A pergola roof installation in Auckland

The owner of this lovely Auckland home had some specific ideas in mind for her property’s new landscape design but needed to make it work within her budget. She met with Zones Landscaping Specialist Thelma Meyer, who supported her in achieving a functional and cost-effective result that allows for year-round outdoor use. 

“The client was looking for an undercover Clearlite roofing structure and a big clean-up in her garden”, explains Thelma. “She was also concerned about her kitchen area. It was already very dark and she didn't want the roof system to make things worse.”

“We wanted to tidy up our courtyard area and integrate an indoor/outdoor feel, as we did not use the courtyard”, adds Susan, the homeowner. “Thelma and her team were very professional. She identified a couple of different approaches. The original plan we had - Thelma highlighted issues with it and made more appropriate suggestions.”

A new landscape design

Thelma suggested that a louvre roof system, rather than Clearlite, might work better in the garden due to Susan’s tropical planting scheme. The garden included many yaccas, large palm trees and other plants that would result in many leaves and seeds falling onto the roof - making the Clearlite difficult to keep clean. After comparing the prices and benefits of each roofing system, Susan agreed that a louvre roof would be her best option. 

Thelma worked with Pacific Powder Coating to plan a customised 20m2 louvre roof in an Iron Sand colour with off-white blades.  

“Whilst waiting for the manufacturing of the louvre roof, we started with the big clean-up”, tells Thelma. “My landscaping team opened-up the overgrown garden. Because there were already plenty of big plants, we introduced medium-height and lower underplanting as well as an irrigation system. We also water blasted and painted the existing built-in seating black.”

Unfortunately, the scheduled-in delivery date of the louvre roof coincided with New Zealand’s level 4 COVID-19 lockdown. 

“I had to cancel the courier before lockdown”, explains Thelma. “We needed three days for installation of the louvre roof and only had two days before lockdown. I am always the go-getter and never want to hear the word "can't" but had to be realistic with this.” 

“The work started before the first lockdown and stopped during the lockdown”, explains Susan. “Thelma kept us informed, made practical suggestions and kept to a tight timeframe. Her team were friendly and hard-working.”  

Louvred pergola roof

With a lovely new garden to enjoy over lockdown, Susan was swiftly provided with her louvre roof when New Zealand returned to alert level 3. Her originally overgrown garden now features a beautiful variety of plants, with flowers adding pops of colour. The newly painted built-in seating now matches the framing of the louvre roof structure, resulting in an aesthetically cohesive outdoor space. 

“The end result has exceeded expectations and neighbours have given us positive feedback”, tells Susan. “We enjoy sitting outside and, when you approach the house from the side gate, the view is stunning.” 

Would you like to discuss your landscaping ideas? 

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local specialist.