Now selling—Arthaus, Parnell.

Winton, who specialise in integrated and fully master-planned communities across Aotearoa, selected Isthmus to plan and design a boutique residential project on a corner of Parnell Road. Arthaus has been designed to complement the existing character of the area and offers five luxurious apartments within easy reach of local amenities. The building will gently increase density in this urban setting.

The architecture responds to, and respects, the surrounding heritage buildings through the use of materials and depth of the elevations—from a heavy, basalt-like brick base, the building is rhythmically clad in pale porcelain. The apartments themselves have been shaped in four ways—first by the grid of the façade; second the generous balconies oriented to the north; thirdly by stretching the glazing to the absolute limit to fully connect with the landscape and the sky; and finally by creating open and generous volumes.

For more information about the design visit Isthmus’ Arthaus project page and Winton’s website. (Visualisations by One to One Hundred).

Ō2NL Cultural & Environmental Design Framework

Infrastructure projects can provide huge opportunities to uplift and enhance landscape values. Isthmus has been working with Waka Kotahi, iwi partners Muaūpoko and hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, and project collaborators to ensure that the design for Ōtaki to north of Levin highway (Ō2NL) treads lightly with the whenua and leaves an enduring legacy in replacing one of the most dangerous sections of State Highway 2 in Aotearoa. Landscape improvements will be locked into the project through a Cultural and Environmental Design Framework (CEDF) and ongoing design audit process.

The current version of the CEDF formed part of the project’s consent application package— it embeds the cultural and environmental outcomes, as will be carried forward through ongoing audits with the partners. The consent CEDF describes the design concepts of the project, and complements the Design and Construction Report. It will continue to be updated through the next stages of Ō2NL – by two Alliance teams, at the next stage of design and construction of the final 24km section of the Wellington Northern Corridor (SH1) programme.

Read more about the structure and contents of the CEDF here.

Project collaborators: Stantec, Wildlands, EOSEcology, Incite Archaeology, Altissimo, Stephen Chiles, Beca, Buddle Findlay, The Policy Shop, AMConsulting, Property Group, Resolve, Tonkin and Taylor.

Hauraki Community Engagement.

We’re working with Hauraki District Council to develop Placemaking Plans for the towns of Paeroa, Kerepēhi and Ngātea thanks to a Better Off Funding package from central government to invest in community wellbeing.

Last week our project team—Damian, Finn and Kate—embarked on their third road trip for the project. Based at the Ngātea skate park they listened while the community and council staff shared stories about their place. After lunch the team headed to Kerepēhi where placemaking boards were set up at the dairy. Kids, followed by aunties and friends, used stickers to answer; what do you love about your place? what should never change, and what should change for the better? what can you see that you never noticed before?

Kerepēhi is off the beaten track—word quickly spread of Finn on his tall bike and a rambling adventure was soon underway…

The following day was spent in the township of Paeroa. ‘Flip Your Perspective Paeroa’ was about finding the small moments in place. Viewfinders were set up at either end of town, with pink dots marking a 10min walk connecting Primrose Hill to the Ohinemuri Stream, their spindly legs and big cardboard tubes forming a focus for observations, comments, questions and ideas through the day.

It’s been a real privilege to observe, listen and connect with these communities. We’re now working towards completing the draft Placemaking Plans which will identify a series of potential actions and projects.

 

 

Northcote’s future town centre.

Northcote is one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most important suburban regeneration projects. Over 300 Kāinga Ora properties from the 1950s and ’60s are in the process of being replaced by up to 1,200 modern homes, approximately a third of which will be retained for families in need. This investment in housing supported by an equally significant upgrade of the social infrastructure of the suburb, soon to be followed by redevelopment of the town centre.

Since 2014 Isthmus has been leading multiple workstreams to unlock Northcote. This has included the Northcote Framework Plan, the Town Centre Masterplan and Reference Design (for Eke Panuku), the Auckland Housing Programme Precinct Master Plan (for Kāinga Ora) and green infrastructure projects including Te Ara Awataha (for Healthy Waters, Eke Panuku Kāinga Ora). 

Eke Panuku is currently seeking expressions of interest from potential development partners to move this exciting project forwards. Read more at: https://northcotetowncentreopportunity.co.nz/ 

Te Ara Awataha—Water NZ Environmental Sustainability Project Award.

Te Ara Awataha—Water NZ Environmental Sustainability Project Award.

Te Ara Awataha received the Water NZ Environmental Sustainability Project Award yesterday, in recognition of its remarkable efforts in promoting sustainability. This 1.5km green corridor, situated at the heart of the newly developed Northcote town centre and residential area, serves as a means for local residents to connect with one another, while also linking Northcote’s existing parks and open spaces.

The project employs an integrated and ecologically conscious approach to infrastructure, working in harmony with natural systems to manage stormwater. It includes a sports field that functions as a large stormwater detention pond during flood events. Under typical circumstances, the wetland vegetation enhances and purifies water quality before allowing stormwater to flow downstream. The planted terraces effectively filter out sediment and other pollutants by detaining the initial surge of runoff, which typically carries the highest pollutant concentration. This improved water quality not only benefits the environment but also creates a valuable habitat for birds, insects, and aquatic life, thus reconnecting the community with this previously overlooked environmental treasure.

The collaboration behind this project involved Eke Panuku and Kāinga Ora, with close coordination between Isthmus landscape architects, WSP’s engineers, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team, mana whenua, and the Kaipātiki Local Board.

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Te Tangi a te Manu—RMLA Publication Award.

Te Tangi a te Manu—RMLA Publication Award.

Te Tangi a te Manu has been honoured with the RMLA Publication Award for its “significant contribution to enhancing landscape assessment methods within the resource management processes in Aotearoa New Zealand.” Gavin Lister, Alan Titchener and Rachel de Lambert authored this publication in response to a well-acknowledged need for a universally accepted and consistent methodology, as recommended by the Courts.

Published by Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, Te Tangi a te Manu has garnered recognition as a taonga. Its layout and visual communication are meticulously crafted to not only make the content easily accessible but also to emphasise the preciousness of the diverse landscapes in Aotearoa.

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