Article: Trends Magazine - May 2005
Published: May 2005
Copyright: Trends New Zealand Limited © 2005
Author: Nicola Strawbridge
Photographer: Peter Beattie
Online Article: Read
the article about Alex Schanzer Landscaping here
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A design that is sympathetic to the natural surroundings
is key to creating a successful pool and outdoor area. A pool that
sits perched above the ocean is the ultimate for many home owners.
However,
such locations
often come with site issues and inclement weather conditions.
This was the case with this pool situated on a coastal hillside.
Landscape
designer Alex Schanzer was involved from the project’s
onset. “The
owners wanted to be able to sit on their deck and enjoy an endless water-on-water
vista,” he says...
... Another crucial aspect of the owners’ brief was a design that was sympathetic to the coastal environment and able to withstand extreme weather.The area’s harsh conditions, which include constant exposure to salt spray, dictated Schanzer’s choice of plantings. “With the occasional exception I chose native coastal species that thrive in this environment,” says Schanzer. “The Nikau palms for example are a species from Little Barrier, the island on the horizon.” Poor Knights’ lillies were also specified, as they flourish on exposed cliffsides.
The site’s coastal proximity and the rocky shoreline is referenced by the use of native Kaimai stone for the wall surrounding the pool and the sides of the steps leading down from the house. Kaimai stone was also used to create a low ledge, 500mm below the pool’s waterline, where the owners’ young children can safely play.
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