Project Profile - Treading lightly on the land

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An Auckland family wanting to create a native sanctuary while treading lightly on the land around their Morningside home, has brought in Richard of Neville Design Studio for the project.

In the latest instalment of our occasional Project Profile series we are taking our first look at the residential project in the central Auckland suburb where Richard says the brief included the requirement to respond to the site in a sympathetic manner.

One of Richard’s concept drawings for the Morningside project.

One of Richard’s concept drawings for the Morningside project.

The job will completely transform the generous (for central Auckland) site which winds around the house and spills out on the road and front garden.

Richard says it is not without its challenges though. "The key challenge of the site is probably also the key opportunity, being on volcanic rock … the design aims to celebrate the nature of the site and reveal the volcanic nature of the land.”

The before shot - the house and garden before construction began.

The before shot - the house and garden before construction began.

Richard says the design includes a number of thoughtfully integrated spaces, that provide different outdoor living experiences. The design also creates a ‘platform’ for exploration.

He says part of the plan is to be smart with the plant selection so the garden won’t require irrigation.

For an initial look at the site and to hear more about the design, watch the video below.