Seeking to blur the boundary between house and garden, our clients wanted their Gisborne property to feel as though the landscape flowed effortlessly from the balcony right through to the paddocks.

The north-facing deck became the heart of outdoor living — oversized lounge and dining zones invite long lunches beneath generous umbrellas, while large-format pots, deciduous creepers, and soft furnishings bring texture, shade, and seasonal colour. Bluestone paving and corten steel accents ground the design in contemporary sophistication, while broad steps cascade from the deck into the pool area, reinforcing the sense of connection between spaces.

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Beyond the pool, the front paddock was partially formalised into a park-like setting — a living, green vista viewed from above and experienced at ground level. Curved exploration paths in exposed aggregate entice both children on scooters and adults on evening strolls, weaving through mass plantings of perennials and natives. Expansive lawns, resilient to the local climate, maintain year-round freshness, while local boulders and rock elements anchor the design back to its natural setting. Utility areas are quietly screened, ensuring the eye remains on the beauty of the broader composition.

The result is a landscape that balances contemporary design with natural form — spaces for entertaining, recreation, and reflection, brought together into a timeless and enduring garden retreat.