Guidelines encourage community feel
Retaining walls along the slope of the road also add to the consistent look – double square posts with horizontal boards, and all painted black. Inside the sections, stacked boulders create striking natural retaining walls between the terraced sections.
Each home to be built at The Green does need to go through a design approval process, however the guidelines for this development are aimed at protecting the value of everyone’s property, Zanta says.
‘‘We want the natural environment to be on show, not the homes; so we are after designs, materials, and colours that complement the natural surrounds.
‘‘There are also rules about closed-board fencing. We want people to interact with their neighbours and know who their neighbours are … we want to create a community, and for people to enjoy living in a quality-built environment.’’
Homes already taking shape in The Green show the results of the approval process in reality. Cedar cladding both contrasts with and complements the neighbouring tilt-slab concrete construction on sites near the entrance and Zanta expects the variety to continue.
‘‘We’ve challenged the group builders to do something different to what they normally do – especially in the entry-level price bracket; we want to showcase that affordable housing can also be beautiful, timeless, and unique. And in Stage Two, because of the smaller lots and natural contour of the land, we think homes will be even more imaginative; hopefully nestled into the landscape, creating privacy and maximising views over the 10th green and The Links reserve.’’
The nature of this land has been a critical consideration. ‘‘The developers are very mindful that we are only caretakers of this piece of land for a short time and thus minimising environmental impact and preserving the story of the land has been considered along the way.’’
During the earthworks phase, a number of kumara and food storage pits were found, along with stones from other regions, evidence of a once-vibrant community. ‘‘We have enjoyed a great relationship with the hapu during the earthworks phase and they were able to share the discoveries with their community.’’
The access to the coast, and great growing conditions and visibility made it an ideal place to settle, Zanta says. ‘‘And, hopefully, today presents as a modern version of what once was.’’
It’s off to a good start, she says. The first family is about to move into their new home.
Views are an important aspect of properties at The Green. ‘‘We want everyone’s view protected – and the view from the golf course as well, so there are no big walls and fences.’’
This approach includes a 6m no-build zone along the northern boundary of each property in Stage One, and the slightly off-set and terraced platforms mean properties on either side of the road will have a magnificent view to the north-west. The other benefit of this is that homes can maximise the warmth and light of the northerly aspect. On the golf course boundary of Stage One, there is a 5m setback to maintain a sense of spaciousness for both the homeowner and the golfer.
Homes along the eastern side of the road will have the usual 9m height constraints, but those along the western side bordering the golf course are restricted to a lower 7.5m. ‘‘That helps maintain the views over the golf course for homes on the other side of the road,’’ Zanta explains.
In time, a walkway will also connect The Green with The Links and down to the Coastal Walkway, another aspect that should attract those who want to enjoy the lifestyle available.
Prices for sections in The Green start at $250,000 and rise to $380,000 for premium sites in Stage Two.