Plantpro Russell Hillside project

If you found yourself perched on the edge of a steep section flowing into golden beaches and blue ocean, you might think you are in a tropical resort. In reality this location is none other than Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Design Scope

It is early 2023 and Plantpro & Sons is commencing a project building a series of intricate stairs and boardwalks, to be able to access a steep section in Russell. Our goal is to turn it into a terraced blank canvas, a one-of-a-kind space ready for our clients to install their curated collection of tropical plants. This sheltered northfacing hillside on the waterfront is the perfect microclimate to grow exotic plants.

Design Process

The first stage of any project is to clarify the design scope- allowing us to put together a concept design.

It is the concept design phase of a project which gives our clients a visual representation of the initial ideas for their space. Here we consider the requirements and restrictions of each unique property to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

A number of factors had to be considered when putting together the initial concept design for this site. Our clients are passionate about tropical plants and required better use of their north-facing waterfront site. However the steep grade and limited access posed a challenge.

While walking over the site, discussions about the location and shape of the space enabled us to get a better feel for the area. Our clients were hoping to integrate previously unused corners of the property into the design and establish a large flat living space. Taking photos of the area and recording scale measurements provided the detail required to begin putting ideas to paper.

Presentation of the first concept design capturing key elements of the project led to further discussions. We noted the importance of easy access to the deck on preliminary sketches and plans. Further discussions were held following the marking out of the location of the new deck on site, resulting in additional alterations.

Approval of the developed design enabled the finalisation of finishing details. These included the balustrades and fittings which would provide a sustainable, stylish finish in the harsh oceanside conditions.

Hard landscaping to create access

When construction commenced our first step was to ease the transportation of materials between the house at the top of the section to the various terraces postioned down the cliffside.

For a couple who intend to spend a lot of time in their garden this was very important. We were creating a space which enabled the lifestyle they envisaged.

Nestled along the boundary of the property obscured from view our team installed a Geda Slope lift.

This unique piece of equipment allows the operator to cart materials directly up or down the steep section.

Hard Landscaping – Building Structures

Our next step was to construct a series of boardwalks, pathways, boxsteps, and staircases. This created safe access to the various landing points throughout the hillside.
Building different structures allowed us to create the best option for each unique area taking into account the changing grade of the cliffside. A raised boardwalk runs the length of the house at the very top of the hill.  Snaking off this boardwalk are a number of pathways which meander down the hillside. Dotted at various intervals you will find propagating sheds, water tanks and even a hot tub seamlessly integrated into the space. The descending pathways culminate in a large oval deck at the base of the hillside floating over the foreshore. The deck provides not only a great outdoor entertainment area but also access to the beach.

Finished Product

Finishing touches included:
The addition of thick rope balustrades and stainless steel fixings designed to withstand the corrosive ocean spray.

Mid 2024, what was once a inaccessable hillside is now a tropical paradise. Softened by the array of stunning exotic specimens, our hard landscaping timber structures blend into their surroundings effortlessly. This is a perfect example of how our landscaping and design knowledge work hand in hand with the clients vision to create a unique space tailored to their needs and desires.