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Gold, Commercial Build (Up to $500,000), Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025. Manurewa, Auckland. Created by Luijten Landscaping Ltd.

Manurewa Intermediate envisioned a celestial courtyard: a seamless extension of their mathematics and science classrooms that incorporated the school’s four houses into the design. Luijten Landscaping designed four planted areas representing planetary bodies, each featuring detailed Corten steel cutouts of the house mascots, orbiting around a central sculpture of the Sun.

Railway sleepers and sculptural steel add layers and depth; multi-layered planting simulates orbits; benches that appear to float blend seamlessly with the decking, giving the impression of drifting. The school describes it as more than just a courtyard; it is an engaging experience that ignites wonder and curiosity.

Why it matters

Every Registered Master Landscaper has qualified to bear the mark, ensuring that the professional you engage is knowledgeable, responsible, and supported by a national association that upholds its standards. Locate a Registered Master Landscaper at masterlandscapers.org.nz.

Project credits

Member: Luijten Landscaping Ltd. Photography: Chris Cameron Photography. Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025.

Gold, Commercial Build (Up to $500,000), Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025. Manurewa, Auckland. Created by Luijten Landscaping Ltd.

Manurewa Intermediate envisioned a celestial courtyard: a seamless extension of their mathematics and science classrooms that incorporated the school’s four houses into the design. Luijten Landscaping designed four planted areas representing planetary bodies, each featuring detailed Corten steel cutouts of the house mascots, orbiting around a central sculpture of the Sun.

Railway sleepers and sculptural steel add layers and depth; multi-layered planting simulates orbits; benches that appear to float blend seamlessly with the decking, giving the impression of drifting. The school describes it as more than just a courtyard; it is an engaging experience that ignites wonder and curiosity.

Why it matters

Every Registered Master Landscaper has qualified to bear the mark, ensuring that the professional you engage is knowledgeable, responsible, and supported by a national association that upholds its standards. Locate a Registered Master Landscaper at masterlandscapers.org.nz.

Project credits

Member: Luijten Landscaping Ltd. Photography: Chris Cameron Photography. Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2025.

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