Book a place at the library
Boutique apartments will look over to Albert Park, writes Sandra Goodwin
The impact of a sculptural new boutique apartment building to be constructed in central Auckland’s art district belies its compact footprint. Library 27 will rise 17 storeys on a prominent site on the corner of Mayoral Drive and Rutland St, just across the road from Auckland’s Central City Library and near Auckland Art Gallery.
Designed by Ignite Architects, it will be the first New Zealand project from established Belgian developer Eaglestone, which has built many European residential projects.
Ignite’s managing director Jeremy Whelan says: “The client wanted a sophisticated, European feeling, something which is strong but simple, contemporary yet timeless. The building has been very consciously stepped back at the upper levels which adds value to higher level apartments by creating nice terraces and decks.
“By sculpting that roofscape using the same pared- back language we ended up with a very recognisable form which helps to complete that block and turn the corner.”
The site, which people taking the western arm of Mayoral Drive pass, is currently empty and measures up at 300sq m. Whelan says: “The great thing, being on the corner of Rutland St and Mayoral Drive, is you have this lovely building facing the boulevard and you can borrow the width of the street to look up to Albert Park.
“Upper level apartments actually get views over the park out to Rangitoto.”
Jeremy says the fact the building will be edged by roads on two sides adjacent to the library and Albert Park means those view corridors are not going to be built out.
“It’s a pretty cool environment; you look out at the greenness of the park, out to the art gallery and you’ve got the library in front of you. You are in a very intellectual part of the city and that’s where this ‘ library’ concept came from.”
Library 27 will offer 49 residences, being sold off the plans from its sales suite at 2 Kitchener St. The upper three- bedroom penthouse has already sold.
Other dwellings range from studio apartments through to one and two- bedroom dwellings, some with studies and some sub- penthouse units.
The building will be constructed of smooth precast concrete with lots of glass. Ignite Architects has visually reinforced its base by using backlit steelwork screens. A Mayoral Drive lobby with timber and stone detailing will create a sense of arrival and there will be ground floor commercial and retail spaces.
“The building is not trying to be flashy and scream for attention but it is going to be sophisticated with a great presence on the street,” says Jeremy. The dimensions allow for six basement car parks which have been allocated to the higher- level, larger units and are included in their prices. Apartments all have balconies and stud heights of 2.7m in living areas and 2.6m elsewhere.
With the range of apartments on offer the target market includes downsizers, professional singles or couples who work in the CBD, and first home buyers. Library 27’ s proximity to Auckland University and AUT means its entry- level dwellings may appeal to parents wanting to purchase a secure LIBRARY 27, 27 RUTLAND ST, CENTRAL AUCKLAND ON OFFER: OPTIONS: A: B: C: D: E: F: BODY CORP: INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: inner- city place for a student son or daughter.
Ignite Architects’ portfolio includes the Main Beach Takapuna complex of bars and restaurants, Perspective Apartments on College Hill and redevelopment of the building on the corner of Customs and Queen Sts, which now houses retail such as Prada and Dior. Construction is expected to start in March 2017 for completion mid- 2019.