Pools & Spa

Drone's eye view of the project – showing deck, plantings and in-ground pool.

Curvaceous and connected

Relaxed day-to-day living and arresting aesthetics come together in this seamless outdoor retreat, featuring a bespoke curved pool, level-entry decking, and a lush subtropical planting palette

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A Stoked hot tub adds personal character to this seaside bathroom.

Bathing salts optional

A biophilic approach to this bathroom gives it a sophisticated coastal vibe – ridged subway tiles evoke the sandy shore, accessories hint at soft sea creature forms

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A bespoke, multi-level pool area forms part of the rear retaining wall and landscaping.

All points considered

Constraints can bring out the best in a design and this project had a few – a steeply sloping site and multi-generational occupancy were both addressed along the way to creating a warm, connected and refined home

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The covered al fresco lounge at pool side.

Subtropical serenity

Inspired by Orewa's subtropical climate and the homeowners’ appreciation for natural landscapes, this restful garden design draws influence from tropical resorts and contemporary outdoor living spaces

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Living Among the Trees

The vision for this new build involved a unified black-and-white palette which connects every material choice.

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Sussex Street

This family created their own ‘at home’ resort​

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Bridgeview Road

This cliff-edge pool maximises the breathtaking views

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Marine Parade

In the realm of pool design, achieving perfection often lies in the details, and the challenge set by the owners of this pool was nothing short of ambitious: to have the water level seamlessly aligned with the edge around the entirety of the pool.

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Monument Road

The curve of the pool echoes the topography in this Clevedon project that is both sculpture and water feature within the landscape.

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Mahoenui Valley Road

This eight-hectare property in Coatesville, with a house that stretches long across the land, called for a pool that married with the building and the backdrop – and held its own.

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Sweeping lines

One long, gentle curve transforms a linearlap pool into a sensuous haven

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The home already had a dated indoor pool – this was covered over and reinvented as a lounge area/pool house that overlooks the pool.

In step with the land

A tricky sloping site becomes a positive in this pool/landscaping project on a lifestyle property – a bench seat, fire pit and chunky pavers all feature while plantings balance structure and informality

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Exterior Lighting

Lighting Your Entryway for Safety and Style

Strategic illumination that protects and welcomes

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Choosing the Right Exterior Lighting for Your Home

Highlighting architectural features while ensuring safety and efficiency

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Lighting Around Fences and Gates

Improving visibility and deterrence with targeted lighting

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Using Exterior Lighting to Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

A guide to lighting pathways, entrances, and architectural details

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Seamless indoor-outdoor flow from the new living area out new rear deck / outdoor living space.

Decking Materials

Strong and sustainable – the decking builders are loving

Specialist bamboo importer and distributor Plantation Bamboo offers high quality, sustainable bamboo products – including game-changing Bamboo X-treme Decking

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Strong, sexy and sustainable – the magic of bamboo

Bamboo is a great choice for a wide range of building-related solutions – specialists Plantation Bamboo outline some of the key reasons

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Bamboo cladding and decking – good looks meets strength and sustainability

Spring and summer are coming, the perfect time to get your home or decking project underway – Plantation Bamboo offers a range of advanced bamboo cladding and decking products that are easy on the eye and easy to install, here are two of the most popular

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Which Decking Material Is Right for Your Landscape

Comparing options for durability, appearance, and budget

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Building Decks That Last in New Zealand Conditions

How to choose materials and avoid mistakes in deck construction

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an aluminium roofing product was used that has superior durability in a coastal environment with next to no maintenance required.

Quality of life

Aesthetics, day-to-day functionality, energy conservation and the quality of interior environment are all closely considered in this indoor-outdoor family home

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The reinvented home with the dark-stained timber cladding showing the start of the new extension.

Follow the sun

Key for this renovation/extension was an improved living and dining space which allowed for a north facing entertaining deck, seamlessly connected to the garden below

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Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor rooms that work year-round in New Zealand climates

Designing outdoor rooms that function beautifully in every New Zealand season.

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8 ways to get outdoor happy

With summer on the hazy horizon, Box looks at how to create outdoor spaces with an accent on alfresco

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Your guide to outdoor lighting

Don't be left in the dark. Here's our comprehensive guide to all you need to know about lighting the outside of your home

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Layered Lighting for Usable Outdoor Living Zones

Combine style and safety with functional outdoor lighting

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Lighting for Outdoor Entertaining Areas

Create the right mood with layered outdoor lighting

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Outdoor dining terrace clad in timber, visually aligned with the poolside area opposite.

Fresh and contemporary

Clean-lined landscape design blends seamlessly with modern architecture – outdoor entertaining, lush plantings, and thoughtful details create a serene retreat

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Outdoor Heating

Outdoor rooms that work year-round in New Zealand climates

Designing outdoor rooms that function beautifully in every New Zealand season.

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Outdoor heating options for NZ homes

How to warm outdoor spaces safely and comfortably in New Zealand’s cooler months.

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8 ways to get outdoor happy

With summer on the hazy horizon, Box looks at how to create outdoor spaces with an accent on alfresco

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Open hearted

This cliff-side home is all about year round indoor-outdoor enjoyment – pride of place in the central outdoor room is a Jetmaster Alfresco Outdoor Wood Fireplace, by The Fireplace

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Planning for Effective Outdoor Heating

Electric, gas, and radiant options compared

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Outdoor Heating Options to Extend Use of Your Space

Comparing heating methods for comfort and efficiency

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Warming Your Outdoor Living Area

Choose the right heating to enjoy evenings outside

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Modern outdoor area showcasing lounge furniture

Outdoor Living Furniture

Outdoor rooms that work year-round in New Zealand climates

Designing outdoor rooms that function beautifully in every New Zealand season.

