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IN THE STARS The innovative architecture that’s shaping our future

COLOUR DECODED Clever insights on the coolest new hues

LOOKING UP Penthouse living in Auckland’s tallest building 105

106

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Welcome

t was quite a few decades ago, at intermediate school, that our class was given an assignment: design your dream room. I still remember it very clearly. I sketched out my plan for a cosy room that was somewhere up high, featuring a window with a perfect nook for people-watching. I was pretty happy with this, but became more and more deflated as my classmates presented their wildest and most fantastic scenarios, each more preposterous than the last. There were robot arms in the walls, and pits full of fantasy creatures. My 11-year-old self had not pushed the envelope at all. I still do love the simple joy of people-watching, however. And it occurs to me that all the sci-fi bells and whistles do no one any good if the room is not an easy one to live in. So thank goodness today’s visionary architects, designers and builders know precisely how to walk the line between cutting-edge and comfortable. Our special feature Forward Thinking from page 25 offers bundles of good ideas on the building and renovating trends for 2025, with the latest in decor, outdoor living, flooring and more for you to ponder. And our feature homes from page 35 are the best examples of smart design for an ideal lifestyle, such as a futuristic star-gazing deck in the Port Hills of Canterbury, a sky-high penthouse in central Auckland, and a marvel of engineering on the Christchurch coast. There’s plenty to inspire even the biggest of dreamers among us. Happy New Year!

Cassie Doherty EDITOR cassie@27publishers.co.nz

PUBLISHER

Twenty Seven Publishers Ltd lisa@27publishers.co.nz EDITOR

Cassie Doherty cassie@27publishers.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects create quality landscape designs. Based in Christchurch and Queenstown, our talented team are ready for your next residential or commercial project. kamomarsh.co.nz 03 366 8181

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Caroline Martin caroline@27publishers.co.nz

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CONTRIBUTORS

Sven Alberding, Robyn Alexander, Marty Anderson, Boxcrib Marketing, Greg Cox, Rachael Cone, Simon Devitt, Todd Eyre, Sam Hartnett, Lightforge Photography, Dean McGuigan, Tony Milne, MJS Visuals, Sarah Rowlands, Ady Shannon, Mick Stephenson, Jonathan Tillick, Nici Wickes, John Williams Photography PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch ISSN 2703-3279 (Print) ISSN 2703-4445 (Online)

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abode is published bi-monthly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. abode asserts copyright on all material published within abode and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. abode reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication. For all enquiries, please email hello@27publishers.co.nz

spaces inspired by your story We design living spaces that are beautiful, inspirational, and suit the way that you and your family like to live. From end-to-end interior design to helping you find that one perfect piece, Nextdore helps you create a space that reflects your unique style.

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Contents FE ATU RE S 16

I N S I D E S T Y LE Colour-drenching and adding flair

FORWARD THINKING : TRENDS IN 2 025 26 OUTDOOR LIVING 27 MAINTENANCE 2 8 SCREENS AND BLINDS 29 EXTERIORS 30 COOLING 31 FLOORING

Built on Trust, Proven by Results. No.1 Bayleys Canterbury Residential 2017 — 2024 Bayleys National Auction Award Winner (3 years running)

No.1 National Growth Team Performance Award Winner Over $700,000,000 of Property Sold

027 327 7298 ahteam.co.nz 6

32 WALL FINISHES 33 L ANDSCAPE DESIGN

HOME S 36

TH E S TA R G A Z E R Eye-catching beauty in Canterbury

A SEASIDE DREAM On the edge in coastal Christchurch

SUPREME SERENIT Y Crafting luxurious liveability

R E AC H F O R TH E S K I E S Penthouse living above Tāmakimakaurau

A LI V I N G C A N VA S The Queenstown home with a heart of art

R U R A L R E TR E AT A family sanctuary outside Auckland

W I TH N AT U R E I N M I N D Bold, minimalist lakeside living

S I M P LE P LE A S U R E S Breezy boho chic in Mallorca, Spain

COLU MNS 12

R O U G H M I LN E M I TC H E LL Memory and sensory

TOTA L R E A LT Y Look smart

104

G O LD E N H O M E S Building your dream home

LIFE S T YLE 96

TH E G O O D LI F E

I N TH E K I TC H E N Chilli Prawn Pasta

REG U L AR S 4

W E LCO M E

TH E H O M E PAG E

S U B S C R I B E TO abode

INSPIRING FINDS

S H O P W I N D OW

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

RRP $10.50

Architecture & Craftsmanship JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

