FABRIC OF SOCIETY
A new development designed with the outdoors in mind demonstrates that living smaller doesn’t mean going without.
As Auckland living becomes increasingly dense, the need for green space is amplified. However, few Auckland developments have successfully translated apartment living to the inner suburbs. A new way forward can be found at Fabric of Onehunga. Where residents might once have had big back yards, outdoor living areas at Fabric are split between generous balconies and a landscaped ‘pocket park’ shared with other residents. The new development includes five buildings of 239 low-rise apartments on a brownfield site. The approach does double duty – as well as providing much-needed outdoor space, the design breaks down the bulk of what would otherwise be a large building in a low-rise suburban area. The design is by Ashton Mitchell Architects, with landscaping by Boffa Miskell. The development’s architecture reflects the site’s light-industrial heritage, with buildings wrapped in black steel cladding, highlighted by black joinery and timber detailing. Each building has naturally ventilated glass atriums and pedestrian bridge structures for access to apartments. It’s the antithesis of the thoughtless boxy apartments that are otherwise found in the city’s suburbs. “We really wanted to create something different with this project,” says Tim Lamont, of developers Lamont & Co. “We’ve worked carefully with our architects and planners to create a true community feeling that promotes neighbourliness in urban living.” Above Fabric of Onehunga is a new development that showcases the best of apartment living – generous spaces, natural light and community green areas.