Housing NZ redevelopment wins Auckland Architecture Award

10 May 2018

A Housing New Zealand redevelopment in Mount Albert last night won a New Zealand Institute of Architects award for the Auckland region in the Housing Multi Unit category.

The Jennings Street and Jersey Avenue project, which replaced eight 1940s houses with 18 modern state homes, incorporates Housing New Zealand’s best practice approach to redevelopment in established suburbs with innovative site planning and urban design values. The country’s largest residential builder warmly congratulates architect Monk Monkenzie on its win.

“Housing New Zealand has worked with Monk Mackenzie on multiple projects over the years, where we’ve sought better utilisation of our land holdings so we can house greater numbers of Kiwis,” Patrick Dougherty, Housing New Zealand’s General Manager Asset Development. “They richly deserve this win for a project that exemplifies Housing New Zealand’s vision: Building lives and communities by housing New Zealanders.”

“These beautiful new homes have helped to elevate the perception of modern state housing and represent a commitment to excellence in our redevelopment projects, of which we have more than 100 underway across the Auckland region.”

2018 Auckland Architecture Awards judges had this to say:

“This project represents the ingenious delivery of a partial service for Housing New Zealand within a tight budget and programme. The design – efficient, economical and textured – sees duplex units slid back to include parking, which has allowed a reduction of scale and the provision of shared spaces. Higher than standard ceilings, and the architect’s close attention to proportions, have resulted in living spaces that feel generously sized.”

Replacing eight old houses with 18 modern state homes means the location can comfortably accommodate 90 residents, triple the number the site once housed, both now and for decades to come. Care needed to be taken so the increased density fit seamlessly into the local area.

“It was really important for this development to respect the quality of the existing, well-established and lovely neighbourhood,” said Sue Evans, Housing New Zealand’s Urban Design Manager. “Great efforts were made by the design team to create a sensitive and charming insertion into the existing urban fabric. The extension of the street into a generous driveway that forms a ‘community lane’ is an essential part of this project’s success.”

For more on the Jennings Jersey project, see:

https://www.hnzc.co.nz/housing-developments-and-programmes/auckland-housing-programme/auckland-housing-programme-by-suburb/view/jennings-street-and-jersey-avenue

For more on the Auckland Architecture Awards see,

https://www.nzia.co.nz/awards/local/award-detail/7385

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