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A narrow canyon between two existing buildings on the Great North Road ridge presented a challenging space to fill, with the brief specifying a unique, quality building projecting urban sophistication.

The elevated location lent itself to a floor plate running the long axis of the site, utilising views to the north and the south. From the street, the exterior of the building forms an imposing presence, and signifies a protective shield between the occupants and the main road. From the interior, the steel screens generate a sense of delicacy and openness.

Apartments span the depth of the building, allowing occupants the essential residential condition of public front and private back. In keeping with the surrounding villas, a formal and structured face is presented to the road while the living space opens up to the rear, extending the domestic space informally from inside to out.

Paul Brown & Associates Limited
Eden Terrace, Auckland

About the
Professional

PB&A is a highly experienced, collaborative and project-focused architectural practice.

Specialising in multi-unit residential, PB&A has expertise in large-scale, high-rise projects such as apartments, hotels and student residences.

As a practice, PB&A has developed specialist knowledge in the design and construction of multi-storey buildings. This knowledge enables the architects to communicate closely and specifically with the multidisciplinary team of experts that projects of this scale require.

With a particular talent for providing solutions that maximize building usage and work within council planning constraints, PB&A has developed a reputation for perceptive and innovative design expertise, resulting in a strong track record of successful developments.