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8 ways to get outdoor happy

With summer on the hazy horizon, Box looks at how to create outdoor spaces with an accent on alfresco

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A statement chimney gives the home huge street presence.

Butterfly effect

A refined coastal bach-meets-Airbnb features a butterfly roof which optimises a sculptural look, privacy and natural light penetration – the cladding design factors in the higher-set main house that's yet to come

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The project involved a new addition to an existing two-storey home, with a focus on passive solar design and multiple direct connections to the natural environment. The pool is a few steps from the sheltered outdoor lounge.

Nature infused

A modern home renovation blurs the lines between indoors and out – passive solar design and seamless connections create a natural living space that flows directly from kitchen and living room to pool

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The swimming pool is 5m in length and has a shallow ledge where the owner’s dogs can paddle.

Not just letting the grass grow

An under utilised front lawn becomes a highly attractive plunge pool and entertainment area that fits seamlessly into the substantially redeveloped home

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Making the Most of Outdoor Furniture in Small Spaces

How zoning and layout can elevate your outdoor areas

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Creating a Space for Outdoor Entertaining

Design a layout that works for social occasions

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Benefits of Built-in Outdoor Seating

Maximise space with permanent seating options

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Choosing Comfortable Lounge Furniture for Outdoors

Relax outside with seating that suits your space

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Choosing Outdoor Dining Furniture That Lasts

Find the right table and chairs for outdoor meals

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Love your little deck: smart outdoor furniture for small spaces

Smart furniture ideas to make the most of your deck, patio or balcony

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Outdoor fireplace with accompanying louvred roof and al fresco seating.

Fire Features

The central contemporary kitchen with flat panel cabinetry.

Restful retreat

Contemporary design meets classic accents in this generous four pavilion home with pool – each design decision was crafted to further tranquillity and a restful atmosphere

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Open hearted

This cliff-side home is all about year round indoor-outdoor enjoyment – pride of place in the central outdoor room is a Jetmaster Alfresco Outdoor Wood Fireplace, by The Fireplace

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Adding Fire Features to Create a Cosy Outdoor Zone

Tips for safe, stylish, and effective outdoor heating options

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Building facade with stone and wood cladding by Chilton Mayne

Lifestyle transformation

This reimagined farmhouse blends rustic charm with modern conveniences – spacious entertaining areas and separate sleeping wings accommodate a growing family

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Deep eaves provide shade in winter while the low winter sun still penetrates the living spaces.

Coverings

Custom concrete seating built by Natural habitats grounds the firepit zone, offering weight and a sense of permanence.

Unfolding in moments

With a single level deck replaced with layers and hero central tree retained, this garden design now unfolds in moments: covered and uncovered – sun and shade – fire and water; a sanctuary woven into daily life results

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Choosing awnings and louvres for comfort and energy efficiency

A practical guide to shading systems that make homes cooler, smarter, and more sustainable.

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Outdoor rooms that work year-round in New Zealand climates

Designing outdoor rooms that function beautifully in every New Zealand season.

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Maximising shade and airflow in Kiwi backyards

Smart ways to design outdoor spaces that stay cool, airy, and comfortable in every season.

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Balancing privacy and openness in outdoor living zones

Design strategies for creating outdoor spaces that feel inviting yet protected.

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Retractable roof systems vs fixed louvre roofs in NZ

How to choose the right roofing system for comfort, flexibility, and New Zealand’s shifting climate.

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Outdoor curtains and screens for privacy and weather control

Practical ways to add privacy and comfort while keeping outdoor spaces feeling open and breezy.

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Shade sails vs pergolas vs louvres — which suits NZ homes best?

A side-by-side comparison to help NZ homeowners choose the right shading system.

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How to control light, heat and privacy in NZ homes

Expert advice on designing outdoor spaces that adapt to New Zealand’s changing light, weather, and lifestyle.

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Flexible Outdoor Coverings for Changing Conditions

Adapt your space with retractable and adjustable options

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Choosing the Right Outdoor Covering for Your Space

Shelter your space while keeping the style seamless

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Choosing the Right Covering for Outdoor Spaces

Shade, shelter, and year-round use start with smart coverings

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Seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor living is achieved through full-height glazed doors, which allow natural light to flood the kitchen while offering uninterrupted flow to the outdoor entertaining area.

Cooking & Dining

9 outdoor kitchens that make alfresco dining easy

Cooking and entertaining outdoors has graduated from the humble BBQ to something a bit more serious.

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Setting Up an Outdoor Cooking and Dining Area

What to consider for a functional and inviting alfresco setup

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Planning an Outdoor Kitchen that Works

Create a cooking setup that suits your lifestyle outdoors

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Architectural exterior of a new home featuring its limestone cladding

Home hugs landscape

A landscape courtyard pushes into this sculptural home, interrupting the open-concept interior plan and visually separating private spaces from public areas

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Water Features

Adding a Fountain for Sound and Movement

Compact, low-maintenance options for modern gardens

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Siting Water Features Safely and Effectively

Consider visibility, maintenance, and child safety in design

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Building a Pond That Supports Plant and Wildlife

Plan for balance, function, and long-term health

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Designing a Garden Stream or Rill

Flowing water adds sound, movement, and visual rhythm

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