Porous Lane Case Study: Tree Pits - Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD
A major step forward has been taken towards a cooler, greener and healthier Auckland CBD
This Auckland Council project introduced Porous Lane tree pits into one of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors, proving that high-performance streetscape infrastructure can actively support urban tree health—without compromising the established look and feel of the CBD.
The Porous Lane surface blends seamlessly with existing streetscape materials, preserving visual continuity while delivering measurable environmental benefits. The result is a streetscape that looks familiar, performs better, and works harder for both people and trees.
Modern Environments led the delivery of this project, demonstrating leadership in innovative, climate-responsive urban design. Crucially, arborists were involved throughout the design and delivery process, ensuring the solution supports long-term tree health and safety. Their expertise helped create the right conditions for urban trees to establish faster and thrive in a challenging CBD environment.
The Challenge
Designing a solution for Mayoral Drive meant addressing multiple, often competing, demands:
Extremely high pedestrian traffic requiring a surface that withstands long-term wear
Low-maintenance performance essential for a busy city centre
Seamless integration into the existing urban design
Highly compacted soils restricting water, oxygen, and root growth
Elevated surface temperatures contributing to the urban heat island effect
The Solution
Porous Lane tree pits were selected for their ability to deliver both environmental and operational performance:
Improved water infiltration, oxygen exchange, and root zone conditions
Reduced surface temperatures, lowering the urban heat island effect by approximately 3–4°C
Creation of cooler microclimates that support faster, healthier tree growth
A durable, crack-resistant surface designed for heavy pedestrian use
Seamless integration with surrounding streetscape materials
Cold-mixed and applied on site, reducing installation complexity and minimising risk to existing trees
The Outcome
This project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed urban infrastructure can cool cities, accelerate tree growth, and enhance urban wellbeing—all while meeting the practical demands of a high-traffic CBD.