’s a name that grew naturally out of the sheer presence and elegance of the estate and it suits it perfectly.
This story didn’t start with grandeur. It started with a leaking old dam.
Where It Began
When we first arrived onsite, the waterbody was tired and failing. Years of seepage had taken its toll and beneath the surface lay layers of sludge and heavy muck that needed to be completely removed before we could even begin rebuilding.
Decommissioning the dam was a project in itself.
Excavators worked through saturated ground, uncovering more sludge than anyone would have hoped for. Then came the rain and a significant weather event that turned the site into a mud field and tested everyone’s patience but the bigger picture kept everyone moving forward.
The clients had one request. They wanted to turn into their driveway and see waterfalls. They wanted that feeling of arriving home to moving water and the sound of that carrying across the property.
Before Photo (1) – The Residence
Before Photo (2) – The Residence
The Scale of the Build
The finished pond now sits at approximately 35 metres by 12 metres with an 11 metre by 8 metre constructed wetland working quietly behind the scenes to keep the ecosystem balanced.
To bring it all together, we installed
- Over 160 metres of pressure pipe
- Four 1-horsepower pumps, each moving close to 70,000 litres per hour
- 340 tonnes of basalt boulders
- 250 tonnes of gravel
The numbers are significant but what matters most is how it feels when you stand there.
Waterfalls That Announce Themselves
The waterfalls were designed to be seen from the driveway. They are not subtle or hidden but generous.
We placed large basalt boulders with intention creating height, structure and a sense of permanence. The water cascades over layered stone shelves, framed by European-inspired gardens that soften the power of the rock. While the gardens themselves were created by a separate team under the supervision of the owner, the way they now interact with the water feels seamless. Together the landscape feels established, as though it has always belonged there.
Walking Through the Wetland
One of our favourite parts of this project is the interactive wetland.
Given the size of the wetland, we highlighted it with steppers that allow people to walk through and see the system in action. It’s a feature that invites visitors into the ecosystem rather than keeping them at the edge.
Children love it and guests gravitate toward it. It turns filtration into an experience and gives a real sense of the life supporting the pond.
“The Residence” Wetland Steppers
More Than Just a Pond
This wasn’t simply a water feature installation.
We also built:
- A custom bridge
- Stone retaining walls
- Stone stairs that connect the landscape
Every element ties together. Nothing feels added on. It all feels considered.
And that’s a reflection of the owners. Their taste throughout the property is consistent, refined, thoughtful and elegant. Watching the estate evolve over time has been a privilege for us.
The Residence – Custom made wooden bridge
Why We Still Love Going There
We return once a month to maintain the system and every single time, it still stops us.
The sound of the waterfalls, the scale of the stone and the way the European gardens frame the water takes our breath away just as much as it did on reveal day.
The Residence – Stone Stairs
Thinking About a Pond Of Your Own?
Whether its a compact courtyard water feature, a family backyard pond or a large-scale transformation like this one the goal is always the same and that is to build something that feels right when you come home.
At Pond Works, we design and construct ponds of all sizes, from small backyard water features to large-scale estate ponds. Based in Brisbane, we also cover the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, South East Queensland, and beyond. Every pond we build is treated with the same care and attention, no matter the scale.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet garden retreat, a family-friendly pond, or a dramatic waterfall feature, we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life.
The Residence – Waterfalls (2)