Masterplanned community

Most towns evolve over time, often with a haphazard mix of buildings and amenities that were never part of a well-considered urban plan.

Takanini Village, in contrast, is an example of what can be achieved when urban design principles are put into practice right from the start.

The mixed-used development was designed by Construkt Architects for Tonea Investments. Much of the first stage, which comprises 12,800m² of retail and commercial space, is already open for business.

Construkt Architects director David Gibbs says the development represents an important step forward for Takanini.

"The site is ideally located to form a mixed-use bridge' between the Commercial 2 zoning of Great South Road and the large residential catchment to the east," he says. "With the 5.4ha site catering to retail, office, live/work, residential and community uses, and providing improved public transport links, the project is of regional significance."

Stage 1 includes four distinctive buildings with good street exposure. The architecture is contemporary in expression, with low maintenance buildings and good-quality materials used throughout. Many buildings have north-facing frontages, large canopies and generous pavement widths.

Bruce Wallace, chief executive of Tonea Investments, says the firm specially chose Construkt Architects because it wanted a clear point of difference.

"The character of the buildings has been a great success; the architecture is unique. The buildings have set the tone for Takanini Village and will establish the direction for Stage Two."

For more details, contact Construkt Architects, phone +64 9 373 4900, mobile 021 818 412. Email: david@construkt.co.nz. Web: www.construkt.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas