Waters Edge Apartments,
Tidal Eiew Rd,
Ferrymead,
Christchurch
KEY POINTS:
The design of Christchurch's new Ferrymead waterfront luxury apartment development, Waters Edge, may be the latest but the groundwork for the enterprise was laid in a school yard nearly half a century ago.
The striking 34-apartment building designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects has been conceived to maximise
stunning views across the bay and Port Hills. Stages One and Two of the development (which is due to be completed at the end of next month) have sold out and Stage Three has just been released, with only 17 residences still available in the six-level development.
Warren and Mahoney Architects have designed many well-known New Zealand buildings - from stylish residential projects to Wellington's Westpac Stadium, affectionately dubbed 'the cake tin'.
But the development might never have eventuated if it were not for a high school bond formed in Christchurch decades ago.
Parklane Properties general manager Wayne Wright explains his father (who launched the family into property development and is also named Wayne) went to high school in Christchurch.
While there he got to know fellow pupil Robert Dymand, whose family owned the Ferrymead Tavern for many years. When Robert decided to sell the pub's splendid waterfront site he got in touch with his old schoolmate to discuss options and the tavern eventually made way for the Waters Edge apartments.
Mr Dymand will still be able to enjoy the site's panoramic views as he's secured one of six Waters Edge penthouse apartments.
All Waters Edge residences soak up glorious uninterrupted views as every apartment has been designed with balconies and huge windows both front and back.
The building looks across the waters of the estuary of the Avon and Heathcote rivers, out over the bay and up to the Kaikoura ranges; then beyond Christchurch City to the Southern Alps. Residents will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the Port Hills from the rear of all apartments, which feature rear balconies.
Wayne explains the high standard of workmanship he saw in buildings in the US while living there for 17 years helped define the superior quality benchmark he set for Waters Edge.
He selected Warren and Mahoney Architects because he wanted the project to offer architecture of international quality and each apartment to make the most of the locale's unique setting just 10 minutes from Christchurch's central city.
"And I'm absolutely delighted with the design ... it's very cutting edge and they have a great handle on what works well in New Zealand."
Waters Edge is visually defined by three large, glazed atria, which run the entire depth of the building, emphasise the dramatic location and provide apartment access, with only two apartments accessible from each atrium floor. Natural, durable exterior materials including highly-finished concrete and dark-hued zinc were selected to complement the waterfront environment.
Wayne says "All apartments have huge double-glazed windows at either end, so get beautiful natural light."