Designer Selects Vibia’s Bamboo to Brighten the Gardens of Sydney’s Government House

Beyond its staterooms, Government House’s extensive gardens offer an additional attraction for visitors. Leading landscape architect Jane Irwin recently redesigned the Eastern Terrace there, lending a more contemporary and wild look to the grounds. Almost 3,000 new plants were added, loosely grouped by colour in three beds, with an emphasis on native Australian flora. The project also opened up a clear view across the lawns, reconnecting the House to the harbour and sea beyond.

Along with new stone pavers and a restored fountain that set off the redesigned gardens, Irwin installed Vibia’s Bamboo fixtures to illuminate walkways and highlight specific plantings. Designed by Antoni Arola and Enric Rodriguez, the lamps are composed of slender stalks studded with LEDS, reminiscent of their namesake plant.

The organic profile perfectly integrates into the gardens in both form and finish, an unobtrusive accent positioned symmetrically opposite one another. During the day the fixtures double as another landscape feature; at night they cast a warm wash of light like natural haloes illuminating the gardens.

Credits
Photographer: Jackie Chan
Landscape Architect: Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture
Lighting Design: Lighting Art & Science Pty Ltd