THE TRENDS ISSUE MASTER BUILDER

SJR Builders, Hamilton

ARTISAN INTERIOR

ROCKCOTE Natural Clay Decor

PLASTERING PROFESSIONAL

Chris Baker, Plastercoat, Coromandel

ARCHITECT

Rohan Collett Architects

PLASTERING PROFESSIONAL Frame Contracting

PLASTER CLADDING SYSTEM

RCS Insulated Plaster Facade System

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A R T IS A N I N T E R I O R S

C O NST R U C T I O N PR O D U C T S

ISSUE 74

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IN THE STARS The innovative architecture that’s shaping our future

COLOUR DECODED Clever insights on the coolest new hues

LOOKING UP Penthouse living in Auckland’s tallest building

9/12/24 10:50 AM

ON THE COVER Eye-catching modernist design by Rohan Collett Architects in Tai Tapu, Canterbury. Photography: Lightforge Photography

The Home Page Social comments, musings, questions and requests from our readers C LI V I NG TH E DREAM The story Field of Dreams was a favourite with abode followers. Designed by Threefold Architecture and brought to life by Archi Build, this new family home is a delight in its glorious Wānaka location. And if you loved that, check out our incredible array of feature homes in this issue, starting from page 35.

B B E D A N D BAT H There was a lot of online love for this amazing (and very extensive) Timaru renovation by Chilton+Mayne Architecture and Nolan Building. Facebook followers especially had heart-eyes for the bedroom and bathroom, so make sure you take a look. You can always find our stunning feature homes on Facebook @abodemagazineNZ or Instagram @abode_magazine

E C OLO U R T H E O RY This fun photo shoot was curated by abode’s stylists using gorgeous pieces from Bolt of Cloth against a backdrop of Resene paint colours. From this issue, our brand new section, Inside Style, also celebrates Resene, with insights from New Zealand’s best architects and designers on their style, approach and use of colour. Check it out on page 16.

DLINE UP “Awesome project,” said one commenter, and it really is. If you missed the story, Line of Sight, about this house by Johnston Architects and DJ Hewitt Builders, it’s still online at abodemagazine.co.nz or via Facebook and Instagram. Then, be sure to avoid any FOMO by subscribing at abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or turning to page 10. There’s even a giveaway for one lucky subscriber.

B TO T H E FUTURE The festive greenery by Curated Botanics, as showcased in our November/December 2024 issue, is – unbelievably – artificial, so it stays beautiful year after year. And now that it’s January, it’s a time for looking ahead, so our Forward Thinking special feature from page 25 focuses on exciting updates, new trends and innovations for 2025.

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Auckland - 130 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell +64 9 302 2284 Christchurch - 27 Papanui Road, Merivale +64 3 366 0623 Queenstown -179a Glenda Drive +64 21 246 9980 design@matisse.co.nz - www.matisse.co.nz

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reat yourself or a friend to a year of abode (six issues) for only $57 and you’ll never miss a detail. Every bi-monthly issue of abode features inspirational architecture and interior design, plus building and renovation advice from experts around Aotearoa. Subscribe before the end of February 2025 and you could be the lucky winner of two cushions by Thread Design. From Thread Design’s Elements of Nature collection, the square Cosmic Ocean cushion and matching lumbar cushion beautifully capture the ever-changing movements of water, light and the cosmos. Designed in collaboration with New Zealand artist Melanie Field, these 100 per cent linen, feather-filled Cosmic Ocean cushions will create a serene and tranquil atmosphere in your home. Thread Design creates beautiful bedding and homeware that champions contemporary New Zealand design. Learn more at threaddesign.co.nz. Only one chance to win so go to abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or scan this QR code.

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TO N Y M I L N E Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

MEMORY AND SENSORY Creating a journey of enrichment and wellbeing requires structure as well as beauty, says Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects.

write this from Tokyo, while we are here visiting our son, Jack. As we wander the city, I am reminded of the delightful movie Perfect Days. Hirayama is very content with his simple life cleaning toilets in Tokyo. A structured routine, punctuated by unexpected encounters that reveal more of his story, and the beauty he finds around him. While I am also fond of photographing trees, as he is, and there are the many wonderful public toilets, it is the routine, ritual, respect and rhythm we experience that resonates most. Our memory and a full faculty of senses are oft taken for granted. Our current immersion in Tokyo reinforces this. Seventeen months ago, I received an email that piqued my interest, from Susan Gee and Tracey Hawkes on behalf of the Delirium and Dementia Group at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch. The email started: “We are part of a group at Burwood Hospital with an ambitious plan

to redevelop our large internal courtyard into a multipurpose garden.” I didn’t know Susan or Tracey. I do now: forthright and passionate, they are simply fantastic. Together with a dedicated hospital team, RMM in a pro bono role has ˉ been helping in the development of the Atea Whakaora/Therapeutic Outdoor Area. Post-earthquake, Burwood Hospital was rebuilt in part, with a large outdoor courtyard formed where new buildings meet old. The undeveloped and little-used courtyard had the potential to provide a valuable therapeutic space. Current healthcare planning emphasises the importance of creating a patient-focused hospital with a therapeutic environment that provides physical, emotional and spiritual comfort to all groups of users. Overwhelmingly, health-related research reinforces that simply viewing certain types of nature and garden scenes significantly

ameliorates stress within only five minutes or less. Viewing nature for longer periods not only helps patients to feel calmer, but can also foster improvement in clinical outcomes, such as reducing pain medication intake and shortening hospital stays. Unsurprisingly, studies also suggest that hospital gardens also increase staff satisfaction. A dementia-friendly garden has been co-designed so that patients will experience the space through a wonderful journey of discovery. A journey that doesn’t require them to remember why they are there or where they’ve come from. A journey that follows a brightly coloured path that winds its way through sensory, native, memory, active and hands-on gardens. A journey that draws patients from one place to the next by interest: structured, yet full of beauty. rmmla.co.nz

Jim the Builder

R ACH A E L CO N E Managing Director of Total Realty

LOOK SMART Rachael Cone of Total Realty in Otautahi Christchurch is loving the interior design trends buyers want for 2025.

t’s 2025, and with a new year come new design trends. At Total Realty we love everything about real estate, so we were excited to investigate which kitchen trends and colour schemes were tipped to be the most popular this year, according to the designers. TRENDING KITCHEN DESIGNS: Smart technology integration Advanced appliances and systems, such as smart refrigerators, voice-activated gadgets and touchless taps, are becoming increasingly popular in the modern kitchen space. Multi-functional spaces Kitchens are designed for busy families, and now incorporate larger islands that serve as cooking, dining and workspace areas. Textured surfaces The use of textured materials like stone countertops, mixed metals and patterned tiles add depth and interest to kitchen benches and splashbacks. Minimalist designs Clean lines, handleless cupboards and drawers and clutter-free benches create simplicity in look and feel.

Personalised details Custom cabinetry is becoming more desirable as it adds unique features, with designers leaning towards open shelving. To further reflect one’s individual style, statement lighting remains a crucial feature in modern homes this year.

