Natural Habitats were engaged by Landco Land Developments (now Todd Property Group) in 2008 to provide developed, detail and contract observation Landscape Architectural services for the reserves within the Stonefields development. Concept Plans for all reserves had been produced by James Lord of Surface Design, a San Francisco based urban design consultancy.
Stonefields is Auckland's largest master planned community encompassing 110 hectares and providing 2,900 dwellings that will house 6,500 people. Stonefields is located at the base of Maungarei (Mt Wellington) within the once Winstones Quarry.
The sculptured volcanic form of Maungarei, which towers 130 metres above sea level, and the cut bluestone cliff faces, which enclose the site on all but a couple of sides, are the outstanding features of this truly unique and massively modified site.
The design intent for the eleven neighbourhood reserves and the wetlands reserve was to create a recognisably volcanic identity which celebrates and embodies the natural and cultural heritage of the site.
It was equally important to improve the ecology of the site by re establishing a dominance of volcanic forest type vegetation and provide appropriate tree species to accommodate bird movement between the future wetland reserve (under construction) and the adjacent Waiatarua Reserve and wetland. Finally the designs had to serve the diverse open space need of the community and provide for a range of activities and experiences.
Kick-a-ball Park is a large open space and embodies the idea of play in every aspect of the design. Colourful bands of soft native grasses, oval red paths (which have enough gradient to get some speed up�if on wheels), water play (drinking fountain and dog basin), central open lawn area, compact playground with central adventure trail.
This park was only completed a few months ago, and it's a delight to see children use the park, and every inch of it, exactly how it was intended to be used. It has become a destination already for residents living outside of the Stonefields development.
Landscape Architect Debbie Tikao took her own children there on an overcast Auckland afternoon and was amazed to see the volumes of families enjoying the park already, "it was quite surreal to see the life injected into this current somewhat subdued development with the completion of this park. The children were running through the grasses, cycling on the paths, climbing the rocks, kicking soccer balls and scrambling all over the playground.
Safety has been of upmost importance with this project. The red oxide concrete paths have an acid etch finish rather than exposed to minimize grazing, extensive garden beds provide division between the playground and the road and strategic location of trees and garden beds has reduced the need for bollards. The compact playground offers something for all ages. Junior and senior play structures are linked with the adventure trail (seating, balancing, stepping, and negotiating) which incorporates volcanic forest type trees and bluestone boulders sourced from the quarry.
Volcano Park on the other hand is a passive park for rest and contemplation. It is created in reference to the area's past and present geologic condition, with emphasis on texture, colour and sculpture.
Sculptural elevated landform, jagged fractured paths, edging and scattered boulders reflect the massive volcanic form and geological history of Maungarei. While the arranged concentric rings of cut bluestone kerbing set into the level lawn and central arrangement of boulders represent more recent usage of this volcanic resource.
The jagged concrete paths accommodate pedestrian movement across the park and connect the private terrace dwellings along the rear boundary of the reserve in a meaningful creative way.
Kowhai along with volcanic forest type trees, rewarewa and puriri are complimented with
dramatic mass under-planting of native cultivars to represent the rich warm colours of this ancient landscape.
Bluestone rock form the quarry (hand selected or crushed to specification) and black oxide exposed aggregate concrete have been used and extensive subsoil drainage was developed as there was very poor on site drainage as the base of the site was sealed with clay prior to development.
Natural Habitats have worked closely with Auckland City Council and Todd Property Group throughout the design and construction process to ensure a quality end result which will stand the test of time and create a sense of meaning and community.
The function of each of the eleven neighbourhood reserves will differ, but be connected by commonality of materials, vegetation and detail.