Fairy Springs Housing

The Fairy Springs medium density housing development takes advantage of its location on a main arterial route into CBD. Located opposite the famous Skyline Skyride terminal, the development takes in a skyline of Mt. Ngongotaha and the gondolas. The project was a build to specification and buy back contract between the developer and Kāinga Ora. The fifteen units are two-bedroom, two level walk ups, each with private outdoor yard space, individual parks and a shared bike store facility. Our design aimed to create a wraparound terrace housing form that purposely disassembled the mass of a singular building. Three blocks envelop a central common space for parking and amenity, creating a safe and communal environment while buffering the traffic noise from Fairy Springs road. The external forms are a series of sawtooth peaks and brick veneer claddings anchor the ends of the blocks. A variation of bricks, claddings and colours assist in creating some individuality for the residents, each tenancy is visibly identified through its massing. Landscaping was also of key consideration with a number of fruit trees mixed in with resilient native plantings to soften hard surface areas. Being close to a main arterial route, special consideration was given to acoustic design standards with uprated glazing and specifically designed fencing to meet STC requirements. The development is designed and certified Homestar 6 V5, this process was handled in house, from ECCHO calculations through to observation and Homestar built ratings. In terms of structure, midfloor cassettes were fabricated off-site for rapid construction. The development was completed from concept design to completed handover in 15 months, consenting was split between foundation and building for speed.