Merging premiere reserve and sensitive coastal environments

Papamoa Domain is seen as the premiere coastal destination reserve for the community of Papamoa and its wider suburbs. The reserve is high in natural character and makes up part of a wider ecologically important coastal Duneland habitat.

The wide range of users and activities present in the reserve are indicators of the site’s importance, uniqueness and natural beauty. There is a strong connection to the coast directly east through the dunes, with beautiful views out to Motiti and Mauao. There are also views back towards Papamoa Hills, which together allude to the site’s historical connection with land and sea.

Client

Tauranga City Council

Location

Bay of Plenty

Project team

Bryan Sanson
Rebecca Ryder
Matt Peacocke
Te Pio Kawe

Worked with

Aurecon

Project date

2017 - 2018

The site is significant to the region on multiple levels; be it ecological, cultural, natural character or recreational opportunities. This makes the need to preserve and enhance the space paramount.

The landscape concept aimed to address key issues of pedestrian access and connection to wider features, disconnection of amenities, movement throughout the site and boundary definition. Leveraging from the surrounding rugged coastal framework of the site, the design focuses on enhancing the user experience by embedding circulation movements and built elements within the landscape.

The material palette takes a similar approach, using simple elements such as timber, concrete and Corten steel in organic and creative forms. This enhances the surrounding character maintaining the integrity of the space.

Paired with this, planting was selected to suit the harsh coastal environment while also integrating into the wider sensitive coastal dune habitat. These elements enhance the unique character of the site.

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