Paved Fire Garden 2009

-Design & Construction

 

Intention

The design is to encourage usage of the space and provide a space to shelter and relax.

 

A Shady Place

The site was a dark corner of the house where activity was limited due to the barren decrepit state it was in. It doesn't get much sunlight and can get damp in the winter.

 

Low Cost and Easy

The budget was low (under $2500) and construction was simple and minimal. The most complex part to this design is the paving and concrete edging. It was constructed over a 6-8 week period, part time in the evenings.

 

Fireplace

People have a strong connection with fire and the garden utilises this to both nurture the user and dry out the space for shelter. The fire is contained inside of a large ceramic pot that can be moved around. It can also be used to cook on with a small grill or hot plate.

 

Furniture

There are three benches that can be moved around the space. These are made of old Macracarpa railway sleepers and are quite comfortable for sitting on around the fire.

 

Life

The Punga wall has been constructed in a way so that the Punga can continue to grow and produce fern fronds for shelter. Also the embankment behind the wall has been planted with native New Zealand bush ferns with a small area or sun provided for some herbs and veges.