LOFTY ASPIRATIONS
The ultra-stylish, 62-unit complex in Parnell, Cheshire Lofts, takes its inspiration from sophisticated apartments in cities like New York.
The arrival of Cheshire Lofts, an ultra-stylish 62-unit, architect-designed complex, has already been met with a great deal of buyer interest.
Developed by Mex Cheshire Limited, it’s tucked away from Parnell Road, in Cheshire Street, on a large corner site.
Ignite Architects associate director Anthony Sephton says that they took inspiration from sophisticated apartments in world cities such as New York when designing the single-level loft-style apartments, which range from one to three bedrooms, and are set across eight residential levels and three carpark levels.
“Our first major challenge was to orientate the building to take best advantage of the views for each apartment,” says Sephton.
Situated on a ridge, some residents on Cheshire Lofts upper levels will be able to see Auckland Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum, while others face pleasant cityscapes and urban views of Parnell.
Michael Bilsborough, Ignite Architects principal, says that the design also nods to the area’s industrial character and residential heritage, with a smart charcoal brick fac¸ ade and large windows, maximising light throughout.
“Some other developments that are underway are very much in the style and character of the present. We believe Cheshire Lofts has a classic, timeless, aesthetic that we think will age very well.”
Bilsborough says that the detailed designs are almost complete.
“We are working to specify products that are deliverable in the current environment, mindful of the fact that this time next year we should be in full swing.”
He says that quality is key to the project, attractive to buyers leaving large family homes in nearby leafy streets and looking for a convenient ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle with a significant level of luxury in their new apartments, which include five three-bedroom sub-penthouses and two penthouses on the top floor.
“This is backed up by the strong level of enquiry the team has received for these particular apartments in the first couple of weeks.”
The interiors, also by Ignite are quietly elegant, with a seamless blend of modern and traditional elements, upmarket designer kitchens, luxe bathrooms, spacious airy living and entertaining areas and residents can choose between two bespoke schemes – dark and light.
Many apartments have winter gardens: essentially balconies with glass windows that are sun-soaked in the summer and can be closed at cooler times of the year.
Creating a sense of community within Cheshire Lofts complex was another major consideration for the project designers, resulting in a ground level residents-only landscaped courtyard for mixing, mingling and relaxing.
Sephton says that when it comes to location, Cheshire Lofts offers a great deal.
“It’s close to Parnell Train Station and to Parnell Rise with its bars and cafes, as well as to Stanley Street and Spark arenas.”
The CBD is a comfortable walk away with lots on offer at Britomart and Commercial Bay while glitzy Westfield 277 on Broadway, Newmarket is easily reached as well.
Sale: One bedroom from $855,000; two bedrooms from $1.31m; three-bedroom subpenthouse from $3.185m Contact: Sarah Liu, Bayleys,
021 182 4701; Robert Ashton,
021 633 398; Natasha Robinson,
021 607 608
“Our first major challenge was to orientate the building to take best advantage of the views for each apartment.”