DY

Example Design Statement //

STU
APARTMENT BLOCK
ASE
The following Design Statement has been
developed from the original drawings and
R C
associated material for the Trinity Apartments
scheme, designed by Architectus.

P L A
X E M
E

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 CONTENTS

Site Analysis 3 Existing Site Plan R

4 Streetscape Character R
Existing 6 Natural and Cultural Environments R
Neighbourhood
Context
7 Movement R
8 Built Form Character R
10 Use and Activity R
10 Urban Structure R
Planning Context 11 Planning Context
R
Opportunities and
Constraints
12 Opportunities and Constraints Summary Diagram
R
Design response 13 Concept design principles R
14 Concept Plan R
16 Proposed Site Layout R
17 Proposed Building Design
R
20 Proposed Elevations
R
22 Sunlight Access Diagrams
R
23 Landscape and Open Space
R

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Existing Site Plan

The Site


The site is a 3510 sqm corner lot. The site slopes down
7.5m to the west. Most of the fall occurs on the eastern
side of the site.

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Micro-climate

The southern and western elevations are exposed to the
prevailing south western winds. However neighbouring
buildings and trees provide some shelter.

Street trees provide some shading on hot days to the

northern elevation.

Views and Vistas

3
The site has significant views out to the Waitemata
Harbour, Devonport, the city centre, the domain, and the
museum. It also has local views to the cathedral and other 2
neighboring heritage buildings.

Pollution
The eastern elevation is exposed to traffic noise and air
pollution.

Neighbouring buildings Context diagram, not to scale

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Streetscape Character

⊲⊲ The character of Birdwood Crescent to the north of the subject site is predominantly
residential with the southern side of the street displaying single or two storey villas, increasing
up to three stories at the rear to take advantage of the topography.

⊲⊲ The northern side of the street has a more varied character with more recent residential
development interspersed with traditional villas. Three adjacent properties on Birdwood Cresent

⊲⊲ Building setbacks are typically 3-5 metres, with low fencing at the street in a variety of
materials, but typically timber pickets or simple plaster walls.

⊲⊲ Surveillance to the public realm is maintained by the low fence heights and close proximity of
dwellings to the frontage. Parking in the front yards is generally absent.

⊲⊲ The neighbour on the southern side is a series of terraced units. These units are two storeys
high, clad in plaster, with gabled roofs. They front the private lane, and their balconies and
windows on the second and third stories look out towards the site.

⊲⊲ The cathedral across the road has a dominant jagged gable roof. It has been set back from
the street, and landscaped with grass and large trees. It has been constructed with a mixture
Terraces on adjacent property to the south
of materials.

⊲⊲ A one storey weather-board-clad villa is located west of the site, with verandah and a hipped
roof. Its private open space is directly adjacent to the development.

⊲⊲ A two storey perimeter retail development is located north of the development. They are
traditional in design; clad in weatherboard, have a verandah, parapet, and detailing around the
windows. They mark the end of the retail strip and the beginning of the residential zone.

Cathedral buildings on opposite side of Parnell Road

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 Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Street Typologies

Birdwood Crescent Parnell Road St Marys Close

A local road with two traffic lanes, restricted on-street parking, A District Arterial Road carrying significant volumes of traffic within A local cul de sac serving the adjacent terrace housing
footpaths on both sides and a planted berm on the southern side only. a four lane carriageway, with footpaths on either side. Street tree development at 435 Parnell Road. This is a public street
Exotic street trees frame the street, with traditional street lights adding planting is limited to within the footpath on the western side of Parnell but has the impression of a private driveway due to its
to the historic character. Road. A bus stop is located outside the subject site. Traffic lights construction (cobbles) and lack of typical public street
control the intersection of Birdwood Crescent and Parnell Road and infrastructure such as separated pedestrian footpaths and
provide for pedestrian crossing to the adjacent Cathedral. No parking lighting.
is provided for on Parnell Road in the immediate vicinity of the subject
site.

Birdwood Crescent looking east towards Parnell Road Parnell Road looking north towards intersection with Birdwood Bus stop outside subject site
Crescent

St Marys Close

Birdwood Crescent looking west Parnell Road looking south

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Natural and Cultural

Environment

⊲⊲ The site sits on top of a ridge, landform generally falls to the north and
east towards the harbour. This provides the site significant views above
the neighbouring buildings out to the harbour, Devonport on the North
Shore, and the city centre. There are also views out to the Auckland
Domain from ground level.

⊲⊲ The site has access to ample green open space amenity. One of
Auckland’s largest public open spaces, the Domain, is located west of
the site. A large park and reserve are located south west of the site. A
smaller reserve is located north of the site.

⊲⊲ The coastline is located 800m east of the site, however this is mostly
wetlands which has visual amenity but restricted in terms of recreational
amenity.

⊲⊲ The site is located near two of the city’s major cultural attractions. The
site is located across the road from Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the
Auckland Museum is situated 400m away in the Domain.

⊲⊲ The site represents a transition in the landscape from the indigenous

condition of the Domain to the English Landscape + Selwyn Oaks
associated with the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Natural + Cultural Environment 1:8000 @ A3

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Movement
⊲⊲ The site is located on a District Arterial Road that connects the city centre
(approximately 2000m away to the north west) to a major metropolitan centre
(approximately 1000m away to the south).

⊲⊲ The main road is often congested as it is a major commuter route. Heavy traffic
flows are caused by the large domain that reduces connectivity to the city centre.
It is also caused by the various regional destinations located in the area. These
include the museum, cathedral, domain and the strip of shops/restaurants in the
city fringe area. The local college and district school also cause difficulties at peak
times.

⊲⊲ Local roads surrounding it are generally well connected in the larger context,
however there are a few cul-de-sacs within a 400m radius.

⊲⊲ Ample street parking is provided within a 400m radius of the site. There is also
two public car-parks. However parking is an issue due to the popularity of the local
shops and cathedral.

⊲⊲ The location is one of the more walkable areas in the city. The city centre is about a
20 minute walk away, and the metropolitan centre is about a 10 minute walk away.

⊲⊲ It is a reasonably safe area for pedestrians and cyclists. Within the shopping area
footpaths are about 3.8m wide, there is only two vehicle lanes to cross, and vehicle
speed is not too high. Furthermore the main street next to the site has been classed
as a Bicycle Friendly Road, and pedestrians and cyclists also use the informal open
space at the domain.

⊲⊲ The site has relatively easy access to Newmarket, with a slight to moderate slope.
Parnell Rise is steeply sloping.

⊲⊲ The site is close to four major and frequent bus routes that run along the street the
apartments to be located on. These connect the site to the city centre and the major
metropolitan centre.

Movement Analysis Plan 1:8000 @ A3

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Built Form Character

⊲⊲ Parnell, which constituted part of the original purchase for Auckland ⊲⊲ The design of the initial building represented a collaboration ⊲⊲ A defining characteristic of the wider Parnell area, is that despite
in 1841, has always played an important role in the region’s history. It between Bishop Selwyn and architect Fredrick Thatcher, both of the area’s historic nature, its architecture reflects a broad range
is understood to have formed an integral part of the Maori occupation which were influenced by the Cambridge Camden movement. of styles and periods. While the overall street patterns and
of the Tamaki and but the 1870’s, Parnell was the largest suburb in Accordingly these early buildings were designed in a neo- building relationships follow Victorian forms, development has
Auckland. By this time, Mechanic’s Bay had become an important gothic style, which in NZ became known as the “Selwyn Style”. been influenced by the Arts and Crafts (Queen Anne), Spanish
business precinct, and Parnell Rd was one of the main commercial Bishop Selwyn was also responsible for planting many of the Mission and Californian Bungalow movements. This factor is
thoroughfares to the farming communities in Onehunga, Epsom and trees in Parnell. During the 1900’s buildings continued to be important when considering how contemporary buildings should
Remuera. added into this precinct. These included Neglian House, the St be integrated into the neighbourhood.
Mary’s Cathedral Hall and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in the
⊲⊲ In 1843, Bishop Selwyn purchased land at the top of Parnell Rise for ⊲⊲ There is a consistency between the vertical elements of the
early 1960’s. In the early 1970’s, the subject site at 429 Parnell
the Church of England’s cathedral. The first St Mary’s Church open commercial and residential buildings along Parnell Road and the
Road was redeveloped into the current office and residential
in 1860 and dominated Parnell’s skyline until 1886 when the new St predominantly vertical rhythm of the neo-gothic architecture of
apartment building, and was designed by Worleys.
Mary’s Cathedral was constructed at 437 Parnell Road and was later St Mary’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The
shifted in 1982 to its present position. shop fronts and above street level structures along Parnell Road
have a distinctive vertical pattern, which is also reflected in the
terrace houses at 469-475 Parnell Road. This characteristic is
generally expressed by the spacing and placement of windows
and bays, and creates a degree of consistency amongst
otherwise quite diverse architecture.

⊲⊲ The character of Birdwood Crescent to the north of the subject

site is predominantly residential with the southern side of the
street displaying one or two storey dwellings, increasing up to
three stories at the rear of the sites to take advantage of the
topography. The northern side of the street has a more varied
character with more recent residential development interspersed
with traditional villas. Architectural character and materiality
in the immediate vicinity is varied. As the city’s oldest suburb,
there are many residential villas, both Victorian and Edwardian
buildings in the main street, and of course the gothic Cathedral.
Modern buildings are scattered around the area, but mostly on
the eastern side of Parnell Road.

⊲⊲ Building setbacks are typically 3 to 5 metres, with low fencing

to the street in a variety of materials, but typically timber pickets
or simple plaster walls. Surveillance to the public realm is
maintained by the low fence heights and close proximity of
dwellings to the frontage. Parking in the front yards is generally
absent. Large street trees and grassed berms give the area a
green character.

Parnell 1940 (Auckland Council GIS Aerial Photograph)

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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The Holy Trinity cathedral is located across the road

Traditional Villas are common in the area. They are
from the site. It is a grand structure that has strong
small houses with gabled roofs and front porches,
cultural importance in the region. It is a large, high
that are often clad in weatherboard and have a lot of
building with strong forms that is clad in a mixture of
ornamentation.
materials including brick. It has been set back from the
street to emphasize its importance.

Building Setbacks & Heights 1:1000 @ A3

Cathedral images

The buildings that line the main street are a mixture of New and larger buildings that line the main street are
new and old. They are slim, have flat roofs, and vary often broken up with a vertical emphasis so they don’t
in height, but are mostly two storeys high. They have stand out against the neighboring slimmer heritage
parapets, verandahs, and a lot of detail. buildings. The façade of this building has been broken
up with colour and by using negative details.

Images depicting Parnell area characteristics

This motel comprises of two buildings that are from two The main street has a more traditional character. It
different eras. The newer building has looked to fit in is very green on the eastern side as it is lined with
with the original building by mimicking colour, and by street trees. Buildings on the western side line the
building to the same height. It would be more success- street, and provide verandahs for pedestrians.
ful if it had included a little more detail and parking was
at the rear.
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 Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Use and Activity Urban Structure

⊲⊲ The site benefits from a variety of land uses as it is located on the outskirts of the city fringe centre of ⊲⊲ The subject site forms part of an irregular urban block, defined by Birdwood Crescent to the north, St
Parnell. Marys Close to the south and Parnell Road to the east. The wider neighbourhood block structure is
defined by the two major roads (Parnell Road and St Stephens Ave), with the remainder of the blocks
being dissected by cul-de-sacs or loop roads, with variable block permeability as a result.
⊲⊲ Retail predominately located to the north west of the development, in close proximity to Parnell Road.
⊲⊲ The Overall street patterns + building relationships follow Victorian forms.
⊲⊲ Commercial land uses are located north west and south west of the sites.
⊲⊲ The urban structure in the area is permeable, has a strong edge definition, is small in scale and varied in
⊲⊲ The area is lacking in social services due to its close proximity to the city centre, however it there is a
form due to the age and topography of the area.
community centre/ library, and pool and fitness centre on Parnell Road.
⊲⊲ Retail and commercial buildings are attached and form a unified street edge. Parking and servicing
⊲⊲ A college and district school (combined primary and intermediate) are situated within walking distance
occurs at the rear of the buildings and along the narrow lanes. It is important that the footprint of the new
from the site.
development is similar in character so it fits in with the urban structure.
⊲⊲ There are three parks / reserves within 400m radius of the site, one of which is one of Auckland’s largest
⊲⊲ Residential buildings are often small and detached.
(the Domain).
⊲⊲ The church and museum have very large footprints as they are important public facilities. Large set
⊲⊲ The cathedral and museum; two places of regional significance, are situated within walking distance
backs reinforce their significance.
from the site.
⊲⊲ Building heights vary in the area, ranging from about 1-6 storeys on the main street, with most of the high
buildings on the north east side of the shopping area. The cathedral is approximately 30m high.
⊲⊲ Residential housing is mostly located east and south east of the site.
⊲⊲ The main street that the site sits along is 21m wide and similar in design to most traditional main streets
in the city. It includes four travel lanes and a footpath on each side of the road (the road widens at the
end of the shopping area). The four lanes could make the street difficult to cross for pedestrians and
vehicles exiting and entering the site.

