Zone's People's Choice Awards: 2021 Biggest Transformation of the Year

There are endless ways to transform your property’s landscape, be it through spatial layout, plant selection, or hardscaping. But sometimes, too many opportunities can make it difficult to make any decisions, leaving you with the same landscape you wish to change. In such cases, a little inspiration tends to help. Take a look at the Zones 2021 People’s Choice Awards winners in the Biggest Transformation category to get ideas for your own project! 

BRONZE WINNER: A Japanese inspired garden in Morningside Whangarei by Jason Clarke

Inspired by pristine gardens in Japan, this once overgrown landscape is now a tranquil sanctuary. Its contemporary design is host to tiered gardens, each serving a different purpose. At the top, you’ll find raised vegetable planters; in the mid-section, a stone pathway; at the lower level, a spacious entertaining area, finished with porcelain tiles and garapa timber. And to complete the space, Cherry blossoms, Japanese maple, and azaleas establish a colourful garden, all rooted behind curved schist retaining walls that are an impressive sight on their own. 

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

This unique project turned a simple backyard into a modern outdoor living area that’s fully functional year-round. For the homeowners (who love to entertain), the dining and lounge areas are covered by a large louvre and receive further shelter from a cedar timber screen. Concrete flooring with decorative cuts enhances the comfortable and sleek space. All the while, desert plants surround in a low-maintenance garden that’s entirely self-sufficient.

GOLD WINNER: A New Outdoor Kitchen and Extensive Landscape Transformation in Parnell, Auckland by Kate Ryan

This project required a tremendous effort from multiple specialists who executed every element to a standard of excellence. The property has a significant amount of land (something relatively rare to find in the city fringe suburb of Parnell), though it had been highly underutilised. So the goal was set to repurpose the entire landscape – and that it was. A grand staircase now leads down to a spectacular outdoor kitchen and lounge area with plenty of room to entertain by the fire. Weather needn’t be considered when hosting here, as the entire space is covered by a large louvre. And while the adults are relaxing, the kids have a spacious lawn to enjoy. High-end lighting and a spa pool complete this exceptional landscape which has essentially become an extension of the home.

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