New Zealand’s Lake Taupo region is undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique and picturesque areas. A popular tourist destination, it boasts the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, is surrounded by beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and snowy peaks in winter, and is a hub for events and activities all year round. Keeping this major tourist attraction up to speed for the many tourists that visit the district every year is the job of the Taupo District Council (TDC) who have recently completed upgrades to various sections of the township by brightening and modernising them … with help from Firth.
The intersection of Roberts and Ruapehu streets is the second major CBD intersection to receive attention featuring lower, less intrusive planted areas, modern timber, stone and concrete design, and Firth’s Piazza Paver from the Firth PaveWare® Commercial Paving range.
During the consultation and design stages Fraser Scott, Landscape Architect for the TDC, said that the Council identified that the product selected must achieve three outcomes:
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A smooth, non-beveled surface for the comfort of users;
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A straight edge to create an aesthetically clean, sharp look; and
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A colour range to help highlight the colours in the Dacite stone (sourced from local Mt Tauhara) used in the stone walls and sitting rocks - a key element of the design to create a sense of place and connection to the local landscape features.
“We have worked with Firth prior to these projects because their product has proven to be of a consistently high quality and durability - two of the key requirements for public space design,” says Fraser. “The other feature has been the uniformity of the product which is vital from an installation and replacement point of view.”
Fraser says that for the various CBD upgrade projects working with Firth again has meant they have been able to customise the product to suit their requirements. “We asked our Firth contacts Greg Blank and Sara Dickenson to create a 60mm straight edge paver, not a bevelled edge, as it creates a much smoother finish for users. We have seen a growing number of mobility impaired residents and visitors to Taupo who have difficulty with the beveled edged paving which creates an uncomfortable shacking sensation for those using scooters and wheel chairs.”
“Fraser contacted the Firth Hamilton office and we were able to discuss with him the customised Piazza 60mm paver from the Commercial PaveWare® range that suited their requirements,” says Greg Blank, Waikato Sales Manager from Firth. “The colours we were able to offer the TDC matched in well with the other features used in the design. The Council chose Autumn Leaves, Hamilton Mix, Warm Earth and Graphite with all product having a honed face. The product was purchased by the TDC through their preferred Taupo merchant, Mitre 10 Mega.”
“The end result is great,” adds Greg. “I have to mention TR Construction who was the main contractor for both projects. They laid the paving on the first intersection with Pavecraft laying the second for T R Construction. The workmanship on both projects is faultless.”
“As you can see from the photos it all looks really great. We are very pleased with the result and are getting some great feedback,” adds Fraser. “Taupo was looking great last weekend when many locals and visitors enjoyed the vibrant compact CBD atmosphere and some 15,000 people enjoyed the summer concert at the Amphitheatre, many of whom followed these experiences with a refreshing dip in the great lake to get a reprieve from the summer heat.”
Principal: Taupo District Council
Customer: Mitre 10 Mega
Paving contractors: TR Construction
Location: Taupo CBD
Products: PaveWare® Piazza 60mm paver in Autumn Leaves, Hamilton Mix, Warm Earth and Graphite with a honed face
