By Parsonson Architects
The building contains seven large apartments, one per floor and each with 270 sq.m floor area and 50 sq.m of decks. The developer made the inspired decision to fit in one less floor than other neighbouring buildings of the same height. This allowed a generous stud height of 2700mm per floor with 3200mm for the top floor.
Decks and living spaces are along the wide frontage, facing north out to the harbour and hills. By tilting the kitchen, main bedroom and ensuite at 45 degrees , these rooms gain views to the sea past the side of the neighbouring building and yielded an unusual zigzag hallway.
There is a subtle geological reference in the concrete cladding on the east facade to shifting, folding, interlocking plates. Similarly the balconies relate to the harbour with their horizontality, openness, shape and tongue & groove soffits.
Awards: NZIA Local Award 2004, NZIA New Zealand Award 2005, NZIA Property Council Merit Award 2005
Parsonson Architects was established in 1987 and is based in Wellington, New Zealand. The practice has focused primarily on individual houses and aims to produce work with a high level of sensitivity and discipline, engaging the spirit of each owner and site. More recently projects have included apartment buildings, retail fit outs in North America and Europe and competition entries across a variety of building types and project scales.
The practice is recognised as consistently delivering work of excellence, represented by the major awards and regular features in both local and international architecture and design publications.