Andrew Trotter Landscape Designs

18/03/2019

I've been working with Vern on various landscape projects for a very long time now and are proud to say we have become friends.

Vern is approachable and honest and has a broad range of landscape construction experience under his belt.

In particular, he is great for bespoke work and draws on his many contacts and network to get the job done.

Great to see you getting out there at the Kirwee Field Days Vern!

Are you looking for a space to relax after a busy day? What better place than your own backyard! Let us guide you through the process of creating your own outdoor sanctuary.

Free consultation
Design project
Quote of the plan
Construction

www.mayfairpark.co.nz

18/03/2019

21/04/2017

In May 2016 I was engaged by well known Lyttelton locals Rushani and Jonny Bowman to assist in the development of their outdoor cafe - 'Rushani's'. This was a project they had been chipping away at...

31/10/2016

Andrew Trotter

24/02/2016

An aspect of my profession that I enjoy immensely is meeting the people of, and spending time in, rural New Zealand.

One of my favourite rural projects was for this private residence at Conway Flat (about an hour south of Kaikoura).

It seems that Conway Flat is a little bit under the radar but what a beautiful spot! This is a frost-free alluvial terrace sandwiched between the Hawkswood Range and a wild and stretching coastline. Pockets of native vegetation line deeply cut stream valleys. On a clear day, it is hard to beat the outlook from here with the lofty Kaikoura Ranges standing to the North.

A wonderfully inspirational place!

I first met the clients at the 2008 Cheviot A&P Show. They had recently completed significant extensions to their existing house and were keen to look at developing the landscape to suit the new layout and aesthetic.

The concept I presented included: connecting paths, driveway realignment and retention, a utility area, rationalising existing plantings, improving lawns and drainage, additional decking and new complementary plantings. The main event, however, would be a walled courtyard.

For this courtyard concept, the intent was to create a generous, sunny and sheltered area. An outdoor fireplace would become the main focus both functionally and aesthetically and terracotta pavers would help bring a sense of warmth to the area. Hardwood clad planters, red painted zincalume and white timber capping would all visually tie the new court space to the house.

Many thanks to the clients for allowing me to post these photos.

28/01/2016

In the early stages of construction.

27/01/2016

The Ohoka Bush project is a great example of what can be achieved by a small but committed group of like-minded individuals. Like any volunteer project, it has seen the input of many individuals over the years but much credit must go the core group (you know who you are) who have consistently poured hours of their time into the earth here.

I was first approached by a keen group of individuals who, along with the support of the Waimakariri District Council, wanted to see this mostly disused end of the domain converted into native bush. I was super happy to be invited into this project as its intent lies very close to my heart. As many will appreciate, the Canterbury region has undergone some of the most devastating loss of native flora. This initiative (and others like it) is one small but significant way to move back in the right direction.

Like many of the 'clean slate' sites of the Canterbury Plains, there are numerous challenges to overcome. Weeds are always an ongoing issue, Hares are eager to nip away at young plants and the clay pan (just under the surface) ensures the soils are either waterlogged in the winter or bone dry in the summer. To top it off, the winds can be horrendous. It is safe to say, establishing a piece of self-sustaining native bush from a flat paddock was never going to be easy!

It was a great privilege to be brought into this project near its beginnings back in 2008. Here, I had the opportunity to steer the overall vision and approach for the site.

My initial plans laid out a network of pathways and boardwalks providing circulation through and around the wetlands which are an essential aspect of this project. Apart from bringing ease of access for ongoing maintenance and revegetation work, it was very much about creating a range of habitats, seating areas, vantage points and various nooks to explore. Although revegetation is the key focus here, amenity is also very important.

Over the years, I have provided input as needed whether it be ongoing design, assisting with school planting days, or simply getting stuck in at one of the regular working bees.

Please contact me if you wish to volunteer some of your time to this valuable project - the support is always appreciated.

21/01/2016

Occasionally I like to get my hands dirty and take on the construction of a design personally. This rural potager (designed in 2005) was one such project. For a landscape designer, I believe it is incredibly valuable to have 'hands on' experience with construction.

Every time I build a project (which is not as often these days unfortunately) my appreciation for the challenges and skills of construction grows.

Translating concepts from paper to reality is not always a straight-forward process and the more rooted a design can be in the realities of building - the better the final outcome will be.

20/01/2016

This pool design uses asymmetry and simple clean lines to form a sheltered and sun-drenched corner. Texture was brought into the design with the use schist, plastered block, timber, frameless glass, exposed aggregate and smooth concrete pavers.

19/01/2016

Kia ora! Welcome to this new page for
Andrew Trotter Landscape Designs.

It makes me feel a little older saying this... BUT I first started designing landscapes back in 2001 right here under the big skies of the Canterbury Plains.

Along the way, I have met and worked for some wonderful people. I have had the privilege of facilitating and witnessing, many times, the creative process that takes us from the sketchy pencil drawing to a fully mature landscape of green-ness, comfort and enjoyment.

Over the last few months I have been revisiting some of my past projects and I will be sharing some of these right here on this page....

A big thank you to the clients who have allowed me to photograph their properties.