Three into one does work
Ballot- only buyers are part of the plan for an extensive development, writes Donna Fleming
Property developer Mark Todd is a big fan of mathematics. That’s why Ockham Residential, the company he set up with fellow maths lover Ben Preston, references mathematicians and critical thinkers such as Isaac Newton and Alan Turing in the names of their developments.
Their apartment buildings have also been named after mathematical concepts and principles, such as the Set development in Avondale.
There is currently one set of numbers that mean a lot to Mark at the moment, and they relate to Ockham’s latest development, Hobsonville Point’s Bernoulli Gardens ( named in honour of Swiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli, who came up with the principle upon which the design of the aeroplane wing is based).
“We’ve got three times as many homes on the site while retaining twice as much green space as similar projects — and all at two- thirds of the price of the average new build in Auckland,” he says.
His goal is to build affordable homes that will help ease Auckland’s housing shortage without sacrificing quality.
Bernoulli Gardens is being built on a site that was slated for 43 terraced homes, but thanks to clever design, there will be 116 apartments, in five threelevel and one four- level buildings.
They’re good sizes, ranging from 55sq m to 99sq m, and have generous 2.7m studs, and balconies.
Plenty of green space is an important feature of the development, says Mark, pointing out a common green and two pocket parks on the plans.
“Many people think building apartments reduces open space and greenery but that doesn’t have to be the case.” Then there’s the price. With an average cost of $ 650,000, they’re well below the Auckland average, and will provide people with the opportunity to get a foot on the property ladder in a vibrant new community being created on the site of a former air force base.
A selection of apartments ranging in price from $ 450,000 to $ 550,000 have been set aside for buyers under the Axis Series scheme, which helps people earning an average Auckland wage to buy a home.
The apartments will be available via a ballot system for people who meet criteria set by Housing Minister Nick Smith. To be eligible, you must be a New Zealand resident or citizen and have an annual household income no higher than $ 120,000.
The homes cannot be put in the name of a family trust, company or nominee and the purchasers must live in the house for a minimum of two years.
“It’s very important to us to do our bit to help people to buy their own home,” says Mark.
Ockham also believe it’s important to construct homes from durable, low- maintenance materials that age well and that will improve the local environment.
The buildings will be made from concrete and clad with handmade bricks from Germany and rendered masonry.
The exteriors, which will feature elegant curved corners, were inspired by classic London warehouse loft- style buildings but also pay tribute to the historic aircraft hangars and brick factories that used to be commonplace at Hobsonville Point.
The apartments themselves will include features such as LED lighting, heat pumps and double glazing. The kitchens will have engineered stone bench tops, Smeg appliances and soft close drawers, while the bathrooms will feature porcelain floor and wall tiles, heated towel rails and New Zealand- made vanities.
As in other Ockham developments, Bernoulli Gardens will also have a communal lounge for residents, which can be booked for functions.
It will be north- facing and open out to the large green.
The first apartments in Bernoulli Gardens are expected to be ready to move into in early 2018. BERNOULLI GARDENS, HOBSONVILLE POINT ON OFFER: BERNOULLI GARDENS AXIS SERIES A: B: C: BERNOULLI GARDENS APARTMENTS A: B: C: PARKING: BODY CORP: PRICE: INSPECT: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: