Rural
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Waimauku Clock
Nov 20 2015I was approached by the Waimauku Lions in 2010 to undertake the design of a clock/sign to provide an entrance way that represents Waimauku. I have been the lead consultant for this project (working alongside the Waimauku Lions, Local Board Chair Brenda Steele of Auckland Council and various NZTA Representatives), which has required a range of my expertise to obtain Resource Consent and NZTA approval. This project has faced many challenges, the sign location has change three times due to council regulations; and the design of the sign has been through numerous changes to follow strict regulations set by NZTA. This project is the first gateway project to be driven by a community group in the Auckland Region. We have had a lot of council support, and were very closely watched by the council as a case study for future community driven projects. The Auckland Council is wanting to see more projects of this kind succeed. To often these projects fail, due to the expense of professional fees, construction costs and council fees. That is why I felt it was important for me to offer my expertise for free, for this project. Through various meetings with Brenda and the Rodney Local Board, we obtained funding for the implementation of the landscaping component of the project. Auckland Council kept a close eye on this project, to ensure it succeeded. This project was been quite time demanding, but very enjoyable. I feel very privileged to have been asked to design and provide my expertise for a project that will forever represent the community that I call home.
The clock and landscaping was unveiled on the 7th of Novemebr 2015. For the planning stages of the project click here, and for the unveiling article in the Norwest Newsbreif click here.
Tegal Breeder Farm Landscaping
Jan 20 2014Lawton LA was contracted by Tegal to design plantings (required for Resource Consent) for a 4,000 square metre bund that wrapped around the south and east boundaries. The site also contains a managers house, which required a landscaping and planting plan.
The resource consent specified a bund and after in depth discussions with Tegal and the farm manager, it was decided natives plants would be more beneficial for the site and surrounding landscape, as apposed to a lawn bund. Cypresses were planted as a hedge along the roadside and the bund was planted with a mixture of flaxes, coprosmas, muehlenbeckia and toi tois. The plants were selected for their suitability to site conditions and ecological values to enhance the regions biodiversity.
These plantings require little maintenance. The bund has been mulched to prevent weeds from growing and the plants have been protected from hares and rabbits. An automated irrigation system also provides water for the drier periods.
The bund planting was implemented at a cost of approx. $10 a square metre. If the bund was to be lawned it would cost approx. $6-8 metre square and $6,000 per annum, or the cost of a tractor and ongoing maintenance. It will take 2-3 years to recover the cost of the planting, but the bund is also contributing 4000 square metres of ecological services to the region, vastly improving the biodiversity.
Rural Residential
Apr 22 2013Heres a look at a design currently being constructed. The client’s desire was to have a swimming pool, but the landform of the site dropped by 5m. This design was tailored to suite the onsite conditions.
Maximum Outdoor living
Apr 22 2013The result is an extra modern yet minimalistic property at the centre of two hectares of land with superb 90 degree views of Coatesville and the surrounding countryside.
Both the 410 square metre house and the half hectare garden have clean lines that create a subtle division between the landscape, enabling a natural indoor-outdoor flow throughout the whole place.The minimalistic theme with the clean lines of this design was achieved using a few varieties of plants selected for their tolerance to the conditions and their carefree nature, not requiring much maintenance.Griselinia littoralis, corokia (Frosted Chocolate) hedges, Butia capitata, Queen Palms, Cycas revoluta, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Phormium Surfer and Phormium Bronze Baby border and embellish the garden.All four outdoor areas (the pool, entertaining space under the pergola, fireplace and children area) are linked together and are virtually maintenance free. (Alfresco magazine, Autumn 2009, pg 26 – 29)
Countryside Retreat
Apr 22 2013This 7 acre lifestyle block is situated 20 minutes from Auckland CBD and is surrounded by 4 acres of natural forest with an abundance of native birds and flora.
The design blends this natural setting seamlessly with the provision of a sanctuary for the owners to retreat, entertain and relax in their private poolside garden and pergola. The design allowed for different parts of the garden to be completed in stages according to the owner’s budget over a period of 5 years.