NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS
Innovative design the key to a new North Shore development, writes Sandra Goodwin
Architect Michael Boyce’s design for a new Albany apartment development uses a distinctive V- shaped footprint that maximises sun and outlook for all apartments. Okla is a collection of 117 contemporary apartments being sold off the plans, named for the development’s location — On Kaipiho Lane, Albany. They will sit next to the recently opened Ramada Suites Albany.
Michael Boyce, one of the associate directors of Ignite Architects, says: “It’s a distinctive design and that really is important because owners will be very proud of their building.
“Splitting the building gave us the opportunity to have a central entry point at the base of the V and meant all the apartments will have really good access to daylight and outlook.”
The Luxury Infinity Group, who set up Kingsman Development to produce this project, has been in existence since 2008 with past experience in land development and luxury housing.
It commissioned Ignite to design this six- level building, which will feature two boutique groundlevel retail spaces. Apartments, some of which will have an additional study or multi- purpose room, range from one- bedroom to threebedroom with prices starting at $ 550,000.
Boyce says the building has been designed with a modern aesthetic.
Its sophisticated entry lobby features a double height atrium, feature lighting, European porcelain ceramic flooring and walls plus a sculptural feature wall. The lobby, which will access the central core of lifts, has been conceived to create the sort of environment residents will be proud to invite family and friends to.
Boyce believes the focus on quality has driven the end result. He says it’s not unusual that design elements are forfeited in order to cut cost but pleasingly it hasn’t been the case on this project.
Entry steps leading down to a basalt- tiled plaza area will introduce the lobby. The residential entry will be marked out on the outside of the building with terracotta tiles creating a tactile, natural experience.
Boyce says: “The central entry is the hinging point and beyond that it is framed either side with two large floating frames in lightweight concrete which distinguish the address and really give a prominence to the building.”
All two- or three- bedroom apartments come with at least one car park in secure parking.
Boyce says apartments have great views including some looking out towards the Waitakeres, towards the North Harbour Stadium, Albany Town Centre or across the road to hills, bush and housing.
The design process included identifying view shafts and ways to maintain privacy so owners can enjoy the outlook from living areas, bedrooms and balconies without others overlooking them.
He envisages the address will appeal to diverse owners from first- home buyers to professional couples to families because of the range of apartment sizes and layouts available.
Ignite’s specialist interiors team conceived decor offering owners a choice of two material palettes, one more neutral and one incorporating higher contrast.
Kitchens feature engineered stone benches with tiled splash- backs running up to under- lit cabinetry above. Living uses natural timber flooring while bathrooms feature full height porcelain ceramic tiles. The apartments open to balconies with glass balustrades.
Three minute’s walk from Okla is Albany’s recently expanded park & ride which can have commuters at Britomart in 25 to 35 minutes. Other local amenities include the country’s largest shopping mall and entertainment precinct, Westfield Albany; North Harbour Stadium, Massey University, plus parks and reserves.
Construction is scheduled to start in the first half of next year for expected completion in 2020.