A quality new build planned for Remuera
This Remuera development features contemporary apartments with villa-inspired layouts, paying homage to the area’s rich heritage and surrounding homes
After the success of their Outlook apartment project in Mission Bay, which was completed last year, the partnership of Countrywide Residences (led by Mike Sullivan) and Coopers (led by Martin Cooper), turned their gaze to Remuera.
They knew that the potential for apartments was nowhere near being met in the suburb, with demand continuing to outstrip supply for quality homes in this part of the market.
After discounting several sites, a suitable spot was found on Orakei Rd, close to Remuera Rd, and planning began in earnest for what was always intended to be a very special offering.
“An incredible amount of thought has gone into this development,” says Cooper.
“I’ve lived in Remuera since I was a boy, but we still walked round and round the neighbourhood getting a really good feel for it, and we spent at least two weeks with the architects simply throwing ideas around and considering who we expected our buyers to be and what they would be looking for, before we started drawing.
“We also interviewed buyers from Outlook who had just moved into their apartments to get honest feedback.”
Because Remuera is home to many stately heritage properties, the Elm team worked towards a design which referenced that surrounding architecture.
They felt it was important to reflect the stately nature of the area, both in terms of architecture and living experience.
Although the complex was being constructed from scratch, they wanted to give the impression of an old building that has been modernised — especially as the new development would be standing on the site of historic Elmstone, a significant early 20th century house with classic English-country style surroundings.
“Our brief to the landscaping designer involved celebrating that traditional type of garden, while taking a more modern and Kiwi approach,” says Cooper.
“We wanted to let our purchasers keep the pool, gardens and entertaining area of the large home, without needing to spend their time looking after it.”
With every apartment having a walk-in laundry, scullery and separate storage, the team has thought strongly about liveability.
The apartments have a mix of villa-inspired layouts, a feature not common in most modern apartments and providing a nod to the grand homes of the past. Reflecting the mix of modern with traditional, other apartments in Elm are more urban, and Cooper says that making all the units as sunny and bright as possible and maximising views was a priority.
He says that prospective buyers are extremely impressed with Elm as a whole, especially the luxury kitchens and bathrooms.
“They also like the communal swimming pool and the various grassy areas.”
A stylish pavilion, complete with kitchenette, is intended to encourage a real sense of community as a place for residents to gather for drinks, or even entertain privately.
With three quarters of the apartments already sold, or under offer, Cooper says that interest is still very intense.
Sale: Two bedrooms from $2,050,000, final three bedrooms with two living areas $4,550,000.
Contact: The Elm Team,
(09) 520 4356
“An incredible amount of thought has gone into this development. I’ve lived in Remuera since I was a boy, but we still walked round and round the neighbourhood getting a really good feel for it ...”