Te Ngahoro.

Settled on a beach adjacent property the client wanted something unique and we put forward the idea to replicate the board walk design as used on a local gem known as the Coastal Walkway; more specifically the boardwalk surrounding the infamous wind wand. Utilising materials which would add character to the home and encompass the beach outlook, our team used rocks and to incorporate the boardwalk feel we used macrocarpa as the feature.

The choice to use such a wood is due to the fact that macrocarpa is a time enduring soft wood that was the perfect timber for the scope of the job. It is a relatively firm and strong timber which; in comparison to such woods as radiata pine; will not shrink or swell with changes in atmospheric humidity as commonly occurring in coastal properties.

In the construction of the boardwalk all timber used was planed to give it a raised edge which added definition to the finish. Since this look proved to be so popular with our client, we have now encompassed this look as a signature finish on all rough sawn timber edgings.

The biggest challenge we faced with this design was whether to actually use the macrocarpa; a big decision as we needed to consider that it is not commonly used for such applications and that it needs to be kept away from ground contact due to its high absorbency qualities. We overcame this challenge by ensuring good sampling and testing of the area, and in constant consultation with the client. Once we confirmed that we would go with the mac we constructed all the framework with H4 grade timber and built the boardwalk to ensure clearance of ground contact and utilising a vapor barrier.

The end result highlights the macrocarpa timber in a rustic beach feel and gave our clients peace of mind in knowing that they had a durable, environmentally low-impact and cost-effective area.

Photo Credit - Grassroots Landscape & Construction Ltd