Nick Joins the Team
July 22, 2019
Bespoke are excited to announce the appointment of Nick Slattery to our team. Nick joins us after spending a year and a half working with several public and private clients in Palmerston North. With a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Unitec, Nick will play an important role in the delivery our varied design and masterplanning projects going forward.
Playground of the Year Award for Hare Puke Playspace
May 06, 2019
We are delighted to congratulate Hamilton City Council on the Playground of the Year award for the recently completed Hare Puke Playspace. This was announced last week as part of the New Zealand Parks Awards, a process established and run by Recreation Aotearoa to 'recognise excellence, innovation, effectiveness and outstanding spaces and places that support activity within the recreation sector’. Bespoke were fortunate to play a key role in delivering the design of the Hare Puke playspace, the 4th destination playspace Bespoke has designed for Hamilton City Council, as part of their ‘Playgrounds of the Future’ programme.
Key fellow contributors to the project included Hamilton City Council, main construction by Fluhler Contracting, equipment supply and installation by Playground People and artificial turf surfacing by Team Turf.
Welcome Back Nat!
March 22, 2019
Bespoke are excited to welcome Nat Lawrence back into the team after a period overseas, based in Sydney. We are fortunate to have a landscape architect with his level of design and technical skills to further strengthen the depth of talent within our studio. As an Associate Landscape Architect, Nat will be taking a lead role on a number of current and future projects. We look forward to introducing you to him over the coming months.
Nathan Joins the Bespoke Team
March 22, 2019
Bespoke are delighted to announce the appointment of Nathan Lark. After completing his Master of Landscape Architecture degree at Victoria University, Nathan spent a year travelling around Europe before returning to NZ. With a background in construction, Nathan will play an important role in contributing to the design and documentation of our projects going forward.
Jim Barker Memorial Playground Opens
December 14, 2018
The Jim Barker memorial playground officially opened on December 9th 2018. This latest addition to the public realm in Otorohanga strongly celebrates Kiwi identity, whilst also honouring a local legend – Jim Barker. This through incorporating traditional Kiwiana icons into the playspace, two eye-catching custom play elements and a number of other kiwi classic play pieces. A wide range of play experiences are catered for throughout -children will be able to loop around the balancing beam through wetland planting, swing down the flying fox and have a splash in the water play. The new playground also caters for all ages and abilities with the provision of an accessible carousel, raised water rills and basket swing, so that no one misses out.
The playground was completed in collaboration with the Project Kiwiana Committee, Fluhler Contracting and Park Central.
Congratulations Amy
December 6, 2018
Bespoke are delighted to acknowledge the achievement for team member Amy Collingbourne of NZILA Registration. Amy has quickly became an invaluable member of our team since joining Bespoke in early 2015. It is testament to her hard work, personal drive, attention to detail and natural design talent that she has been able to achieve this significant professional milestone in such a short period of time. We can’t wait to watch her continue to grow as a landscape architect into the future.
Hare Puke and Te Huia Playspaces Complete
July 30, 2018
Bespoke is thrilled to see the completion of Hamilton’s Hare Puke and Te Huia playspaces, the latest additions to Hamilton’s Playgrounds of the Future programme. Hare Puke, a destination playspace, is located within a large suburban park. The playspace draws inspiration from the flowing forms of river and tuna (eel) and features a large climbing net structure. Children can loop around a network of balance beam trails, accessing feature equipment set within a variety of surface types. A large scooter / pump track loop provides additional challenge for kids on wheels. Te Huia is Hare Puke’s ‘little sister’, featuring similar circular and flowing forms, colours and textures to construct a setting for a range of proprietary and custom play elements. Both playspaces were completed in collaboration with Hamilton City Council and Fluhler Contracting.
Taumarunui Town Centre Concept Moves Forward
July 03, 2018
The latest concept work for the revitalisation of Taumarunui’s town centre was very well received during a public reveal on the 21st of June. These plans have now been approved by the Taumarunui / Ohura Ward Committee, and development of the concept for implementation is to go ahead. The concept work that was presented is a refinement of previous studies and was guided by engagement with a local work group of Taumarunui community-members. The group attended a series of workshops to assist in refinement of the design, informing the details of the concept to embody the spirit of Taumarunui.
Totara Heights, 'Ngahau' Complete
June 08, 2018
Totara Heights Ngahau officially opened in May 2018. Located on the northeastern corner of Eugenia Rise and Calluna Cres in Manukau, this playspace establishes a key recreation outlet for the growing surrounding neighbourhood. The playspace borders a remnant gully, and much of the playspace’s inspiration and character is derived from this natural context. Kids can meander through a centralised log scramble that pulls the gully environment up into the playspace. The project was completed for Fletcher Living as a recreational amenity adjacent to a new housing development.
Craigavon Playspace Opens
April 30, 2018
Craigavon Playspace officially opened in March 2018. Located in the southwestern corner of Craigavon Park and surrounded by mature vegetation, the new playspace draws much of its inspiration from the surrounding natural and historical context. This including the portage route for Maori through this area and the migratory path of the Kuaka (Godwit). The playspace centres around an existing Pohutukawa tree providing a respite area for parents and kids. A variety of play equipment has been provided for all ages; ranging from a water play and toddler play areas, to a more challenging play unit for adventurous kids. The project was completed for Auckland Council as a renewal of the existing playground.
Redha Joins the Bespoke Team
March 06, 2018
Bespoke are delighted to announce the appointment of Redha Kinanti to our team. Redha is a highly talented Landscape Designer with a comprehensive understanding of landscape projects ranging in size and complexity. She will play a key role in contributing to the design and development of our projects going forward, and we look forward to introducing you to her over the coming months.
Palmerston North Junior Road Safety Park Complete
January 15, 2018
Palmerston North Junior Road Safety Park officially opened in November 2017. Located in the heart of Victoria Esplanade and complete with miniature road signs, line-marking and lights, the junior road safety park will be the hub where budding cyclists head to practise before going on the road. The provision of pump track around the tree grove provides an exciting ‘off-road’ experience for kids that are a tad more adventurous. Bespoke is delighted to have been involved with this project from initial concept through to design detail stage.
Rotorua's Te Manawa Opens
October 30, 2017
Rotorua’s key new urban space Te Manawa (formerly ‘City Focus’) was officially opened by Mayor Steve Chadwick at the weekend with a morning of celebration as the Farmers Market moved into their revitalised home. Bespoke congratulates Rotorua Lakes Council for their vision and commitment to the people of Rotorua, and are pleased to have been involved with this project from initial public consultation all the way through to construction.
Milford Reserve Playspace Complete
September 01, 2017
August saw the completion of an exciting new playspace at Milford Reserve, Auckland. The playspace is in close proximity to Milford's stunning beach, and draws much of its inspiration from the surrounding natural and historical context. A key component of the design is the integration of a feature ship wreck piece, surrounded by washed up flotsam and jetsam-like crates, timber beams and cargo net play equipment. This project was completed for Auckland Council and is the first stage in the overall Reserve redevelopment.
Albany Stadium Pool Complete
December 19, 2016
Last week saw the official opening of Albany Stadium Pool, Bespoke were delighted to work alongside Auckland Council and architects Creative Spaces in the delivery of this project. Final testing and commisioning for the pools will continue over the coming month and the facility will open to the public in January 2017. The landscape creates a distinct promenade along the front facade of the building, which will eventually create a more formal connection to the adjacent stadium facility.