By Surround Landscape Architects
The design intent for this project was to create a contemporary, low maintenance garden that seamlessly flowed between all of the individual spaces while achieving a sense of spaciousness, formality and relaxedness.
With the clients being a busy family with two young children, a range of spaces were created to allow for outdoor entertaining as well as play spaces for the children. Strong linear lines were used to accentuate the long, narrow outdoor living area and complement the linear lines of the architecture. With this area then being divided into four distinct spaces and linked together by a timber boardwalk. A central patio creates an outdoor living area that flows out from the internal dining room and kitchen. Two lawn spaces on either side of the patio provide the children with spaces to play, while the planted southern slope provides aesthetic textural interest and seasonal colour.
A row of Titoki and Japanese Maples were used along the western boundary to further accentuate the long linear site, soften the neighbouring property and provide an element of shade.
The planting palette utilises both native and exotic species to enhance the contemporary theme of the garden. Contrasting textures and grouped/massed plantings have been strongly utilised to create visual interest and weight. A palette of solely white flowering plants provides subtle seasonal interest to further enhance the simplicity of the design. Climbers were used to create green facades to soften and screen the retaining walls and fences, whilst providing a backdrop to the shrub planting in front.
Surround is a passionate, award-winning landscape architecture studio, specialising in the design of both urban and rural landscapes.
We view the design of landscapes as both a technical and aesthetic expression in problem-solving that carefully balances the overall needs of people while enhancing the natural and built environments as well as the ecological relationships inherent within a landscape.
Designing across a broad range of scales from intimate residential gardens to expansive rural and coastal sites; we bring our passion for contemporary design, sustainable practices and edible gardens to every project to create thriving and enduring landscapes. Our designs strive to empower people to engage with nature in a meaningful way to promote health and well-being. Whether that be relaxing in a tranquil setting, growing fresh organic produce or simply going for a walk through native plantings.
Based in beautiful, sunny Nelson, Surround creates landscapes throughout New Zealand.