Porous Lane Delivers Sustainable, Low-Impact Surfacing for Te Whare Pora at Auckland Botanic Garden in Manurewa
Overview
Te Whare Pora, a significant cultural and community space, required a landscape design that expressed sustainability, honoured local heritage, and created a warm, accessible environment for all visitors.
Early discussions between the designer and Mana Whenua highlighted a preference for natural, non-traditional surfacing materials; something that would complement the whenua and minimise environmental impact. This direction created an opportunity to introduce Porous Lane, a permeable pavement made from up to 60% recycled tyres, as a naturally visual, durable, and low-impact alternative.
Client Objectives
Create an accessible, welcoming space with a soft, earthy character
Avoid traditional hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt
Reduce long-term maintenance and operational costs
Use environmentally responsible materials aligned with Auckland Council’s Zero Waste by 2040 and carbon-neutral goals
Ensure the surface could protect existing natural features,
Reflect mana whenua aspirations and the principles of Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau
The Challenge
A range of alternative natural materials were explored, including hoggin (limestone) and pea gravel. Although visually appealing, these options posed challenges: high maintenance, movement underfoot, accessibility issues, and increased lifecycle costs.
Why Porous Lane Was Chosen
Earlier in the year, Watersmart had introduced CLC Consulting to Porous Lane. When the Te Whare Pora project emerged, the fit was immediately clear.
Kurt Atkins CLC Consulting Quote
“The client’s brief was to create an accessible space with a soft, earthy character, avoiding traditional hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. We explored several options…but these were ultimately unsuitable due to long-term maintenance and operational costs. When the opportunity came up at Te Whare Pora, Porous Lane just made sense. It offered the warm, natural aesthetic both the artist and client envisioned, while also being durable, permeable, and easy to maintain.”
Choosing Porous Lane also aligned with iwi aspirations to use materials that feel grounded in place, minimise disruption to the natural environment, and reflect kaitiakitanga.
Sustainability Impact
Up to 60% recycled tyre content
Up to 79% less embodied carbon than concrete
Up to 45% less than asphalt
Permeable surface reduces stormwater impact
Long lifespan and low maintenance
Installation
150m2 of Porous Lane Red footpath was installed by Siteworks, Accredited Porous Lane Contractors, with City Care Property overseeing project delivery.
Porous Lane has delivered a natural, subtle, and culturally aligned surface that enhances the purpose of Te Whare Pora. Its warm appearance integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, while its durability and permeability ensure long-term performance.
Looking Ahead
Watersmart is proud to support projects where design, cultural values, and sustainability come together meaningfully. Porous Lane continues to expand across Aotearoa, contributing to a circular, low-impact future.