Organic elements Still sought-after is the incorporation of natural elements such as plants, stone and timber to help create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. TRENDING COLOUR SCHEMES: While simplicity might be key in the kitchen, interior colour schemes are expected to showcase a blend of warmth and boldness, balancing tranquillity with personality. Earthy tones – yes, they are back! Warm browns, terracotta, olive greens and muted beige, promote a natural, grounded feel. Soft pastels Light hues like blush pink, soft lavender and pale mint create serene and calming environments. Bold accent colours For those wanting a more vibrant look, colours such as deep emerald, navy blue and rich burgundy are tipped as favourites for feature walls or accents when wanting to inject personality into a room. These trends aim to create spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and harmoniously blend individual style with practicality. To view some of our beautiful homes listed for sale this year, simply visit our website. We sell, you save! totalrealty.co.nz

Inspiring moments

Transform your home with REVEGO pocket systems. The highly anticipated product from Blum is available in single or double-door applications and can be used in any combination to suit your space. Visit blum.com to find more inspiring storage solutions.

www.blum.com/revego

Inside Style Colour advice from New Zealand’s best designers and architects

Make a splash Vic Bibby and Dael Brady of Napier interior design studio Bibby + Brady explain the wonders of colour drenching. WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN THIS FAMILY BATHROOM RENOVATION?

This bathroom has quite a small footprint but demanded a lot, with the bathroom needing a bath, shower, toilet and vanity, which would be used by the three children and any guests. Our challenge was to update the room while retaining the character of the old villa, and create a functional space that was also a treat to be in. We chose to colour drench the room in Resene Double Duck Egg Blue. We used Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom paint on the walls, even wrapping it onto the ceiling, with Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on the door and trims. WHY COLOUR DRENCH?

By colour drenching the room, we blurred the lines between the walls, ceiling and door, creating a seamless finish. This

elongates the room, making it appear more spacious. It’s a bold statement that creates fun and a bit of drama, but the mix of muted green, grey and blue keeps the room calm and inviting. Resene Double Duck Egg Blue was a perfect match with the vanity to continue the tonal effect, and we added hits of watermelon red and dusty pink for warmth. Choosing a mix of matt and semi-gloss paint finishes creates greater visual interest.

Project colour

Resene Double Duck Egg Blue

DO YOU USE COLOUR OFTEN?

Colour is so important to us in our design work. It has the ability to transform a space, to set the mood for a room, and depict its style and personality. Whatever mood you want to convey in a space you can do it with colour, whether that’s excitement and drama, a sense of welcome or calm… you can do all of that with paint.

PHOTOGRAPHY FLORENCE CHARVIN

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE ON USING PAINT COLOURS?

Choose a colour that brings you joy and helps to set the mood you want to convey. If you’re unsure where to start, look to your wardrobe – what do you like to wear and are drawn to in a shop? Or you could pull a colour out of a piece of art or a rug that is in the room. Look at the fixed colours in the space: flooring, curtains, furniture. If you can’t change the colour of the floor or the sofa, your walls should be harmonious with these items. Lastly, once you’ve decided on your paint colour, or have narrowed it down to two or three, order some A4 drawdowns from your Resene shop and try them in your room. Something that looks great in your friend’s home might look completely different in yours. It all depends on the amount and the direction of natural light in the room, the height of the ceilings, and other items in the room. Look at the drawdown in the corner where there are more shadows as well as the centre of the room, and look at it at different times of the day to see how it changes with the light. If you have a room that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, it may seem counterintuitive but painting it white can make the room look dull and flat. Our advice is to either embrace the darkness and choose a rich, deep tone like Resene Rebel, or choose a lighter shade with a hint of tone like Resene Del Rio.

Colour trends

Resene Eighth Blanc

WHAT’S NEW IN COLOUR TRENDS?

Although various tones of blue and green will often be staples in our designs, we’re absolutely loving warm colours right now. Soft creams and ivory, latté, warm caramels right through to deep chocolate and burgundy. You can’t help but feel cosy and cocooned. Resene Eighth Blanc is a favourite warm white with a whisper of rose beige to it. Resene Bone is a soft browny pink, and Resene Avant Garde is a gorgeous deep burgundy. bibbyandbrady.co.nz

Resene Bone

Resene Avant Garde

resene.co.nz

Setting the mood Want to add some flair? Easy, says Gerald Parsonson of award-winning Wellington studio Parsonson Architects.

IS COLOUR AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF DESIGN?

