Show-Stopping New Pool and Backyard in Mount Albert, Auckland

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Show-Stopping New Pool and Backyard in Mount Albert, Auckland

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A modest backyard in Mount Albert has been transformed into a family-friendly outdoor living and entertaining space that complements the home’s recent interior renovation.

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Repeating the Renovation Experience

Sandra and Glenn’s 1920s suburban bungalow underwent a major renovation a few years ago and they were now ready for a backyard that matched the look and luxury of their home. They wanted a space that provided ample scope for family activities and entertaining friends.

From their recent experience, Sandra and Glenn were aware of the advantages of working with a professional at every stage of the design, consent and build processes. So they contacted Freda Yang from Zones Auckland Central. After an initial consultation, and upon hearing about the Zones five-step process, they felt confident of a successful outcome.

Their confidence was well-founded because this project threw up a few curveballs in its delivery! But Freda and the Zones team had each one in hand.

Complying with Council

After taking time to understand the couple’s priorities and vision, Freda delivered the initial designs and project plan for full consultation and budget confirmation. Freda’s expertise in managing the whole process enabled Sandra and Glenn to get on with their busy lives while the project was being driven forward.

During the consenting process, the council raised an issue with the overland flow path from the planned pool position. Some effective design alterations followed, together with a drainage solution that complied with council requirements while also allowing for the outdoor entertaining space to be maximised. Sandra and Glen also opted to change the aluminium fence to a glass balustrade, increase the decking and tiling space to accommodate more guests, and create more seating through the installation of an in ground pool cover roller box. These changes came with costs, but for Sandra and Glenn, every change proved to be worthwhile.

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A Project Takes Shape

During excavations for the pool site, the digger hit rocks too solid to be moved by anything other than a rock breaker hammer. Freda’s trusted team of contractors soon resolved both that issue and addressed another - a stormwater drainage issue caused by the existing sloped driveway. Extra scoria laid under the new decking created a large drainage soakage area – all out of sight.

One of the most spectacular days on site was the delivery of the pool shell.Too big to fit down the driveway, it was lifted by crane over the boundary fence from the neighbour’s place and settled into its new home on the right side of the fence.

With space limitations and existing structures to accommodate, providing a degree of privacy and an integrated indoor/outdoor design were other challenges surmounted by Freda and the Zones team. Using Kwila hardwood for the new ground level deck, and the stairs, planter and bench seat, enhanced the sense of simplicity and unity of design, while a privacy screen separating the driveway and front yard from the pool landscape area has created a relaxed area for the family to enjoy.

Moreover, the project was kept to a tight timeline of just 10 weeks from breaking ground to completion.

A Backyard Haven

Sandra and Glenn are thrilled with the results, and how their new backyard integrates so beautifully with the existing interior design of their Mt Albert bungalow. Their children are loving the new pool and play area, and friends have been warm in their praise of the transformation.

To have had their project delivered on time and to the highest quality –with all construction and landscaping challenges met throughout the process – has certainly affirmed for Sandra and Glenn they made the right choice when contacting Freda and Zones Landscaping.