Site

St Mary’s Cathedral Gateway Pier Figure Ground Plan- buildings vary in size, and define street edges

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 Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Planning Context Key implications for development proposal

Relevant district plan objectives, policies, assessment criteria 1 Carefully consider interface with adjacent Residential
and development controls that will influence the development 1 properties on Birdwood Crescent, and in particular
of the site. overshadowing, visual domination and privacy effects
The subject site is zoned Residential 7b (High Intensity) in the through building placement, scale and location of
Auckland City District Plan (Isthmus). The site is not subject to glazing
any protected view shafts and does not contain any identified
heritage features. Look for innovative design solutions that achieve
2 anticipated density of development while protecting
The Residential 7b zone aims to “maximise design flexibility amenity of adjacent lower density sites
and allow residential activities to establish at a relatively
high intensity, while protecting the surrounding environment
from adverse effects of development.” This is to be achieved Capitalise on views and absence of volcanic cone
by imposing minimal development controls on sites while
3 protection areas in combination with 10 metre height
affording appropriate protection on the interface with lower limit
intensity zones and promoting quality and innovative design
solutions for developments by requiring the application of
urban design criteria. Consider hierarchy of streets (being a corner site) and
4 decide which is the primary frontage
The zone is characterised by:
• relatively high rise, high density development; Respond to the adjacent heritage buildings including
• Favourable aspect and slope; 5 the Cathedral Precinct whilst minimising effects of
• Good access to open space and leisure opportunities,
business centres, community services and public arterial road with associated width and traffic volumes
District Plan map showing protected view shafts. The area to the north is
transport.
b09-01- a view shaft protecting site lines to the museum. The area to the
Acknowledge corner and transition from mixed use south east is D09-01- a view shaft protecting site lines to the harbour and
Integrated residential developments are provided for as 6 retail setting
a Discretionary Activity in the Residential 7b zone and are gulf.
to be assessed against the Residential Design Guide for
Developments in the Strategic Growth Management Areas
(Appendix 10), including consideration of:
• Neighbourhood Character Auckland City District Plan (Isthmus) Map
• Site Layout subject site District Plan map showing
• Density protected features,
• Energy Efficiency including buildings (square
• Building Envelope icon) and trees (triangle
• Visual Privacy icon).
• Acoustic Privacy
• Landscaping 12: Dragon Tree
• Driveways and Car parking
• Private Open space 18: English Oaks (6)
• Site Facilities

Key development controls that will inform the design: 15: St Marys Cathedral
• Height (10m)
• Intensity Level (1 person per 25m2 of site area) 16: English
• Building in relation to boundary (refer clause 7.8.1.3(c)) Oaks(15),Moreton Bay
• Maximum building coverage (35% of net site area) Fig & Pin Oak
• Minimum landscaped permeable surface (not less than
40% of net site area) 53: Horse Hitching Post
• Yards (1.5m)
• Private open space/ outlook (refer Clause 7.8.1.8.C)
• Minimum unit size (35m2 – 90m2 – refer clause 7.8.1.17)
(note this list is not exhaustive)

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Opportunities and Constraints

Opportunities
⊲⊲ Current building makes little contribution to the street-scape, presenting an enclosed stair tower, articulated block
work construction and haphazard landscaping.

