Firth are proud to announce the two winners of the Firth 'Full of Surprises' competition run just before the NZILA Small Urban conference 2017.

The 2 categories for the competition were Urban Garden and Small Project. Entries were judged on:

• Use of concrete or masonry as part of the design
• The project used Firth concrete or masonry products
• Concrete/masonry product used in a sustainable way

Images from the finalists from each category were displayed at the Firth Stand during the conference where all the attendees also got a chance to vote on their favourite project.

Here are the winners: 

Winner of Firth Small Garden: Mark Newdick
Project Summary: The landscape design was primarily aimed at softening the boundary of the tight site by staggering the edges of the Firth concrete paving and edging to deflect the eye and blur the edges of the property. The use of concrete was also intended to complement the off form concrete walls of the ground floor of this new house. The concrete paving was formed in strips which provide access around the house, provide edging to garden beds, provide a base for the water feature and foundation for the seats which glow from underneath at night and high-light the concrete below.

Judges’ Comments: This project to us showcased how concrete forms work well and enhances other elements to create this beautiful garden – an inspiring space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Winner of Firth Urban Garden: Adrian Taylor
Project Summary: A staff courtyard extending from the cafeteria, designed to encourage regular use, emanate Farmlands ‘local industry’ ethos, promote sustainability and have strong design synergies with the interior architecture. In collaboration with Canterbury Concrete, we formulated a bespoke exposed aggregate mix to match the cork and rubber cafeteria floor tiles and integrate with the golden Accoya timber and black pergola frame. Using a sample of the floor tile, we selected a three stone mix from the Firth palette range of stone types, geologies, colours and shapes. The design strived to use materials from sustainable sources and those offering ‘green credentials’, such as Golden Bay Cement. Canterbury Concrete uses best practice to reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled water, bio-diesels and recycling waste or left over materials. Additionally, the delivery distance from supplier to site was only 4km, further reducing the carbon footprint.

Judges’ Comments: We were impressed with how Adrian looked at sustainability as a whole – right from product source, logistics, longevity of the products to project design, space and its use.

Congratulations to both Mark and Adrian! Both have won a $500 Visa Prezzy Card each. 

Judges also wanted to give special recognition to Andrew Gray for transforming the entrance to the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve. 

For full competition details and images click here