Game On

The hard landscaping at Carlaw Park unifies the complex while establishing an identity to distinguish it from the city. With various textures, shades and types of material, the paving becomes a feature.

AJ Russell Bricklayers & Aotea Paving handled the full hard landscaping contract. The firm supplied materials such as bluestone and pebbles, constructed retaining walls, did the kerb work and laid decorative footpaths. The company also built stairs to link the complex to the Auckland Domain.

In the courtyard in front of the commercial building, the firm laid honed Stoneview precast paving, interconnected by footpaths of Holland pavers, on a mixture of sand and concrete substrates. A large basalt-clad planter creates a focal point.

AJ Russell Bricklayers supplied and installed decorative in situ concrete paving in both honed and exposed aggregate finish. Basalt cobbles form bands of colour in the courtyard while textured cobbles form a chequerboard pattern for the seating areas on either side of the central door.

On the main road into the complex, low Keystone retaining walls serve a structural purpose and create visual interest. The company's role included paving the parking drop-off zones and creating the necessary, but not always popular, speed tables.

For more information, contact AJ Russell Bricklayers & Aotea Paving, 170 Marua Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1546, phone (09) 526 5800, fax (09) 526 5801. Or visit the website: www.russellbricklayers.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas