Ponsonby, Auckland

This spectacular renovation and extension of a traditional Ponsonby villa was designed in a collaborative effort by Chris Tate and Evelyn McNamara. The large footprint of the dwelling, pool and terraced decks meant that the limited garden space needed considered design to ensure an impressive result. 

Privacy was paramount to the clients' wishes, so a mature hedge of bamboo was planted in a narrow garden bed that flanks the secondary entrance. This entrance provided access to guests while entertaining poolside, via a series of platform steps through a miniature forest of tall, trimmed ficus trees.