Held in Dunedin last month by Registered Master Landscapers, the 2023 Landscapes of Distinction Awards’ big winners included well-known Christchurch-based Goom Landscapes, who won a total of nine awards for four projects, while a small but elegant courtyard in Auckland’s Point Chevalier took out three top awards.
MODERNIST CHARM
Fendalton, Christchurch | Photos Sarah Rowlands
Goom Landscapes’ ‘Mid-Century Cool’ project won the Judges Special Recognition Award for a Heritage project.
The landscape surrounding this funky Fendalton home has been transformed into a harmonious oasis, seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The outdoor living space created goes beyond aesthetics, offering functionality that enhances everyday life, whether relaxing with a book in a cosy corner, entertaining guests in an inviting patio area or being immersed in nature’s tranquillity, this stunning design has it all.
Judges loved the way the deceptively simple design demonstrates a clear appreciation and thorough understanding of the mid-century aesthetic.
“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.
“This relationship is further augmented by the new ground-level deck, the shape of which complements and captures the era of the home by replicating the saw-tooth roof pitch.
“The re-use of existing paving elements and the introduction of new, period-appropriate materials fully support the design intent.
“This beautifully crafted design enhances the special character of the house in a simple, yet effective, way.”
PETITE URBAN CHIC
Point Chevalier, Auckland | Photos Mrs smith photography
‘Natural Urban Courtyard’ in Point Chevalier won three awards in total. Second Nature won the Supreme Award for Best Landscape Project of the Year and the Premier Best Horticultural Project of the Year Award for the project, while designer Andy Hamilton Studio won Best Sustainable Design for his work on the garden.
Created for a new property built on the back garden of a 1920s villa, the courtyard is compact and built within a limited budget but with no compromise on quality or feelings of lightness and space.
The project includes flowering plants, herbs and fruit trees, to provide both aesthetic pleasure and sources of food for the clients and for bees and other insects, supporting pollination in the community garden to the rear of the property.
Judges of the 2023 Landscapes of Distinction Awards said the design of this small, elegant, urban courtyard demonstrates a rare sophistication and is in perfect harmony with the architecture.
“There is a genuine attempt to reduce the footprint associated with this garden, as evidenced by the high levels of permeability, careful material selection and a desire to support pollinator species.
“There is an exceptional interest in plants for their own sake, and these have been combined with a sure hand.
“The courtyard demonstrates how even a small space can be designed to bring people and nature together in a truly delightful way.”
ALL ABOUT THE VIBE
Merivale, Christchurch | Photos Sarah Eowlands
Goom Landscapes also won the Premier Best Design Award for their work on a project titled ‘The Vibe’.
The Vibe, located in Merivale, Christchurch, is a beautifully crafted space that seamlessly blends functionality and beauty. One of the most outstanding features of this project is the incorporation of white lines, which skilfully create shelter without compromising the influx of natural light into the house.
The crowning jewel is the bespoke louvre-style roof, using glass and slats to provide control over the amount of sunlight and shade.
A cosy gas fire instantly transforms the outdoor area into a welcoming sanctuary during chilly evenings, for either relaxed solitude or socialising.