This was a truly engaging project to be part of, working with Nkuku following the opening of their new lifestyle store. We were invited to shape the exterior spaces, creating an approach and arrival experience that felt as considered and crafted as the interiors themselves. The brief called for a design that balanced rustic materials with a contemporary edge, with material choices carefully informed by the surrounding agricultural landscape.
The courtyard car park was structured using timber sleepers set within a generous gravel bed, referencing practical farmyard materials while defining the spaces in a calm and informal way. Cylindrical stone walling introduces texture and rhythm, echoing the robustness of agricultural stonework, while stone steps lead visitors towards the entrance. Large-format block stone paving marks the threshold to the store, creating a strong sense of arrival and contrast against the softer gravel surroundings.
Simple slatted fencing and integrated sleeper benches complete the scheme, reinforcing the honest, functional material palette. The result is an exterior that feels grounded and authentic to its rural setting, while remaining refined and contemporary — a space that complements Nkuku’s identity and enhances the visitor experience from the moment they arrive.
