The Site

The site is Lot 52, 655 Lawton Drive, Aotea. It is located approximately 1.5 hours drive west of Hamilton, close to Raglan & Kawhia, and the township itself is on a natural harbour sheltered from the open coastline.

Half of the section has already been lost to coastal erosion, not so much due to wave action but rather because of the strong tidal currents and weak soil. Getting the current seawall built was a huge project, organised by mainly by the client on behalf of the community. The seawall has a finite life-span, and there are many resource consent issues around building on the site. Maori bones have been discovered in various archaeological digs around the region, some directly beneath the site.

The site is north facing, and gets direct sunlight all day. The views to the north and open sea are great, but views to/from neighbours on either side are to be limited for privacy reasons. The clients own the piece of land directly to the left so this at least distances them from the western neighbour.

Existing vegetation is predominantly located in the north-eastern corner and along the eastern boundary, mostly planted by the client to create more privacy and strengthen the ground against erosion.

Mains power is provided on the site, but no mains water or sewage. Sewage must be stored in septic tank, currently below ground but new one would need to be above ground. Possibly could use composting toilet instead. Rainwater collection is essential.

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