⊲⊲ Important corner site that represents the transition from the retail strip on Parnell Road to a more residential
character

⊲⊲ Reinforce the street edge and create a more legible relationship with adjacent private sites

⊲⊲ Views out to the harbour, museum, Domain and the city centre

⊲⊲ Topography provides opportunity for basement parking and ground floor to have direct access and relationship to
the street

⊲⊲ Green character of the area including street trees and heritage trees in cathedral site

⊲⊲ Northern orientation

⊲⊲ High amenity provided by proximity to cathedral and associated open space

⊲⊲ Draw upon the historical conditions and context, acknowledging existing architecture but being of the current era

⊲⊲ Architectural era’s, styles and quality of cathedral buildings and adjacent retail buildings

⊲⊲ Use the building scale and form to visually narrow the width of Parnell Road

Constraints
⊲⊲ Prevailing south-westerly winds

⊲⊲ Tension between residential requirements for privacy at ground level and desire to activate the street

⊲⊲ Noise and air pollution from main street

⊲⊲ Scale of buildings on adjacent sites and potential domination effects

Opportunities + Constraints Analysis (Not to scale)
⊲⊲ Direct views from neighbouring terrace dwellings into site

⊲⊲ Maintaining primacy of cathedral building

⊲⊲ Maintaining privacy of adjacent villa (to west)

⊲⊲ Traffic volumes on Parnell Road

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Concept Design Principles

Based upon the preceding analysis of the site and its context, the following principles have been developed to guide the design of
the site:

⊲⊲ Referencing the past use of the site including the previous subdivision boundaries (3 separate titles) and associated villas. This
traditional form of subdivision would have created a band of residential buildings along the road frontage, with a series of spaces
between them, typically occupied by side yards and boundary fences. Walsec sketch

⊲⊲ To continue the general building line of ⊲⊲ Use materials that reflect the character of the existing buildings along Parnell Road, including timber panelling
Parnell Road by placing the building on the street, and stone walls to respond to the street system and provide privacy to neighbouring properties.
to produce an edge to the Cathedral precinct, of
⊲⊲ Concentrate the proposed building at the north-eastern corner of the site to protect the existing town-
houses and their north-westerly aspect and enable these residences to effectively ‘borrow’ the proposed
developments westerly garden environment.

⊲⊲ Limit glazing to the southern elevations of the building to avoid privacy conflicts, and orientate the building on
a north-south axis, representing a significant improvement on the existing building.

⊲⊲ Create a design connection with the Cathedral buildings through a consistent approach to scale, rhythm,
texture and quality materials.
Historical Subdivision Pattern
⊲⊲ Utilise artwork on the Birdwood Crescent and Parnell Road corner, as part of a small local purpose reserve, to
an appropriate frame (building and landscape) that is engaging and respectful of this significant assemblage of buildings; whilst
represent the transition of Parnell Road from a predominantly commercial zone to a more residential one.
also lessening the overpowering presence of three lanes of traffic, and to make Parnell Road a street
⊲⊲ Establish a link to the landscape of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, including species selection and
⊲⊲ To acknowledge the corner and the transition from the busy mixed use setting of Parnell Road to the relatively quieter, though still
placement of trees.
mixed use and scale, setting of Birdwood Crescent.

⊲⊲ To carefully evolve a building that draws on historical conditions and context, that acknowledges the existing architecture, whilst
clearly being of our time and place.

Cross Section

⊲⊲ Utilise an abstraction of this rhythm, particularly along Parnell Road where the building is divided by glazed atriums which form break
points through the structure. Within this larger organisation use a series of secondary vertical and horizontal divisions to respond to
the pattern of Parnell Road, particularly the early commercial and residential buildings which extended along this thoroughfare.

⊲⊲ Set back the top levels of the building at a height which essentially reflects the parapet of the adjacent buildings along Parnell Road,
enabling it to be read as an extension of this urban form. Images and sketches reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus.

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Concept Plan
From the established design principles, two approaches were developed:

(1) A building along Parnell Road, Birdwood Crescent and down St Mary’s Close;

(2) A building along Parnell Road and Birdwood Crescent only.

It was decided to build along Parnell Road and Birdwood Crescent only, as a result of an
evaluation of the configuration of the individual apartments and their relationship to views, open space and each other, and the analysis
of the wider context of the site.

Site Layout Options & Analysis

Concept Design Layout

Sketches reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

The proposal encompasses:

⊲⊲ 33 apartments of varying size and configurations (garden typologies, Parnell Rd and

Birdwood Crecent typologies, and 2 level typologies).

⊲⊲ An “L” shape plan along Birdwood Crescent and Parnell Road.

