Building a Beautiful Entertainer’s Backyard in Point Chevalier, Auckland

Big Ideas

After completing a fabulous renovation inside his Point Chevalier home, Stephen was ready to elevate his outdoor living area to the same level of style and functionality. He was brimming with inspiration, envisaging a covered deck and cosy fireplace, and knew from previous experience that an expertly managed renovation was the best way to achieve his goals. Stephen contacted his local Zones Landscaping Consultant Monique Nielsen to arrange a free consultation to discuss the ultimate outdoor transformation. 

Monique met with Stephen at his home to understand the space, listen to his goals, and to explain more about the Zones process. Zones have revolutionised outdoor renovations by prioritising the needs of homeowners, delivering outstanding results on time and on budget, and by providing expert project management from design through to delivery. With such an ambitious project in mind, Stephen knew Monique’s expertise would be invaluable, so he was thrilled to welcome her onboard as his dedicated consultant.

Designing a Cohesive Space

Stephen wanted functional and versatile spaces for his family to enjoy, including a show-stopping outdoor living area they could use year round. Privacy from the newly-built townhouses next door was also a top priority. Monique and her design team set to work and created a conceptual design focused on privacy, functionality, and visual appeal.

New decking would anchor the outdoor living area and be the stage for a large outdoor fireplace and pergola with fully automated louvre roofing, integrated lighting, and an infra-red heater. As well as outdoor seating, the pergola would house a custom-made BBQ bench with integrated outdoor fridge and Weber BBQ, creating the perfect spot to entertain.

Elsewhere, a complete makeover was planned for the outdoors, including everything from artificial turf under the trampoline and a concrete pad for a spa, to edging walls with mowing strips, box planters, and a new garden shed and clothesline. Outdoor lighting run through the same app as the inside lighting programme would complete the new look, which was led by design and a clear vision.  

Transformation Underway

Stephen’s outdoor transformation was no small task, requiring 18 different trades to complete the renovation. Ordinarily it would be hugely stressful and time-consuming to secure and schedule so many different professionals, but thankfully Monique had an established network of local suppliers and tradespeople she trusted to deliver quality craftsmanship. From carpentry, paving, and fencing, to masonry, plastering, planting and much more, Monique expertly scheduled the entire project – including the council consent process.

Vitex hardwood decking was chosen for its low maintenance and hard-wearing qualities and was one of the key elements of the new design. Together with the louvre roof, fireplace, and customised BBQ area this installation would provide a key gathering space for the family, with a slatted screen to create privacy. Dozens of other thoughtful elements were installed by Monique’s expert team, including planter boxes for vegetables, upholstery for the custom seating, and concrete edge mowing strips to ensure ease of maintenance. New elements were added to the plan during the build stage, but this was design-led by Stephen, and the related budget changes were well communicated.