The challenge
The narrow streetscape called for careful consideration of the façade articulation. The geometric curtain wall, inspired by tukutuku patterns, obscure the more intimate spaces within the apartments, while creating dynamic interior spaces.
“The modular façade had to reconcile split levels, stringent energy efficiency performance requirements and reduce the reflective ‘noise’ to the neighbouring occupants,” says Nicholas Dalton, director of Toa Architects. In contrast, the deep reveals of the balconies open up the living spaces to engage with the laneways below. The opportunity to utilise 100 percent of the site area was abandoned in favour of embedding a light well with a vertical garden deep within the building. A PV array on the roof generates enough energy to power much of the common-area lighting and vehicle turntable in the basement.
