Morphum were initially engaged by Wellington City Council (WCC) to undertake a site wide assessment (encompassing wider potential growth areas) of ecological constraints and opportunities which could influence the future development of greenfield land in Upper Stebbings Valley.

Upper Stebbings Valley comprises the headwaters of Porirua Stream and is characterised by relatively steep topography, perennial and intermittent streams, wetlands and remnant indigenous bush. Following the initial ecological constraints exercise, Morphum were engaged as part of a collaborative team including landscape architects and civil earthworks modelers to test a range of development scenarios which responded to the site to optimise development and environmental outcomes.

This was intended to provide a masterplan that was able to be consented and supported the city’s growth aspirations without undue impact on the sensitive local environment. The masterplan was therefore founded on avoiding the infilling of streams, creating clusters of medium density housing and utilising the natural character of the site to enhance community connection with nature. Guidance on integrated water outcomes included requirements for retention of excess stormwater through reuse and incorporation of focal bioretention at key points throughout the valley.

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