A coastal Auckland home’s outdoor retreat inspired by global travels

From the roadside, the home is outlined by lush, structurally planted gardens and hedges. The gardens wrap around the entrance boardwalk, complimented by existing, towering palm trees. Shafer Design Studio designed the front entrance and driveway to create a spectacular frontage to the property.

Inside, a two-storey living wall of green foliage frames the stairway. The wall cleverly integrates indoor living with the outdoor atmosphere whilst cleaning the air. Moving through, the open plan kitchen and living area stretches out onto sublime views of the outdoor space. 

Bordered by raised boundary walls which secure the clients’ privacy, the outdoor space features distinct zones for various purposes. These decisions were built around the centrepiece of the pool.

“Being an existing pool, the position was already set. Our job was to make it look fresh and new, giving the whole area a resort-style feel with different materials, creating different spaces within a large space; decked access areas, turf lounging area, and a stepped-up fire pit seating area,” explains Shafer Design Studio.

The refined design of the pool serves as a reminder of that tranquil moment in Fiji. Surrounded by a striking, subtropical planting arrangement and existing palms, it was resurfaced and a new floating pool cover and cover pit added allowing unhindered access to the deck. The pool pump shed is unobtrusively hidden away in the planting. Nearby, low-maintenance turf provides the ideal spot to laze in the sun.

A new spa pool is tucked behind a low, stone wall; a carefully-chosen material that both hides and softens the views of the spa. Moving through, a private sauna awaits in a courtyard, screened with stone walls that evoke the feeling of a naturally-formed oasis, connecting the space to the spa pool. 

In the entertainment zone, a row of seating centred around a fire pit anticipates a family evening. Palms were removed to make way for a cosy fireplace, which separates the area from the outdoor kitchen. 

“The outdoor kitchen and dining areas were a collaborative process with the architects, in which indoor-outdoor flow, sunlight, privacy and access to the pool were all carefully considered,” shares Shafer Design Studio. The clients are avid sun-lovers, so two Johnson and Couzins concertina louvre roofs were installed to offer the option of shade. 

Throughout, subtropical plants complement existing, mature foliage. “The emphasis is on colour, texture and form, creating impactful yet refined planting combinations.” 

The material palette was strategically designed in harmony with the house and its location. “Te Kuiti limestone from Island Stone was chosen, being a contrasting colour to the cedar of the house and North Island stone. The paving material followed suit, being a light colour in contrast to hardwood timber decks,” adds Shafer Design Studio. “A light and fresh resort-style environment was desired, hence light colours on walls within the similar colour palettes which reflect light, and support the vibrance of the planting.” 

The integration of innovative technology adds to the opulence. The house has a state-of-the-art Crestron automation backbone that controls heating, lighting, entertainment and security. “A multitude of ‘scenes’ can be turned on at the tap of a screen. Flick on ‘spa scene’ and the lighting in the garden sets the mood. Guests arriving for a dinner party? Turn on the appropriate setting and instantly the ambience is just right.”

The project was the result of a collaborative effort between the clients, architect, builders, stone suppliers, turf suppliers and soft landscapers to finesse every detail. Shafer Design Studio’s integrated approach ensured a cohesive design that seamlessly blurs the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “The house is part of the landscape and the landscape is part of the house.” 

“It feels restful, balanced and natural – as good design should,” concludes Shafer Design Studio.

Learn more about Shafer Design Studio