Do More With Your Backyard

Designing outdoor space to cope 
with the New Zealand climate 

“Too many New Zealanders get it wrong when it comes to designing their outdoor living space, then they wonder why their outdoor lifestyle isn’t what they thought it should be and why their families aren’t making the use of the space that they thought they would.”


Here are 5 tips from Pzazz Building experts on getting it right and making the most of your great outdoors.

New Zealand’s climate is fickle. At dawn it’s fine, by mid-morning it’s raining. In the early afternoon it’s warm but by three the temperature has plummeted. And that wind – being situated right in the path of the Roaring Forties means that it’s not just Wellington that’s windy. 


Providing outdoor space designers with plenty of challenges. Especially if you’re doing it yourself.

Despite these challenges, New Zealanders’ attitude to outdoor living has changed markedly over the years. We at Pzazz Building have been getting so many enquiries about outdoor rooms, decks and gazebos and even barns, sheds and cabins that we’ve just launched a specialist outdoor building brand, Grange Outdoor .


Got it.

Tip #1: Get to Know your Yard

“To develop the ideal outdoor living space, you need to do some research,” says Mike Bronswijk of Pzazz Building Hamilton . “You may think you know about the movement of the sun and wind across your yard but if you haven’t been using it regularly, you may be surprised at what really goes on out there.” 


Sun, wind, rain, temperature, soil quality, privacy and views all influence your enjoyment of your property, so it’s important to think about these factors in the design and construction of any outdoor living space. Mike recommends spending some time in different parts of your yard at different times of day and in different weathers to get a real feel for the conditions. You also need to take seasonal variations into consideration. 

Tip #2: Get Professional Help  

“The first impression people get of your home is the outside,” says Janeen Paynter of Pzazz Building Wellington and Hutt Valley . “But even new and freshly painted homes won’t create the impression you want if the building isn’t in harmony with your landscaping. That’s why it pays to get professional help. You wouldn’t build or renovate a house without a plan, so why would you develop the rest of your section without a well thought-out design?”


Grange Outdoor’s local owner-operators across New Zealand are the people to talk to about your outdoor living and will work with you or your own landscape designer to create the perfect space.

Tip #3: Try to achieve a balance  

“There’s no point in designing your yard to provide protection from the wind if you lose the sun or your views in the process, great outdoor design is a balancing act, taking into account all the factors that affect your site. Often there’s a need for compromise between competing factors, but fortunately we have access today to a wide range of versatile products and systems that adapt to changing conditions.”


Examples are bifold doors and louvred terrace roofs which can be opened up on fine days and closed for protection from wind and rain.

Tip #4: Design around your ideal but realistic lifestyle

“It’s said that putting in a swimming pool isn’t a good investment. But if you love entertaining, or you have a family which loves swimming, it could be the best investment you’ve ever made. 


“Unfortunately, many people have an idealised but completely unrealistic concept of what their life could be like and end up spending a fortune on outdoor elements which they never end of using.”



Tip #5: Make the most of nature  

“Being in touch with nature has been shown in study after study to be essential for your wellbeing,” says another Gavin in the Grange Outdoor group, Gavin Gardener of Pzazz Building Christchurch West and South . “One of the best ways to make a connection with nature is to make thoughtful use of trees, shrubs and other plants in your landscape design.”


That is Gavin’s forte, as he owns a gardening centre and nursery in addition to his Pzazz Building and Grange Outdoor businesses. He has the knowledge to be able to tell you which plants will not only thrive in your outdoor space but also enhance your living experience.

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