Colour expresses vibrancy, mood and personality, and adds richness to life. If budgets are tight and construction needs to be economical, a tasteful, well-chosen colour scheme can really lift the feeling and quality of a project for no extra cost. WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH?

Firstly, decide on what feeling you are after. Calm and relaxed? Warm and textural? Then select colours accordingly. It’s very easy to default to off-whites, beiges and greys, but it can be more fun and experiential to explore richer colours. Hallways between spaces, studies and bedrooms are good places to explore using more colour if you are feeling tentative.

Go-to colour

Resene Tom Thumb

TELL US ABOUT THIS PROJECT:

It’s a family holiday home in Riversdale, outside Wellington. The house exterior has been stained a weathered grey colour, like the driftwood you find at the beach, with brighter contrasting coloured panels made up of Resene Woodstock, Resene Spring Rain, Resene Charm, Resene White Pointer and Resene Stack. Interior spaces are open and light using Resene Eighth Blanc. The hallway joining the bedrooms is painted a mid-dark blue called Resene Bismark to add some richness at the centre of the house.

Project colours

Resene Woodstock

Resene Spring Rain

WHY DID YOU USE THOSE COLOURS?

The Riversdale subdivision was originally conceived as a playful European style development with flags flying, modern coastal homes and colourful flower gardens. Some 70 years later, many of the hardier flowering shrubs have survived in the gardens and dunes, and our selection of brighter exterior colours references this.

Resene Charm

Resene White Pointer

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LIKING RIGHT NOW?

I think all colours can work really well in the right context, amount or combination. If a colour is very bright, it can be used in a small amount, such as on the edge of a door or some other detail. A go-to favourite of ours is Resene Tom Thumb, which is a great green to use outside that relates to our landscapes. p-a.nz

Resene Stack

Resene Eighth Blanc

Resene Bismark

resene.co.nz

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Orchid Pot frenchcountry.co.nz Vienna Planter in Rosewood shutthefrontdoor.co.nz

Rainbow Dot Wall Planter koop.co.nz

HOT POTS Merge indoors and out with some greenery in an array of stylish pots and planters.

Boston Living Ainsley Round Planter Pot briscoes.co.nz

Blue Floral Pot frenchcountry.co.nz

Isaac Spike Planter addyandlou.co.nz 20

Glazed Porto Pot in Dark Blue shutthefrontdoor.co.nz

Groovy Flower Planter addyandlou.co.nz

Pregnant Planter thetwig.co.nz

Maliah Pot kayustudio.co.nz

Evie Planter Bag theindooroasis.co.nz

Natural Stone Planter Pot folklorestore.co.nz

Cloud Planter in Smoke achomestore.co.nz 21

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Saliya Noir Outdoor Rug alliuminteriors.co.nz

Mango Seersucker Trivet paperplanestore.com Citrus Gingham Cotton Art Tea Towel yanilenehan.com

Estelle Lumbar Cushion Cover nottinghillinteriors.co.nz

Chanel Sofa with Warwick Arlington in Duckegg stacksfurniture.co.nz

Canvas Planter Black and White Gingham incdesignstore.co.nz

GINGHAM STYLE The ever-enduring duotone pattern that’s just as bold and graphic as it is sweet and nostalgic. 22

Kawakawa Duvet Cover in Olive Gingham wallacecotton.com

Sardine Gingham Limited Edition Print by Whitney Spicer thesundaysociety.co.nz

03 347 7356 office@nathancookbuilders.co.nz

nathancookbuilders.co.nz

The team at Nathan Cook Builders’ expertise ranges from building extraordinary new homes and renovations through to creating outstanding outdoor spaces to enhance your home. Whether it is a new architectural build or an alteration, they tackle all types of projects. Your trusted local builders, servicing our community with exceptional workmanship since 2002.

FORWARD THINKING Those in the know share their advice and insights on the new ways we’ll be designing, building and renovating our homes in 2025.

Outdoor living has a softer feel this year, see page 26.

FO RWA RD T HINK ING 25

OUTDOOR LIVING When it comes to sun protection, it’s time to go with the flow, says Kate Grubb of Suncraft.

