Small but Mighty: Transforming an Outdoor Entertaining Space in Hawke’s Bay

The Hawke’s Bay is a destination enjoyed by many for its climate and cuisine. Vicki had recently purchased her Hastings property and completed the remodelling of its interior. Next up, was the outside and Vicki had a vision of what she wanted her space to look like.

Knowing that required a redesign and remodel of the existing space, Vicki reached out to local Zones Landscaping Consultant, Steve Rush, who provided Vicki with the added bonus of managing the project. 

A vision for the outdoors

Vicki’s space was small. She had only 45 square metres to work with but she knew with the right design, she’d be able to achieve the outdoor entertaining area that would elevate her home and give her additional outdoor living space.

On her wishlist were new lawns, fencing and gates, a pergola and deck, and gardens to finish the look. Although Vicki didn’t have a budget in mind, she was aware of the surrounding homes and didn’t want to over capitalise on her property.

The ultimate outcome would be a private outdoor entertaining area in keeping with her local neighbourhood.

Landscaping a design

Taking time to understand exactly what it was that Vicki wanted to achieve - the development of an entertainment area, new gardens, and planting - Steve got to work preparing the landscape design and supporting plans. The Zones approach to landscaping projects is to ensure each one is stress free and successful for the homeowner by managing everything from concept to completion. 

Three main areas had to be considered within Vicki’s budget: paving the entertainment area; fencing the area to provide both privacy and noise reduction; and the establishment and planting of the gardens.

The project was a concise one with a fixed area being redeveloped. This made it relatively straightforward for Steve to draw up a project timeline. Access was easy so the Zones Hawke’s Bay Landscaping team was able to clear the site back to a blank canvas in good time and set it up well to bring Vicki’s desired design to life in quick fashion.

Delivered in time and with style

Steve and the team didn’t waste time. From turning the first shovel of soil to hanging the final screen, Vicki’s new outdoor courtyard and entertainment space was completed in 13 days and with great results.

Freshly laid off-white paving stones provide a contemporary canvas for complementary planting and seating. Beautiful screens that depict New Zealand native flora and fauna have been positioned both for privacy and aesthetic reasons. A centrally-placed screen stands pride of place, offset with the rustic look of carefully placed corten steel edging beneath Milan slat fencing.

The finishing touch

From landscape design to hardscaping paving, concreting, fencing, and carpentry, Steve and the Zones Landscaping Hawke’s Bay team transformed Vicki’s front courtyard from dishevelled to designer in less than two weeks, providing an attractive, welcoming, and contemporary space for Vicki to ensure all that the Hastings climate has to offer.

Steve, himself, is also pleased with the result he was able to deliver for his client, with a highlight of the project being the native screens that double as both privacy and art. The birdbath is also a nice touch!