Parnell: Landmark location

Designed to blend with the surrounding architecture, this impressive apartment complex occupies an exceptional site close to the city. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

A spectacular site with extensive views of Auckland Domain to the city and the harbour demands a spectacular and impressive building rich in form and style.

The large site opposite the cathedral in Parnell is being developed into an apartment building that has been cleverly crafted to blend seamlessly with Parnell's already impressive architecture.

Trinity, a boutique apartment building comprising 28 apartments, has been designed by Architectus in collaboration with Peter Bromhead of Bromhead Design.

Project leader architect Patrick Clifford was very aware of the demands of this exceptional site with sweeping views of Auckland and was determined to design a building that would make its own mark in architectural history.

"The architecture in Parnell is eclectic. There is a wonderful collection of pieces that are representative of New Zealand's architectural history and this project should represent its time."

Peter agrees and adds: "This particular site is interesting because it is surrounded by interesting architecture, which is historic unlike any other part of Auckland. I cannot think of anywhere in the area that commands such a position in relationship to the history of Parnell and to the view that is offered."

The strong and impressive lines of the building will butt Parnell Rd and Birdwood Cr and create living spaces that are light, spacious and airy.

Says Patrick: "The decision to frame the edge of Parnell Rd and Birdwood Cr was the innate response to what should happen here. It was an opportunity to strengthen the cathedral precinct and make a good edge to it."

However, he says, it was important to frame the cathedral and not compete with it, and although other options for the site were considered, Patrick says this design was most suited to the area and the site.

"We felt that this was the most appropriate design not only for the apartment dwellers but for those who occupy the street and the environment in which the building must sit."

The six-level building is intended to maximise living space inside and outside.

Says Patrick: "The building is organised so it has basement car parking - there is no on-ground car parking. At the lowest level, it has some garden apartments that open to the garden on the west side. The next level relates to Parnell Rd and Birdwood Ct so, therefore, the apartments are courtyard types. There are three along Parnell Rd and two along Birdwood Cr. The next level runs along Parnell Rd and the key features are they are double sided or double heighted."

The shape of the building has meant that there are a variety of living options for different lifestyles and design tastes, and private balconies, which can be enclosed for year-round living, feature in many of the apartments.

Says Patrick: "Balconies are used to adjust and modify the climate, so on Parnell Rd the apartments are glazed with balustrades and screens that sit behind the glazing. On the west side, there are shutters. We are trying to get buffer zones so there is a living space that mediates between the inside and outside."

Access to the building is by two entrances, offering privacy to residents. Says Patrick: "The nature of circulation is important. We have limited that by creating two vertical entrances so apartments open directly off them and there is no cross ventilation."

And in keeping with the area, materials that reflect the character of Parnell Rd are used for the exterior, from the timber panelling to the bluestone panels.

Patrick says stone forms the sides of the building and glass the ends - it is like a tube, it has got ends and strong sides.

"You get a lot of richness out of clarity and the way material and forms come together. For example, timber cladding in the fine battens that sit against concrete lead to bluestone panels. Those materials gain from each other. Good materials used with another, or even contrasting materials together, create a real strength."

INTERIORS

The spacious interiors with a 2.7m stud will offer residents a canvass to create their own living environment.

A range of apartment layouts - from one-bedroom-with-a-study homes on one level to two-level, three-bedroom-and-a-study penthouses - makes these apartments ideal for professionals, families and retired couples.

Says Patrick: "If you have a well organised building then you have the opportunity to make beautiful things."

Peter agrees and adds: "The architecture of the interiors reflects the architecture of the whole building and there is nothing frivolous about the development. What these apartments really are about is a sense of light, and that flows right through the whole building."

Creating a visual background that is simple and functional, all the internal materials are light in colour and nature.

The kitchen is integrated with the dining area, only separated by an upstand and bar top, and flexible spaces for fridges and microwaves allow this space to be adapted to individual needs.

Also functional are the bathrooms - modish tapware, stainless heated towel rails, built-in tiled European showers and, in most apartments, large baths offer a space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

With two interiors to choose from, the design clarity of these apartments that are more like family homes is hard to match.

OUTSIDE

Living is extended outside to the extensively landscaped gardens with a barbecue area, 28m heated lap pool and a reflection pond. Creating a relationship with the view beyond, the garden is deliberate and everything works in harmony.

Close to the city, Newmarket and Parnell village, Trinity offers contemporary living in an area renowned for its architectural history.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Trinity, 429 Parnell Rd, Parnell.

FEATURES: Comprises 28 spacious and stylish apartments with extensive views to the east and west with eight two-level penthouse apartments; private outdoor living spaces; stainless appliances; Paini tapware; Duravit basins; most rooms have data and telephone connection points; wired for installation of home automation system; above-average acoustic control; common and individual security systems; air conditioning in some rooms; lap pool and landscaped gardens; landscape lighting illuminates the building at night; security gate entrance to complex; minimum of two car parks under the building; five visitor parks; secure lock-up unit; car wash bay.

SIZE: From 117sq m.

PRICE: From $585,000.

AGENT: Dinah Macky, Bayleys. Ph 309 6020 bus; 522 6617 ah; 027 493 5466 mob.