Matilda Sutherland • June 19, 2025
Author: Mark Smith
Reading Time: 2 minutes
How We Blend Local Materials and Modern Design
By Mark Smith, Founder of Gondwana Landscaping & Stone
There’s a certain kind of beauty that only comes when you work with what’s already there.
I’ve never been one to impose. Not in life, and definitely not in landscaping.
At Gondwana, we don’t just design gardens. We listen. To the land, the materials, the way the light hits a slope at 3pm in summer. We take what’s around us and we work with it. Because to me, that’s not just landscaping. That’s respect. That’s common sense.
And honestly? That’s where the magic happens.
Local materials aren’t a trend. They’re the story.
A lot of people ask me, “Why local?”
My answer’s simple. Why wouldn’t you?
If we’ve got incredible materials growing, living, and forming right here, why drag in something that doesn’t belong? Why truck stone across the globe when we’ve got beautiful options just a few hours away?
Almost everything I build with is sourced locally, within a five-hour radius of Byron. The crazy paving might come from overseas now and then, but the core of every project is homegrown. Recycled railway sleepers from outback New South Wales. Spotted gum decking from Victorian plantations. Even the stone walls I build—most of it is picked and shaped right here on Country.
It’s not just practical. It’s personal.
When you use what’s already around you, you’re not just reducing the carbon footprint. You’re grounding the space. You’re creating a garden that feels like it belongs, because it just does.
Even with planting, I stick to what thrives here. Native, endemic species. Plants that have lived here for thousands of years. Not just because they’re low-maintenance or drought-tolerant, but because they bring life back.
In my own garden, native grevilleas keep the bees buzzing. Black cockatoos sweep through when the banksias bloom. Tiny honey eaters dart through the canopy. That’s the kind of beauty you can’t buy in a nursery catalogue. And that’s what we try to bring into every home.
Design for the land. Design for life.
A good garden should never fight the land. It should flow with it.
And a well-designed space doesn’t just look good on Instagram. It works. It invites people in. It creates moments. It turns a forgotten corner into a morning coffee spot, or a nightcap by the fire pit.
Every project we take on is different, but the goal is always the same: to create something functional, beautiful, and honest. Whether it’s a small backyard or a rural property with space to stretch, I’m always asking the same questions.
What’s the feeling we’re trying to create here?
And how can we make that happen using the land, the stone, and the layout?
Sometimes it’s undulating hills for the kids to roll down. Other times it’s steel-edged veggie beds framed by raw stone bookends. Maybe it’s a fire pit carved into a slope, or a pizza oven tucked beneath recycled timber beams.
We design with lifestyle in mind because a garden you don’t use is a missed opportunity.
Modern doesn’t mean artificial. It means intentional.
To me, modern design isn’t just straight lines and steel. It’s clarity. Flow. Function. It’s about removing the clutter and focusing on what really matters, the experience of being outside. The calm. The gathering. The connection.
Modern design and natural materials don’t need to be at odds. When done right, they bring out the best in each other. It’s a delicate dance. And that’s what I love about it.
So what can you expect when you work with us?
You can expect a crew that gives a damn.
We show up on time. We work hard. We’re honest. We care about the job. About the land. About how you feel in the space when it’s finished.
We won’t just build you a garden. We’ll help you shape an experience. Something that grows with you. Something that reflects you.
And if you ask me, that’s worth far more than the stone we lay.
Gondwana is the premium garden design & construction company in Byron Bay & Northern Rivers area
At Gondwana we craft living, breathing landscapes that tell a story. A story of harmony between structure and nature, of innovation meeting tradition, and of personalised spaces that feel like an extension of your home.
With over 28+ years of expertise in stonemasonry, native planting and full-service landscaping construction. We take pride in creating environments that don’t just look stunning but feel effortlessly functional. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat, a bold architectural statement, or a lush native haven, we bring vision, craftsmanship, and reliability to every project.
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into something truly extraordinary, let’s bring your dream landscape to life—on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.
We're not your typical gardeners, we're state-of-the-art landscapers.
At Gondwana Landscaping and Stone, we transform outdoor spaces into breathtaking, functional sanctuaries—designed with precision and built to last. We're an end-to-end landscape design & construction company:
🏡 Native Landscape Design
👷🏽♂️ Comprehensive Project Management
💐 Garden Maintenance
🪨 Paving & Stone Flagging
🪵 Retaining Walls (Timber & Stone)
💡 Outdoor Lighting
🏊♂️ Pool Surrounds
🌳 Decks & Pergolas
💦 Water Features
🚜 Earthworks & Driveways
🌱 Edible Gardens & Plant Selection
🌿 Turf Installation & Irrigation
🧱Privacy Screens, Brick & Block Work
No hidden fees or blown up budgets - Discover Gondwana
Let’s bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.
Speak to Mark today to get a design consultation!
