At your service

When a location offers city living by the sea, you might think prospective homeowners are already well catered for. But to facilitate the kind of effortless lifestyle a growing number of people now seek, an apartment building has the capability to offer so much more.

The Sentinel in Takapuna, Auckland, is designed with the ultimate comfort of its residents in mind, says developer Rick Martin.

"It's about enabling a quality of life where everyday hassles are taken care of, leaving residents free to pursue a daily schedule that might include a walk on the beach or a round of golf," he says.

Services such as a 24-hour concierge, personal chef and valet parking will be a key part of the Sentinel's appeal, with the building designed specifically to enable the high level of service offered. Three lifts will cater for the 117 apartments on 30 storeys, to ensure that no one is kept waiting.

Architect Jaimie Simpkin of Walker Architects describes the building design process as working from the inside out. "We thought about what the homeowners would require, and designed the building accordingly," he says.

All apartments have living areas oriented around large spans of glass, making the most of city and seascape views. Floor plans are designed with right angles, rather than curves, to create better, more functional spaces.

"Aspects of apartment living, such as arranging furniture that fits neatly into the layout and including plenty of storage areas, are important, practical realities that should be catered for," says Simpkin.

Thoughtful details extend to the Sentinel's communal areas, such as a 25 by 6 metre heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium on the podium level. This landscaped area is enhanced by visual features that include cantilevered glass canopies and natural stone exterior cladding.

In keeping with the clean-lined aesthetic of the interiors, the Sentinel's exterior has a strong, linear presence. Tall and slender, the building tapers off at the top, the highest piece being a simple steel spire that reaches a further 20m into air. Extensive decking around the penthouse suite will allow its owner to enjoy outdoor living areas 123m above the city streets.

Equipment used to power the entire building is housed above the penthouse. This maintenance area is concealed behind woven aluminium strips designed to look like a Maori basket allowing outside air to keep the plant area cool.

"The shadow play of the sun on the panels will create a kind of ever-changing beacon above Takapuna," says Simpkin. "Incorporating an ethnic symbol into the design offers more than just sculptural appeal. It goes beyond simple aesthetics and presents a visual description of the location."

This fits with Martin's vision for the Sentinel to incorporate worldwide trends in apartment living, whilst recognising the building's location on the edge of the Pacific rim.

For more information phone (09) 486 6880 or visit the Sentinel showroom at 2-8 Northcroft Street, Takapuna. Website: www.thesentinel.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas