Turning an unused backyard into an entertainment hub in Auckland

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Turning an unused backyard into an entertainment hub in Birkenhead, Auckland

Landscaping specialists Matt and Boyd Gillespie were brought into transform this underutilised Birkenhead backyard into an entertainment area for the entire family

Before After
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Homeowners of this Birkenhead home decided it was time to put their underutilised backyard to good use and brought in Landscaping Specialists Matt and Boyd Gillespie to transform it into the perfect entertainment spot. 

The bespoke landscape design

Matt and Boyd managed the entire project from start to finish. As they were not quite sure of what could be achieved on this site, Matt & Boyd began by engaging Outdure to design a decking system over a sloping site where native trees resided. This included a 3D scan of the site to enable very accurate measurements. Once this was completed, Matt & Boyd walked the clients through their project plan, and only once they were completely satisfied to move forward, did they complete the planning and kick the project into action.

Matt, Boyd, and their team sourced and installed all materials needed for the landscaping project. “We used Stop Digging ground screws which eliminated costly excavation and concrete work with the added positive that we avoided damage to any tree roots,” Matt explains. “Once that was in order, we used an Outdure aluminium frame to create the structure and finished off by laying artificial turf on the Outdure frame.”

“Our clients wanted artificial turf so their small dogs had an area to play outside without tracking mud back into the house,” elaborates Matt. “By using Outdure, it eliminated the need for costly retaining walls and importing fill which would have been near impossible on this site”

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Louvred pergola roof installation

Next, they sourced and installed a PPC louvre roof so that the space could be enjoyed even during harsher weather conditions. “We also extended the existing deck and installed a Glass Vice balustrade,” says Matt. This really adds an elegance to the space.

Matt and Boyd liaised with several of their preferred partners during this project, including Pacific Outdoor Solutions for the louvre installation, Outdure for the deck building, Glass Vice for the Balustrade, JBS electrical, and Stop Digging for ground screws and pile foundations. By working with Zones, the homeowner only had to communicate with Matt and Boyd, leaving the trades and suppliers to them. This takes the majority of the stress off the homeowner’s plate, allowing them to focus on more important things. It also ensures that only companies with the best reputation and highest quality goods and services are used.

The final result

When asked about the end result, Matt says “I really have to credit the Zones design process. By taking the time to design and go through all the options, it produced a great outcome that many other builders would have put in the ‘too hard’ basket.”

“It came out really well,” Matt reveals. “We added a lot of usable space to a slope that was basically unusable prior to the landscaping! By using Outdure’s great design and building system, we added a lot of value to this property.” 

Thinking of landscaping?

If you’re feeling inspired and want to get started on your own landscaping project, get in touch with your local Zones specialist today for a free consultation!

This project was completed in
June 2020
.
Project description
Entertainment and deck area
Location
North Shore
New Zealand
Client
Project duration
4 weeks
Cost estimate
30000
Actual cost
60000
Challenges
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Matt Gillespie is Landscaping Consultant of Gillespie Landscapers Ltd, a franchisee of Zones Outdoor Renovations Ltd, doing business in the North Shore.

Boyd Gillespie is Landscaping Consultant of Gillespie Landscapers Ltd, a franchisee of Zones Outdoor Renovations Ltd, doing business in the North Shore.

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