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Zone's People's Choice Awards: 2021 Outdoor Living of the Year

What better way to round out 2021 than with some landscape inspiration? These sublime creations are the winners of the 2021 Zones People’s Choice Awards in the Outdoor Living category. Check them out for inspiration for your 2022 project. But be warned. You’re likely to go green with envy.

BRONZE: Xeriscape Landscaping for Outdoor Living in Remuera, Auckland by Thelma Meyer

There’s not a green thumb to be found in this Remuera household, so easy maintenance was key when creating an outdoor living space in which to entertain friends. The solution? Xeriscaping, a no or low irrigation method of landscaping.

Decorative concrete floors and a garden reminiscent of a desert paradise ticked the box of minimal maintenance, as well as proving to be an eco-friendly choice. The entertaining area, which feels like an extension of the interior living space, possesses both an incredible design aesthetic and thoughtfully-considered functionality.

SILVER: An Outdoor Oasis in Kohimarama, Auckland by Kate Ryan

Granite stairs flanked by concrete half walls achieve a dramatic entrance to this transformed backyard escape.

An inviting entertaining space, which boasts an outdoor kitchen and louvre-covered seating, packs a design punch through the careful, but unexpected combination of original brick walls side by side with new corrugated steel planter boxes.

Tropical flora planted around the perimeter envelops the landscape and enhances the oasis feel, making for an elegant and welcoming outdoor environment.

GOLD: Modernising a Cosy Courtyard in Herne Bay, Auckland by Kate Ryan

They say the best things come in small packages and with just 50m2 to work with, every crevice of this Herne Bay garden was thoughtfully curated to create a secluded outdoor sanctuary.

A beautiful timber deck spans the length of the home, unifying the courtyard, while a custom-made louvre helps define each entertaining space. Fresh black paint, a backlit trio of laser-cut steel art installations, and the perfectly manicured greenery are the perfect coup de grace to this now modern and inviting sun deck.