Goom Landscapes, Andy Hamilton Studio and Natural Habitats picked up Judges Recognition Awards after catching the attention of the LoD panel
Goom Landscapes’ Mid-Century Cool project was highly commended for the way it “demonstrates a clear appreciation and thorough understanding of the mid-century aesthetic”.
The objective was to create a “harmonious and functional outdoor living space that seamlessly integrates with the existing house”, said Goom’s Sarah Bradshaw.
“The client had invested in preserving the home with original era features. This inspired our design.”
Hearth tiles from the internal fire were mirrored at the entrance, while the design of the seating and decking echoed the distinctive 1960s architectural roofline.
“The sensitive insertion of new landscape features, coupled with the meticulous renovation of the circular staircase and upper deck, are in total harmony with the architecture of the house,” said the judges. “This relationship is further augmented by the new ground-level deck, which complements and captures the era of the home by replicating the roof pitch.
“This beautifully crafted design enhances the special character of the house in a simple, yet effective, way.”
Sustainable design
Andy Hamilton Studio won the Judges Recognition Sustainable Design Award for the Natural Urban Courtyard – a project for which Second Nature won the Supreme Award and Horticulture Award.
“This charming urban courtyard offers surprise and seasonal delight,” said the judges.
“There is a thoughtful and restrained selection of hard materials with an emphasis on permeability, a much-needed characteristic in dense urban settings.”
Andy said that a significant influence on the choice of hard materials was the need to minimise the extent of built elements.
“Hard landscaping has a significant ecological impact; to minimise that, we used as much permeable coverage as possible. We kept circulation routes narrow, which limits the footprint of the built form as much as possible.
The judges also praised the plant selection, which included native Oi Oi to help absorb excess surface water.
“The designer has introduced a rich, charming plant palette, and careful thought has been given to supporting the non-human occupants of the site, such as pollinators. Plants have also been selected with an eye to the unpredictable nature of the Auckland climate and arranged with deftness and skill. The overall result is a low-key, subtle, yet complex series of delightful spaces.”
A high commend landscape
Wrapping up the Judges Recognition was the Highly Commended Award for Landscape Management, which went to Natural Habitats for its work on Healthcare Park.
“This park-like landscape provides many varied spaces for employees to enjoy each other’s company or simply to sit and appreciate nature,” said the judges.
“The quality of the landscape experience reflects the depth and breadth of the skills required for its maintenance. The grounds are immaculate and the huge sweeps of perfectly pruned trees and shrubs are truly impressive.
“The drive to become more sustainable in the both the management and health of the plants is also commended; not on easy task within a landscape of this size. The overall presentation of this landscape is extraordinary, from the stormwater ponds to the beautifully clipped olive trees – the whole inspires awe and enjoyment.”
