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Accessible Outdoor Living

Accessible Outdoor Living project – 2023

In the wake of the Covid -19 pandemic we can all attest to how important it is to be able to get outside and interact with nature, for our mental wellbeing. In an ideal world, everyone would be able to enjoy their backyard, however challenging topography, access restrictions and undeveloped virgin ground can mean not all properties are accessible for homeowners.

In early 2023 Plantpro had the pleasure of designing and constructing a wheelchair accessible outdoor living space.

Design Phase

Scope of Work

Having recently moved to a new coastal hillside property, our client required improved outdoor access. The garden areas and above-ground swimming pool were not wheelchair friendly. The existing garden included over-grown trees and shrubs which were needing some care and attention.

Design Process

Working closely with the client we developed a new series of pathways, ramps and boardwalk-style decks that allowed safe, comfortable wheelchair access to all areas of the garden. We paid specific attention to surfaces, gradients and ergonomic movement when developing our design solutions.

There was intensive discussions with the client, that ensured we met the preferred plant specification brief. These were not generally endemic to the area but paid homage to the client’s previous South Island property.

Our design improved the overall accessibility and sensory experience within the garden. We installed new user-friendly pathways and established easy access to areas and vistas that celebrate the unique features of the location of the property.

 

Construction Phase

With a final developed design approved by the client it was time to get to work. First up our maintenance team spent time preparing the site, clearing unwanted plants, and spraying out vegetative weeds, creating a blank canvas to spin botannical magic.

Hard Landscaping to create accessible outdoor living

Our team began bulilding the elevated hardwood decks and boardwalks which signalled the start of the hard landscaping phase. The Kwila boardwalks and decks create new levels at the front of the house, ensuring smooth, easy access to the lower levels of the property.

Boxing and pouring the concrete access ramps was the next stage of the project. These ramps are designed to zigzag down both sides of the house and create an accessible slope with level access to outdoor amenities such as the swimming pool and spa.  By adding a pigment to the concrete, we achieved a finished colour which complements the tones of the hardwood decking.

Soft Landscaping

 

Preparation of the gardens for planting began once the hard landscaping components were completed.  This included bringing in topsoil to form the garden beds and large rocks to edge the pathways and stabilise the steeper sections of the garden.

Once the planting was complete, bark mulch and pebbles were placed to finish the desired look and improve water retention for the gardens in this windy, coastal section.

The planting completes the natural looking contoured landscape and is designed in such a way that garden maintenance requirements are minimal.

Client Testimony

A massive thank you for your superb job creating a beautiful and functional accessible garden. The team was fantastic and I couldn’t fault them. They were accommodating, courteous, innovative, and meticulous in both the design and implementation of my new garden.

Before & After

The client now has access to all parts of the property and can enjoy various zones and sensory experiences.  Our design has not only solved the access challenges to the site but has established a high quality outdoor living space that meets the goals and specific criteria of the client.

We offer a diverse service and specialise in design, hard and soft landscape construction.