Projects
Below are details of just a few of the projects we have undertaken. You can view our gallery page for more images of our work.
Purvis Industries
Design & Build
This recently built factory was in need of an outdoor extension to its staff meal and meeting room. The brief was to create an area where staff and on occasions, family, could enjoy fine weather during work breaks and staff functions. With no designated staff gardener, the owners wish was to keep any gardens minimal and low maintenance. The area was to be secure from the street and adjacent creek but remain open, sunny and spacious.
This was a simple design blending Firth plagstones and instant lawn. The gardens were edged with Firth cobblestones and a flagstone path linked to the smokers area with a flagstone patio.
For all its simplicity however this is a great example of the effectiveness and hardiness of instant lawn. The turf was laid mid winter in a frost prone area. The 'after' photo was taken exactly four weeks later, after the first mow. The lawn looks as if its been there forever!
Pennell, Waihi Beach, Stage 1
Design & Build
This repeat client recently sold an architecturally designed home and bought a 1970's style split level brick home and property in need of plenty of improvements! A total property makeover was requested and a full property Concept Plan was created to be implemented in 3-4 stages. The brief for this first stage included replacing existing retaining, establishing a large flat lawn and creating private, sheltered outdoor living and parking off a self contained flat being constructed downstairs. The client wanted the gardens to feature lots of large specimen rocks and low maintenance coast hardy plants.
Our challenge was, in a word, SAND! The entire property consists of sand for as deep as you can dig. Retaining posts were placed especially deep and were anchored with plenty of concrete. Truckloads of compost went in to garden beds and a generous topsoil base was established for the instant lawn. All of this capped off with an irrigation system!
We stuck to a relatively simple theme in keeping with the proposed improvements to the dwelling. The feature rocks in the gardens offer dramatic effect turning bold green when wet which contrasts wonderfully with a shell mix mulch and dark kauri stained timber. Martin couldn't resist the urge and hollowed out one rock into a stunning letterbox complete with copper street number!
Watch this space as this project unfolds...
Skinner, Athenree
Design & Build
This is an elevated family lifestyle property with wonderful vistas and a 1980's style home. Our clients greatly enjoy entertaining and their wishes were to create an outdoor dining and entertainment area adjacent to their home which could encompass a large dining table & fully housed BBQ. The gardens were to be low maintenance with easy growing plants.
Our challenge was to keep the space open and sunny, maximising the view whilst providing shelter from the prevailing wind & privacy from the driveway entrance. The main boundary fence separated this area from cattle and therefore needed to be robust but attractive. The main dining area had to be raised and retained to take the weight of plenty of parties!
We kept the theme rustic to enhance the rural surrounds and complement the dwelling and existing landscaping. Raised garden boxes border two sides of the dining area and with wide copings double as extra seating. The privacy/shelter screen incorporates a decorative panel and water feature to be enjoyed from the inside while the outside of the screen features a 'picture frame' showing off wonder island views to approaching visitors and the occupants each time they enter the car park.
John & Bev, Omokoroa
Design & Build
John & Bev needed dramatic improvements to their back porch. They wanted a dry, sheltered space which would effectively be an outside room, but give the feeling of being immersed in their already established lush gardens. The home is of a 1970's heritage and this project was to be part of a series of external improvements lending to a subtropical theme.
We designed a chunky timber pergola and kwila deck that doubled the existing size. The main feature of our design was the kwila stained batten linings which provided dappled light through the clear corrugated polycarbonate roofing and walls and helped create a intimate, tropical space beneath. A skylight was left directly above the kitchen window to prevent darkening inside and a kwila leaner was constructed facing the garden so that John could enjoy a drink while appreciating the bounty of Bevs green thumbs! Once it had had time to bleed, the kwila deck was oiled to maintain its rich deep colour.
Connolly
Design Only
