Devonport Road

A town house surrounded by similar buildings and connecting concrete driveways had a narrow alley to its front door. There was no planting in this movement from street to house. We encouraged the owners to place a tall, solid gate at the beginning of the alley as the formal “front door” with digitalised access.  

The path beyond the gate is transformed into a green outdoor corridor before stepping through new french doors to the kitchen. Removing the original foyer in the house afforded more internal space and enabled a dramatic outdoor entrance of planting. The Washington Ivy dominates, clinging to walls maximizing space in the narrow corridor and seasonality. The overhead rafters create enclosure, shade in the summer and privacy from neighboring windows. Moving water is the focal point, a tranquil buffer to the noisy urban landscape beyond. A simple outdoor seat blends into the wall offering a moment in the sunshine adjacent to the busy kitchen.

2021

Tauranga

Designer: Bernice Wright