Sandra Goodwin: lifestyle choice is elementary

An elevated corner site amid residential houses at one of Ellerslie's highest points will deliver sweeping views to a new development of 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments named Element.

It will feature a residents' rooftop terrace and lounge, and a focus on sustainable elements. These include some solar power generation, a cutting-edge water management and conservation system and a living lobby roof.

The development by Pukerangi Limited Partnership has been designed by architects Peddle Thorp as two three-storey buildings. Its apartments, which all either have balconies or garden courtyards for ground floor residences, are being sold off the plans.

Jim Castiglione, a partner of Pukerangi Limited Partnership, says: "The rooftop terrace and residents lounge offer residents sweeping 360-degree views of Rangitoto, Mt Eden, One Tree Hill and the Sky Tower."

He'd known the apartments' views would be great when purchasing the property but it was only once drone photography was complete that it became apparent how superb they would be. A scaffolding tower onsite allows prospective purchasers to check out how good the outlook will be, even from Level One.

Jim says: "We're sitting on a large property on top of a hill. This property is unusual because of its 1862 square metre size, its elevation and views and its proximity to Ellerslie, Newmarket, Syliva Park, the city, the motorway and public transport.

"If you walk four minutes down Arthur St, you're in Ellerslie's village with its shops, cafes and restaurants."

The Pukerangi Cres and Arthur St corner site currently has a six-bedroom home on it which originated as an early villa but was later modified extensively. Site building coverage will actually be less once Element is complete with more than 32 per cent to be native landscaped areas.

Unlike many developments offered off the plans, resource consent has been granted for Element.

The apartments were conceived to be affordable, starting from $555,000.

Jim describes the design Peddle Thorp conceived for them as "raw, solid and authentic".

The two three-level buildings constructed in pre-cast concrete and solid Austral clay bricks will sit along the northern and western boundaries to create a strong street facade.

Materials were chosen to fit with Ellerslie's existing vernacular and to be attractive and low maintenance, with the solid bricks particularly good at retaining warmth in winter and keeping cool in summer.

Jim says car parking is priced separately as some buyers don't want it given there's a bus stop across the road and it's eight minutes walk to Ellerslie train station. Element will feature 19 car parks and five scooter parks in the secure basement plus 11 outdoor car parks, with electric car charging facilities inside and out.

He says sustainability has been built into Element as a bottom line. That is proving important to some buyers, and all residents will benefit from reduced utility bills.

Solar energy will power common areas and central water heating. Element will be connected to mains water supply but an onsite water conservation system will also provide water for washing and drinking.

Interiors will include full-sized designer kitchens and bathrooms and engineered oak floors throughout living. Floor-to-ceiling glazing will open to either private courtyards or the elevated balconies with great views.

Jim says as well as being a great facility, the residents' rooftop terrace with enclosed lounge is also important in that it will foster a sense of community.

Construction is scheduled to start on March 1 with completion planned for the end of 2019.