Bottomless Corten Cylinders
The sloping contours of the Mānawa Bay site called for a planting solution that could respond to elevation changes without visual clutter or heavy retaining structures. Bottomless corten cylinders were selected and partially embedded into the landscape, allowing planting to flow naturally into the surrounding terrain.
Built Into the Landscape, Not Placed On It
Corten steel’s inherent durability makes it uniquely suited to this approach. Designed to weather rather than degrade, corten develops a stable, protective patina that performs exceptionally well in exposed coastal and landscaped environments.
At Mānawa Bay, the cylinders were dug into the hillside and planted densely, allowing native and structural planting to soften the built form over time. The result is a landscape that feels established, grounded, and intentional, even in a newly developed precinct.
As plants mature, the corten recedes visually — its warm, natural tones blending seamlessly with New Zealand’s native foliage while providing a quiet architectural frame that will continue to perform for decades.
Black Powder Coated Cubes & Columns
Where the architecture at Mānawa Bay becomes more structured and urban, black powder coated cubes and columns provide a crisp counterpoint to the surrounding landscape.
Specified in high-traffic pedestrian zones, entries, and transition spaces, these forms introduce clarity and definition without competing with the retail architecture or planting design. Their simple geometry allows them to work quietly in the background while still delivering presence and scale.
Precision Forms for Public Space
Powder coating offers a durable, uniform finish well suited to busy commercial environments. The matte black surface resists wear, reduces visual noise, and maintains a consistent appearance across large installations — essential in precincts where repetition and alignment matter.
At Mānawa Bay, cubes and columns were used to frame pathways, define edges, and support structured planting schemes. Their vertical and cubic proportions create rhythm through the site, guiding movement while reinforcing the overall design language of the precinct.
Paired alongside corten elements, the black powder coated planters provide contrast and balance — a restrained, architectural solution designed to perform under constant public use while maintaining a refined, premium aesthetic.
Why These Planters Were Specified for Mānawa Bay
Large-scale retail environments place unique demands on landscape elements. Planters must present well from day one, perform consistently under constant public use, and continue to age gracefully as planting establishes and the site matures.
At Mānawa Bay, planter selection balanced architectural intent, environmental conditions, and delivery certainty. Corten and powder coated steel were specified for their durability in a coastal, high-footfall setting, while their restrained forms allowed the planting and surrounding architecture to remain the focus.
Just as important was consistency across the precinct. Standardised planter forms enabled visual cohesion throughout the site while allowing flexibility in layout as construction programmes evolved.
Designed for Longevity, Backed by Stock
All planters supplied were designed in New Zealand with commercial installation in mind — engineered for stability, drainage, and long-term performance rather than short-term visual impact.
Access to stocked, repeatable planter sizes reduced risk late in the project, avoiding delays commonly associated with fully bespoke fabrication. This approach supports value engineering without compromising design quality — a practical advantage on projects of this scale.
The result at Mānawa Bay is a landscape that feels cohesive, grounded, and permanent — one that will continue to evolve as planting matures and the precinct settles into its coastal setting.
Ready to Complete Your Project Before the Deadline?
Our commercial stock service is designed to help you deliver on time and without compromise.
With Corten and Black Powder-Coated planters held in regular stock, we can supply large-scale projects quickly and consistently, whether you need a few finishing touches or a full site package.
Talk to our team about current availability, delivery timelines, and custom requirements.
We’re here to make sure your project crosses the finish line on schedule.