Hidden Retreat
Urban Oasis | Dunedin | 2011
• Silver – Construction
• Bronze – Horticulture
• Bronze – Design
The McKinney Garden is a modern design response with strong lines linking well with the historic arts and crafts house. A lush area of planting provides a visual calmness when viewed from the indoor and outdoor living areas.
This is a small complex space, designed utilising vertical and horizontal interventions in order to maximise the impact and usability of the area.
This contemporary backyard incorporates mixed materials convincingly.
The judges were impressed with the quality of the exposed concrete treads from the deck down to the garden, and the use of lighting. All built to a very high standard.
The garden seems bigger than it is because of the quality of the planting. Careful placement of trees and shrubs so as to not plant out views through to neighbouring houses is a refreshing gesture, which also makes the garden seem bigger.