Posts by NBA-admin

A swimming pool often becomes the heart of a backyard — a focal point for recreation, relaxation, and entertaining. But pools also come with safety challenges, especially for families with young children or elderly relatives. It’s important to understand the regulations around pool placement, safety fencing, and visibility when planning your outdoor space. With thoughtful…

Steps take up less space, but ramps are better for anything on wheels — from wheelie bins and wheelbarrows to trikes, bikes, prams, and even mobility aids like walking frames or knee scooters. Whether you’re moving furniture, gardening, or recovering from surgery, a ramp can make life much easier. Do you know the building code…

Rain gardens are specially shaped and planted areas designed to capture and manage stormwater. They can slow and filter runoff before it enters natural waterways or hold water temporarily, allowing it to soak slowly into the ground. Designs range from simple swales to refined, engineered systems with concrete edging and layered soils. Rain gardens are…

Choosing the right plants for your property is about much more than picking whatever’s in flower at the nursery. A thoughtful planting plan ensures your landscape looks great year-round, thrives in local conditions, and supports the local ecosystem. Here are just some of the factors I consider when selecting plants for your gardens: A well-designed…

A well-designed outdoor living area extends your home beyond its walls — creating a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the seasons. Whether it’s a sunny breakfast deck, a shady afternoon lounge, or a cosy spot by the outdoor fire in winter, great outdoor living is all about comfort, flexibility, and flow. We consider sightlines,…

Hard surfaces are a key part of many outdoor spaces — guiding movement, creating gathering areas, and defining layout. Whether it’s a residential entry path, a market courtyard, a beer garden, or a staff break area, hardscapes need to be both practical and well-integrated with the wider landscape. While concrete and asphalt are widely used,…

Boundaries shouldn’t feel defensive. Whether you’re after privacy, security, shelter, or simply a backdrop to your garden, fences and hedges can shape your space in both functional and beautiful ways. A well-placed fence can screen out unwanted views, reduce wind, and provide structure — but materials and proportions matter. Likewise, hedges offer a softer, greener…

Designing a driveway isn’t as simple as covering the whole area in asphalt. The rolling terrain in South Canterbury often calls for careful grading and sometimes retaining walls. Different vehicles and trailers need enough space to manoeuvre and park safely. Too often, driveways end up looking like a desert of hardscape, making even a brand-new…

Decks and pergolas are the backbone of outdoor living in New Zealand. Whether it’s basking in the sun, seeking shelter from rain, or catching a cooling breeze, a well-designed deck and pergola lets you enjoy your garden year-round. We believe every home should have more than one outdoor space — so you can follow the…