whitaker residence
categories
residential
location
auckland, new zealand
whitaker residences
on symonds street
Another project that involves the adaptive reuse of existing vacant commercial space. In
this instance, the quirky 200sqm circular floor plate with distinctive central support
pillar, radial columns and peripheral structural brick piers become a single luxury
apartment.
The central pillar, with its rough-cast, in-situ concrete finish, becomes the space's centrepiece, with concrete contrasted against natural timber and clean white surfaces. Bedrooms and service spaces are arranged to each side of the central axis, opening into a large open-plan living space.
The challenge of getting services across to the existing service risers in the core without
disturbing the office space below was resolved with the use of raised service floors in
the bedroom and bathroom wings. This created a natural hierarchy of space with the
smaller subsidiary spaces given a more intimate vertical proportion. Steps up to these
spaces further emphasise the gradation from communal to private spaces.
By working with the developer in both the selection and procurement of fixtures and
fittings, the balance of high quality against budget limitations allowed the practice’s
pragmatic commercial approach to design to help drive the process.
The two apartments in the six-storey building, currently under construction, were sold for prices that reflect the record-breaking conditions in the Auckland housing market.
Timeline
Status
2016
Completed
client
project value
ellett investments
$1.2m