Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis is a stunning family home and garden located on the outskirts of St Albans, Christchurch. Our clients were understandably drawn to this established residential neighbourhood where an old house once stood on a large lot, with St Albans Creek running through. Seeing potential, this property was subdivided and our clients transformed the front section into a beautiful modern home with carefully crafted spaces inside and out. Our clients had a vision for two distinct areas – an enhanced native waterway with meandering path and an outdoor entertainment backyard to compliment the modern house design. Designing within a waterway setback, on a compact site, always comes with challenges but the beautiful end result was well worth the journey. The once overgrown waterway became a lush stream habitat. Mixed height raised planters helped define the main outdoor areas, blend the house into the landscape while also providing height, depth and privacy to the backyard. On the ground plane a mix of coloured concrete flush with timber deck provided level entry access to the house and created defined intimate spaces which can also be used together for larger gatherings. Finished with a spa nook, complimentary planting and feature pots in key vistas, every part of this compact site has been designed to maximise space and provide a green backdrop to the urban environment it is nestled. ‘The design perfectly balanced creativity and functionality, complementing our home and making the most of the outdoor space. We’re thrilled with the final outcome’.