Modern simplicity
This functional and private outdoor oasis offers optimal enjoyment all year round with minimal fuss.
On the recommendation of both her builder and interior designer, Cecilia Widjaja approached Goom Landscapes to design the outdoor areas around her family’s new home. Working on a steep, sloping site with varying heights presented a fair few challenges for Goom landscape architect, Emma Johnston.
Due to numerous height variations created by the building’s elevation, access to both the house and garage was tricky, says Emma. So too was achieving different heights in the tight space between the driveway, steps and the side access to the rear of the house, all while creating privacy from the neighbouring homes.
And, as if this wasn’t enough to test Emma’s problem-solving abilities, the Fendalton home is situated right in the middle of a flood-risk zone, so careful planning was required in order to resolve drainage issues.
Working in closely with Cecilia and her interior designer to ensure the flow between the interior and exterior spaces, Emma was able to translate their joint vision into a workable design.
‘So friendly and easy to deal with’, Cecilia says Emma was quick to respond to her ideas. On seeing Emma’s initial design, Cecilia only made one revision before giving her final approval to break ground.
Not a keen gardener, but someone who enjoys the view of the garden from inside and who, occasionally, likes sitting outside to read a good book, it was imperative that the design achieve maximum impact with minimal effort. This, Emma says, was largely solved by rolling out a perfectly manicured artificial lawn that requires very little maintenance.
Providing privacy, intimacy and visual interest, concrete block panels punctuate the long stretch of landscaping along the home’s north-facing aspect.
The vertical lines of the concrete panels were mirrored by Emma’s clever integration of a black metal screen and by maple trees planted parallel to the house; while the horizontal planes were highlighted with the use of large tiles, and the expanse of artificial lawn.
Designed especially by Emma, the beautiful black metal privacy screen is a highlight for Cecilia – who can see out, comfortable in the knowledge that no-one can see in. Cecilia’s husband’s favourite spot is the barbeque area, while their young daughter now has enough space to ride her bike around under the watchful eye of her mother from the kitchen.
For their first build and landscaping experience, Cecilia says the whole team at Goom was incredibly professional, ‘going above and beyond’ to get the job done with fabulous results.
From conception to completion, the family’s experience working with Goom was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and finishing ahead of schedule was just another bonus.
For maximum impact and minimal effort, a lush green carpet of artificial turf provides an area for lounging, while a deck made from a recycled HDPE composite creates a hard-wearing, fade-resistant, non-slip dining area off the interior living room.
And Goom’s involvement continues. Aftercare service and ongoing maintenance is all part of the package Goom can provide; and, considering that with this fee the garden is even more economical than her previous one – a garden that was half the size – Cecilia says it is ‘worth every penny’.
Having overcome all obstacles, Emma reflects on the final outcome. ‘I love the long layout of the garden that runs parallel to the living area and master bedroom.’ Offering a front row seat to the seasonal changes afforded by Emma’s careful plant selection, this is a ‘fun, vibrant space’ to be enjoyed all year round.
0800 466 657 | goom.nz
