2008.08 wakahoa social housing

social housing complex

crispin schurr design architect at ccc

programme

  • joint venture between ccc and kainga ora

  • 8 single bedroom apartments

  • 12 one and a half bedroom units

  • all ground floor units accessible upgradeable

  • all ground floor units have single garaging

  • community environment

  • layering of public to private spaces

issues

  • crime prevention through environmental design paramount

  • existing creek relocation required

  • mixed geotechnical conditions

  • low maintenance required both internally and externally

  • limited budget requires simple repetitive building forms and components

  • crossfall across site

  • roading quantity required for asset to each unit

solutions

  • integration of water treatment and detention into site configuration

  • creation of blocks of repeated identical unit types

  • provision of transparent north facing yard enclosure overlooks circulation

  • half bedroom for carers to stay

  • bathrooms fully accessible if upgraded with handrails and fold down seat

  • insulated garaging able to be upgraded to provide additional double bedroom in the future

  • durable interior fitouts require little maintenance

  • wide and short circulation provides universal access

  • fully accessible unit with adjustable joinery for wheelchair access

  • staggering and stepping of units down slope creates visual interest, prevents bulk filling

status

  • completed

awards

  • nzia local architecture award

A modern residential area with multiple buildings, some featuring solar panels on the roofs. Two people are walking on a curved paved pathway, with landscaped plants and decorative sculptures in the foreground. The sky is clear and blue.
Exterior view of a modern building with stairs, a balcony with plants, satellite dish on the roof, and gated entrance on a sunny day.
Exterior view of a modern building with metal staircase, small balcony, and minimal landscaping, under a clear blue sky.
Modern residential apartments and townhouses with landscaped gardens and pathways under a clear blue sky.
Apartments or condominiums overlooking a landscaped courtyard with a dry creek bed, plants, and walking paths under a cloudy sky.