Designed to meet the changing needs of its elderly tenants, the Marshall Court Apartments consist of 27 one-bedroom apartments in a 4-storey modern apartment building located in the Wellington’s popular Miramar suburb.
Winner of the Residential Category at last year’s New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, the development — part of the council’s city-wide housing upgrade plan and a 20-year $400m partnership with the Crown — was designed by architects Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and built by Maycroft Construction.
While the project team initially faced several challenges with neighbours when the build began in 2008, the redevelopment has won over the community, impressing residents with its “high quality, modern living environment”.
Says the judging panel: “The contractor has gone to considerable lengths and has built an excellent project to high standards, with durable materials that will set benchmarks for future similar housing needs. Residents spoken to were very high in their praise of their new homes.”
Located on a well serviced bus route and within walking distance of suburban shops and services, its close proximity to the Miramar Town Centre allows the building to act as a visual “bookend”, mediating between the commercial zone and the surrounding residential area.
Opportunities for social interaction are created within breezeway circulation routes and private alcoves, overlooking a north-facing communal landscaped garden.
The new building works hard to deliver decent housing for vulnerable tenants within the usual modest construction budget.
The completed building delivers a lot of “bang for the buck”, providing the council with a high quality building that is adaptable, accessible and safe to suit the evolving requirements of older tenants, providing them with everything required to maintain a high quality of life.
The design kept to the same overall footprint as the original apartment building, and includes the insertion of a lift and terraces which lead to north-facing alcoves. Each apartment now has access to outdoor living spaces.
Construction systems and materials were carefully considered for durability, quality and sustainability. The cladding materials, colour and facade modulation assist in integrating the building into its surroundings.
This year’s New Zealand Commercial Project Awards ceremony will be held on May 12 at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.
