City Dwelling

Apartment blocks are scarce in downtown Manukau but the stock has grown as the recently finished Proximity adds 150 new units onto the scene

Exterior view of the entrance way of the glass, interior design, lobby, property, real estate, window, gray — Exterior view of the entrance way of the Proximity Apartments constructed by Macrennie Commercial Construction.

Exterior view of the entrance way of the apartment, architecture, building, commercial building, condominium, corporate headquarters, daytime, facade, headquarters, metropolis, metropolitan area, mixed use, residential area, sky, skyscraper, tower block, white, black

Exterior view of the entrance way of the apartment, architecture, building, commercial building, condominium, corporate headquarters, facade, headquarters, metropolis, metropolitan area, mixed use, real estate, residential area, tower block, white, gray

Exterior view of the entrance way of the building, commercial building, corporate headquarters, facade, property, real estate, white

Exterior view of the entrance way of the apartment, architecture, building, city, commercial building, condominium, corporate headquarters, daytime, facade, headquarters, hotel, metropolis, metropolitan area, mixed use, palm tree, sky, skyscraper, tower block, window, white

Interior view of the Proximity Apartments constructed by bedroom, ceiling, home, interior design, property, real estate, room, window, window covering, white, gray

Interior view of the Proximity Apartments constructed by floor, home, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, window, white, gray

Interior view of the Proximity Apartments constructed by interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, suite, white

Exterior view of the Proximity Apartments which were architecture, arecales, building, cloud, condominium, daytime, facade, landmark, metropolitan area, palm tree, sky, skyscraper, symmetry, tree, teal, black

View of the kitchen and dining area in apartment, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, home, home appliance, interior design, kitchen, major appliance, property, real estate, room, gray

As the pressure on land grows, inner-city living is becoming more popular. More people than ever before are finding it an advantage to live in the centre of the city, especially as housing becomes available.

Macrennie Commercial Construction recently completed Proximity Apartments in the heart of Manukau City. The 19-level, precast concrete building targets business, travel and the growing student market.

The tall slim outline blends into the urban landscape of the CBD. Fitting the apartment block on the small site was a problem as local traffic planning regulations required each unit to have at least one carpark. However, height restrictions meant the building couldn't get any taller. Instead Macrennie Commercial Construction excavated two levels to ensure the necessary parking was built, says Chris McGregor-Macdonald, Macrennie's chief executive officer.

The ground proved hard to work with, so massive concrete retaining walls were installed. The walls also dampened the vibrations caused by vehicles travelling the busy roads nearby during construction.

Another space problem was solved by the unusual measure of linking entrances and exits with the neighbouring apartment block. Fire safety measures were also interconnected.

For more information contact Macrennie Commercial Construction, 666 Great South Road, Penrose, phone (09) 525 3330. Website: www.macrennie.com.

Story by: Trendsideas

31 Mar, 2009

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