Paewhenua Island
In 2015 Jo and Richard Beddek engaged Carl to design their coastal lifestyle block in Paewhenua Island, Northland. Carl was bought in early to help position the Box Architecture house and capture stunning ocean views. Battered slopes behind the house were designed to create a vehicle turning area for boats and these slopes were planted by Carl and his team in 2015. Slopes like these benefit from a high level of site preparation (see Carl’s media article on planting clay banks) and the right selection of hardy species to ensure long-term success. Other aspects of the design included a vegetable garden and orchard, courtyards, pathways and amenity plantings around the house itself.
We employed Carl Pickens as our landscape architect for our building project and we have been extremely happy with the work he has done for us. Our project had two aspects. It was a completely blank canvas on just over an acre of land and we were bound by the requirements of council who required a very detailed plan and report for resource consent. From the very early planning stages of the project, Carl was extremely helpful and provided us with detailed plans and plant information. In a combined effort we were able to finalise a hard landscaping plan and planting plan that suits the site perfectly. On site visits we were able to take advantage of his expertise when we were finalising the orientation of the house and moving the large amounts of fill around the site in accordance with the landscaping plan. Carl is also very hands on. He arranged for the purchase of the plants for the first stage of planting and along with two others came and spent a week helping us plant. We were so grateful for this assistance. It certainly got the project underway and gave us the confidence to carry on! Carl has remained interested in our project and we are in contact as it progresses. Carl’s knowledge in all aspects of landscaping, plants and gardening methods is vast and we could not have done this project without him. We would not hesitate recommending him to other potential clients.
Richard and Jo Beddek, Paewhunua Island, Northland.