A key element of the design was the orientation of lots towards the expansive coastal vista while maintaining efficient infrastructure and good access to nearby public areas.

Scheme Plan of Subdivision.

Aerial photograph of Lake Ferry township showing the estuary on the southern coastline to the right and the subdivision site at the northern end of the urban perimeter to the left.

The clients owned several baches on the point at Waimoana and wished to contain each bach on its own certificate of title. As part of this process Tomlinson & Carruthers planners led a team of specialists to ensure the uniqueness of the site was maintained. While the original coastal boundary was eroded and needed to be redefined, nearby archaeological sites needed to be identified, assessed and the subdivision was designed around the sites. The result was an iconic cluster of kiwi baches in an iconic coastal setting.

A 3d digital terrain model of the Waimoana coast with the scheme plan of the site overlaid.

Photograph of the existing coastal batches. The foreshore boundary was eroded and needed to be redefined.

An aerial photograph of the site and surrounding area. The raised berms nearby are remnants of an archaeological site believed to have been a Maori coastal farming settlement.

The site presented several challenges. Being at the base of a hill and on a coastal plain, future development of the site required a design mitigating the effects on the stability of the slope and the drainage of stormwater. Tomlinson & Carruthers utilised a synergetic approach to the design incorporating the following features:

• A reserve to act as an amenity buffer between the existing Riversdale community, golf course and the coastal residential lots;
• Locating the road to maximise the building area of the lots, and minimise the potential environmental effects on neighbouring residential lots beyond the site; and
• A building template to assist purchasers with the development of lots that maximise the coastal views, privacy and stability of the site while minimising the environmental effects of stormwater and wastewater.

Working with geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, architects and landscape architects, Tomlinson & Carruthers planned the subdivision to create a greater degree of certainty for existing residents of Riversdale and potential residents so that any concerns are adequately addressed at each stage of the project.

Scheme plan of the subdivision overlaying an aerial photograph.

Scheme plan of the subdivision.

The indicative architectural sketches from Don Jamieson for the showhome to assist potential purchasers in their designs to maximise the utility of the site.

The marketing signage for the development showing the view from the site of the coast over the Riversdale community.

The client wanted to develop a subdivision close to the highly desirable Riversdale coastal resort community. The natural amphitheatre of flat land on the coast was fully developed and the closest suitable land was the bordering hills.

Tomlinson & Carruthers were approached due to our experience with developments in the area. The strategic design for the subdivision was to layout a 142 Lot subdivision where as many lots had coastal views as possible. The criterion was to ensure the subdivision was not visible from the existing Riversdale community whilst maintaining a connection with the whole community.

The firm first prepared a detailed topographical survey of the area before designing a 3D model. Based on the digital terrain model & perspective views from throughout the model, Tomlinson & Carruthers designed the lot layout, sewer & storm water system, roading design and public spaces.

As part of the resource consent process, Tomlinson & Carruthers prepared most of the environmental impact assessments, setting building location and height criteria so views in the subdivision of the coast were maintained and the views of the hills from the Riversdale community were not effected.

As with every previous subdivision in the Riversdale community, Tomlinson & Carruthers will manage the project until its completion.

For more information about the East Leigh Development, please visit the following links or view the plans and images below. Please click on the images to the left to view a closer look. The images are large and will load in a separate window.

Plan of the East Leigh Development.

Screen capture of the 3 dimensional digital terrain model showing the Riversdale coastal resort community to the left and the East Leigh Development on the hills behind.

Screen capture of the 3 dimensional digital terrain model showing the use of roading and the natural contours of the site to form an earth dam fed by the storm water system. Beyond on the hills are the building sites showing the building height restrictions that protect the views of the East Leigh and Riversdale residents.