What’s new in shade solutions? The latest trend in sun protection is an emphasis on ambience, both indoors and outdoors. Architects and homeowners are moving away from more rigid permanent structures and towards soft, flowing shade solutions such as wave-shaped shades, outdoor curtains and retractable shade sails. The retractable nature of these shades allows the user to preserve natural light and maintain unobstructed views when not in use.

These shade solutions introduce a sense of fluidity and warmth that enhance the ambience of any space.

FO RWA RD T HINK ING

What’s driving this new direction? Its blend of elegance, flexibility and connection to nature. By moving towards softer, flowing shapes and retractable designs, these shade solutions introduce a sense of fluidity and warmth that enhance the ambience of any space – indoors or out. The adaptability of retractable shades is especially appealing, allowing homeowners to balance shade with natural light and unobstructed views. This flexibility is ideal for creating multifunctional outdoor spaces that feel open and inviting rather than enclosed. There’s a growing desire for outdoor spaces that feel like seamless extensions of our interiors. Smart technology has also influenced this shift, with sensors and automation making these shades more responsive to changing weather conditions and easier to control. The trend speaks to a broader lifestyle shift toward wellness, where natural light, fresh air and adaptable spaces are highly valued for enhancing our day-today experiences.

How can we get on board? This trend can be adopted at any stage of the build process, even after completion, making it versatile for both new projects and existing spaces. Choosing materials suited to the climate and opting for UV-resistant, durable fabrics ensures these shade solutions maintain their quality and style over time. This softer aesthetic appeals to a wide range of users. Homeowners looking to create an inviting outdoor living area, hospitality venues like restaurants and resorts wanting to offer stylish and comfortable shaded areas for guests, and

commercial spaces seeking a modern, welcoming atmosphere can all benefit from this approach. It is integrated into all our current and upcoming projects, leveraging our 3D simulation software to design adaptable, visually appealing shading solutions. This method has not only been popular among our clients but has also earned us recognition – recently, we won two national and two international awards for our projects.

One crucial insight is that it often only takes a small change to transform an outdoor area into a light, airy, sun-protected space. All you need is a starting point. Simply send Suncraft any photos or plans, and we’d be happy to come up with ideas tailored to your space. With flexible shading options, even a simple adjustment can make a significant impact, enhancing comfort and style outdoors. suncraft.co.nz

MAINTENANCE There’s an easy way to care for your outdoor spaces, says Tania Kragner of Husqvarna New Zealand. What is the latest lifestyle focus? We are seeing even more value being put on elevating outdoor living spaces. With strong design features extending from the house to the whole property, the ability to effortlessly enjoy all areas around the home is more of a priority than ever. Technology usage is also high, so solutions such as robotic lawnmowers are leading the way in lawn innovation. These lawnmowers incorporate cutting-edge technology while producing an outstanding result that enhances the whole look of the property. What’s driving this? Kiwis are savvy, and we have busy lives. We love the convenience, the environmental and

time-saving benefits, and the stunning lawn a Husqvarna Automower delivers. Who is adopting this trend? There is an Automower for almost any property, making an immaculate lawn an achievable goal. While the convenience factor may be a driver for others, the environmental benefits of a rechargeable, battery-powered lawn care solution appeal to all. Because a robotic lawnmower cuts the grass a little at a time and mows frequently (without you having to do anything), the mindset shift for homeowners is in realising that the weekly/fortnightly ‘weekend warrior’ effort on the lawns is a thing of the past. And

with new EPOS satellite-based technology, Automower can mow perfect stripes or even patterns (chequerboard or triangle effects) into the lawn for an eye-catching look. So many customers tell us Husqvarna Automower is a lawn care game-changer. Anyone else? They are not just for residential lawns. Commercial models can mow sports fields and stadiums (such as Liverpool FC’s grounds at the AXA Training Centre), golf courses, parks and large public spaces. You might see a Husqvarna Automower next time you tee off. husqvarna.com

HUSQVARNA AUTOMOWER®

FO RWA RD T HINK ING

MAKE MOW TIME ME TIME

husqvarna.com 27