Firth and Dricon meet European Estate

When Tony Murrell from 'Mucking In' first saw Miriam Chainey's property he felt inspired to go a little French and Italian. The Waiuku lifestyle block has sweeping views from the deck and down across the fields of purple tinged lavender bushes. Very European, and the perfect spot to create a relaxing outdoor room.

If anyone deserves to take time out it is inspirational teacher Miriam. A talented artist in her own right she has over the years, acted as a mentor, role model and friend to scores of students. She devotes many hours to ensuring that whatever the circumstances of 'her boys and girls' they have the chance to succeed and grow. In her own words Miriam says, 'Students have the ability to learn, you can't teach them anything, you can just provide the environment'.

Tony felt it was time Miriam had her own special environment so with the estates of Europe in mind, he decided to create a paved courtyard using Firth Flagstones in Autumn Leaves. These large 500 x 500mm flagstones make laying quick and easy and tied in beautifully with the existing colour of the house. Surrounded by large plaster columns that frame the new courtyard, it will give Miriam a place to draw inspiration for her own artwork.

A path from the courtyard leads to a second space where Tony constructed a reflection pool with a fountain. This is also surrounded by Firth Flagstones, is grouted using DriconHandicrete® with Dricon Rapidset™providing strong foundations for the second pavilion. By surrounding the two spaces with plants and flowing the colours of the pavers through, Tony effectively created two rooms with views.

Miriam says she doesn't know how to say thank you and that words aren't enough, but Firth and Dricon are delighted that they can add a little inspiration to an inspirational lady.