Architects respond to Aucklands housing challenge

5 August 2014

Architects respond to Aucklands housing challenge

More than 60 architectural concepts from a competition to design an exemplary apartment building for a brownfield site in Mt Eden will go on display at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tmaki from 10 August until 12 August.

The medium density housing project will be sited on Akepiro Street, a cul-de-sac overlooking the rail line near the Dominion Road flyover that falls within one of Auckland Councils proposed Special Housing Areas, the districts slated for more intensive residential development.

The competition was organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects in partnership with developer Ockham Residential and with the support of Auckland Council.

Pip Cheshire, President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, says the competition and exhibition are opportunites to inform the public about a housing type that is needed in New Zealands largest city but which has encountered some scepticism.

A range of well-designed, infill residential projects is vital to promote community understanding and acceptance of higher density in selected urban areas, which is one of the aims of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, Cheshire says.

The large number of entries received in the Akepiro Street competition is proof of architects interest in and commitment to the development of housing models that meet the demands of a more populous city while offering a healthy and comfortable quality of life.

Cheshire says the exhibition, which presents a wide range of creative responses to the competition brief, will also give the public an insight into the architectural design process.

Mayor Len Brown says that the competition is a timely and important contribution to the housing discussion.

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Architects respond to Aucklands housing challenge