The striking design of Catalina Bay Apartments, which have recently started construction, has drawn heavily on their spectacular coastal setting and an environment rich with history.
Principal Associate from architects Architectus, Shane Parker says, “The building will have fantastic proximity to the water and big windows orientated for views up the harbour and across the water back to the city.
“You’ll be able to go out your front door and be at the water in 30 seconds.
“Apartments have generous livings spaces orientated to the water which open out to balconies, with some residences enjoying dual balconies both to the north and to the south.”
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The apartments are being built on the water’s edge at the northernmost point of Hobsonville Point, in a new seaside community curated by property investment and development company, Willis Bond.
“This was designed to be a gateway building into the Hobsonville precinct; an architectural marker on the Upper Harbour.”
The precinct was once an Air Force base which housed Catalina sea planes in its hangars.
The apartment complex is close to the water with big windows orientated for views up the harbour and across to the city. Photo / Supplied
The first stage of Willis Bond’s three stage development in the precinct saw seven historic buildings carefully restored and repurposed to house a mix of modern office, retail and hospitality spaces.
“Catalina Bay Apartments’ quality materials reference its historic context, with the materials, design and proportions of existing buildings taken into consideration,” Parker says.
“For example, the apartments’ balcony structure echoes the grids and proportions of adjacent hangars.”
The building’s upmarket apartments and luxurious penthouses will be clad in richly-toned aluminium cladding.
They’ll sit above a grey brick podium incorporating the address’s nine prestigious wharf terraces.
“This project will provide a variety of tailored living solutions so there’s a home for you whether you’re a commuter who jumps on the ferry, someone who’s downsizing or someone who’s moving out of the city to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle,” Parker says.
The Catalina Bay Apartments project is targeting a Homestar 7 rating. Photo / Supplied
The display suite is on Boundary Road in Hobsonville Point, opposite the ferry terminal. Photo / Supplied
Both Architectus and Cheshire Architects were involved in the master planning for this precinct, which boasts many features.
These include a coastal walkway, a ferry terminal with regular sailings to and from Auckland CBD, a popular farmers’ market and a co-working facility.
Willis Bond, Architectus and builders LT McGuinness are drawing on strong existing team dynamics to create these apartments.
The trio together won the 2019 Sir Athfield Award for Housing for their Wynyard Central development in Wynyard Quarter.
“From day one Architectus was talking to both the client, Willis Bond, and the contractor who’s going to build the apartments, LT McGuinness, which isn’t something which always happens,” Parker says.
“We’ve brought that experience from working together on previous projects into Catalina Bay.”
The precinct has a coastal walkway, a ferry terminal with regular sailings to the Auckland CBD, and a popular farmers market. Photo / Supplied
Homestar is an independent rating tool for assessing the health, efficiency, and sustainability of homes across Aotearoa. The Catalina Bay Apartments project is targeting a Homestar 7 rating, with sustainability front of mind in both the design and construction process.
Double aspect apartments in the centre of the complex increase the potential for capturing natural light and sunlight.
The design staggers the height of the building which, as well as providing more access to views, reduces overshadowing which negatively affects light and sunlight.
Consideration has been given to how the building conserves heat and energy to reduce electricity bills and e-vehicles will be able to charge onsite.
Catalina Bay Apartments’ range of residences are scheduled to be completed in early to mid-2024 with a selection of premium one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and wharf terraces available along with two exquisite penthouses.
One-bedroom apartments are from $985,000 including carpark. The display suite is on Boundary Road, opposite the ferry terminal; visit catalinabayapartments.co.nz.
The apartments are being marketed by Barfoot & Thompson’s Annie Yong-Mewburn, Pam Riley and Sarah Benbow.
- Sponsored by Willis Bond