⊲⊲ The form is stepped along the street edges and at the junction with its neighbours on Parnell Rd and Birdwood
Crescent.

⊲⊲ Courtyard gardens set back 5m and 3m respectively from Parnell Road and Birdwood Crescent. Both are enclosed
for privacy with elevational separation from the street environment (either raised above or set below the street
level).

⊲⊲ Street frontage landscaping responds to the existing planting of the Cathedral and continues the existing pattern
on Birdwood Road.

⊲⊲ A planted pergola covers the car park entry and along with the stepped form of the building, makes a transition in
scale coming along Birdwood Crescent.

⊲⊲ The building is divided into two sections – upper apartments stepping back from the lower and the general height
of the structures existing on Parnell Rd and Birdwood Crescent.

⊲⊲ The form of the building is divided in plan along Parnell Road into 3 pieces reflecting the organisation of the
building and an acknowledgment of the historical scale of previous subdivision.

⊲⊲ Overall the proposal seeks to produce a building that responds to the Parnell Heritage Report of 1992 that states
“…it should be noted that infill guidelines should discourage the replication of earlier styles and form of architecture
and should encourage the design of good modern architecture which acts as a good neighbour in terms of its
materials, openings, scale, rhythm and setback. “

Site Layout in context of surrounding neighbourhood

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Proposed Site Layout

Proposed Site Plan 1:800 @ A3

16 Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Proposed Building Design

Proposed Level B 1 : 400 @ A3 Proposed Level 1 1 : 400 @ A3

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Proposed Level 2 1 : 400 @ A3 Proposed Level 3 and 4 1 : 400 @ A3

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Proposed Level 5 1 : 400 @ A3 Proposed Level 6 1 : 400 @ A3

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Proposed Elevations
The proposed building is to be clad in modern materials to juxtapose the heritage buildings surrounding it, including glass, steel and
pre-cast concrete. Glass is used to provide a reference to the glazing on the cathedrals facade.

Solid pre-cast panels clad the building where privacy is required for neighboring sites. The upper levels have horizontal louvres for
sun protection and to differentiate them from the more dominant lower floors. Two vertical glass lines are created where the entrances
are located on the eastern elevation, breaking up the building’s façade. A vertical rhythm is created on the northern and eastern
elevations with vertical glass fins, providing privacy for occupants and forming part of the pollution barrier from the busy streets.

Eastern Elevation from Parnell Road Northern Elevation from Birdwood Crescent

Western Elevation
Southern Elevation

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
Analysis Context Context Constraints Response

Proposed Streetscape Elevations

Proposal viewed from within Cathedral site Proposal viewed from South

Proposal viewed from Birdwood Crescent Proposal viewed from corner of St Stephens Ave

Proposal viewed from Parnell Road Photomontages reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus
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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Sunlight Access Diagrams

Sunlight access diagrams

The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan requires shadow diagrams for 9am, midday, 3pm and 6pm on the summer solstice, the winter
solstice and the equinox. These diagrams were prepared prior to notification of these provisions.

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

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Site Neighbourhood Planning Opportunities Design
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Landscape and Open Space

The property’s surroundings and the dynamic landscape forces which have influenced it have
motivated the landscape design for Trinity. Our analysis has had regard to the existing site
vegetation, the exotic landscape of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the indigenous vegetation
associated with the Domain. Consideration has also been given to how the site has been influenced
by the area’s topography and overland flow paths. The subject site represents a transition in the
landscape from the indigenous condition of the Domain to the English landscape and Selwyn Oaks
associated with the Cathedral.

⊲⊲ The key landscape design responses are:

⊲⊲ Establishing a link to the landscape of the Cathedral with Oak trees along Parnell Rd to reflect
the existing Selwyn Oaks; extending into St Mary’s Close edge to initiate the transition from the
formal to natural environment

⊲⊲ A sculptured garden wall for the Parnell Road edge, with the associated courtyards, to provide
privacy for the apartments and establish a relationship with the landscape of the Cathedral.
The wall suggests a rolling over of elements from the Holy Trinity landscape into the courtyard
gardens.

⊲⊲ Retaining on Birdwood Crescent will form a slender vertical edge to the street boundary and
enable the lawn area behind to establish.

Proposed Planting Plan, not to scale

Plans reproduced with the kind permission of Architectus

Existing Trees, not to scale
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