Best residential build - South Pacific Landscapes

South Pacific Landscapes emerges victorious at the 2025 LOD Awards on completion of a five-year transformation of an historic Havelock North estate

South Pacific Landscapes has completed one of its most ambitious residential projects to date with the unveiling of Kopanga – a five-year transformation of an historic Havelock North homestead into a formal garden estate.

The project brings together classical landscape forms with contemporary materials and detailing, featuring expansive lawns, mature plantings

and structured terraces anchored by extensive hardscape works and bespoke garden features.

“This is an exceptional residential landscape that reflects both the scale and sensitivity required when working with a historic homestead of this nature,” said the judges. “The project unites formal garden structure with contemporary outdoor living, elevating the property into something truly remarkable.”

Clarity of vision

The project was driven by a clear client vision: to maximise long views with generous lawn areas, create intimate outdoor spaces for entertaining, and invest in infrastructure and planting systems for lasting, low-maintenance performance.

Kopanga’s design includes a swimming pool and spa, corten steel water features, a custom steel arbour and gates, an outdoor fire with gas igniter, and a formal kitchen garden with tonka hardwood raised planters. French limestone tiling is used extensively for patios and staircases, linking the outdoor areas with the architectural character of the homestead.

“From the moment you arrive, the entranceway begins its story,” said the judges. “The surrounding design unfolds in full view with expansive lawns, sculptural plantings, corten water features and thoughtful transitions between old and new.”

Master craftsmanship

The finished garden is an exhibition of outstanding craftsmanship. “Meticulously laid cobblestones wrap around the house, each stone individually pointed and finished. The original century-old stone wall has been lovingly restored, anchoring the landscape in

its historical context,” said the judges.

“The visual balance and technical execution across the entire site speaks to a committed and highly skilled team,” said the judges.