Transforming an existing retirement village into a modern, high-quality waterfront living environment.

The former Maureen Plowman retirement village was comprehensively redeveloped into a contemporary retirement facility designed to support independent living, alongside access to rest home, hospital care, and shared community amenities. The project required a sensitive response within an established coastal setting, balancing redevelopment with retention of key landscape features and resident wellbeing.

Boffa Miskell was engaged to support the project in two key areas. Initially, the team provided urban design and landscape planning advice to inform and support the resource consent process. This included developing design inputs and preparing visual material, including visual simulations, to support a Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment within a complex planning context.

Client

Oceania

Location

Auckland

Worked with

Peddlethorp
HFC Structural Engineers
Larissa Moyle
Matt Henderson
MSC Consulting
Sarah Collins

Project date

2011 - 2019

Boffa Miskell’s landscape architects then carried the project through all stages of delivery, from concept design for consent through to detailed design, documentation for tender and construction, and site observation during delivery.

The landscape design focused on retaining existing mature pōhutukawa trees along the northern boundary, while creating a network of accessible communal and private outdoor spaces. These spaces were designed to support both social interaction and quieter moments, with strong consideration given to circulation, views, and usability for residents.

A carefully considered palette of materials and planting establishes a relaxed coastal character. Natural pathways weave around retained trees, connecting structured courtyard spaces with more informal garden areas. Native planting, layered gardens, and integrated seating help create a cohesive and welcoming environment throughout the development.

The result is a collection of high-quality landscape spaces that anchor the architecture within its coastal setting and support the day-to-day wellbeing of residents. The project successfully navigated a complex consenting process while delivering functional, attractive outdoor environments that enhance the overall living experience.

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