We developed a design that removed all of the different levels and materials that made the space feel small and dark. Composite deck was introduced as a hard wearing surface with a natural colour. The design lays the boards diagonally to add interest and a visual feeling of space. As native New Zealanders, our clients were keen to include tree ferns, Dicksonia Antartica, which are perfectly suited to this shady spot. We planted the tree ferns in raised Corten steel planter cubes, to lift the plants off the ground, allowing space to walk past and shadows and light to bounce beneath the architectural leaves. The focal point of the whole scheme is a bespoke Corten steel wall, planted with a variety of shade tolerant foliage, with various leaf shapes and colours. Our inspiration was drawn from geometric forms and rock faces. We looked at how we could develop the idea to make both plants and a visually strong material provide a sustainable and stunning feature wall, that also plays with depth, so the space feels a little bigger. Finally we integrated storage for toys into a large western red cedar ‘trunk’ bench, that doubles as comfortable seating with lots of cushions for relaxation and space for the barbecue to be freestanding, so that it can be moved as required.