Parkland living

Living in a leafy suburb by the searemains an aspiration for many of us. Increasingly, we are also looking for freehold, environmentally friendly homes in safe neighbourhoods.

Kensington Park is a 40-acre master-planned community, a concept popular in the United States and Europe, and about to become better known here, says sales and marketing director of Kensington Properties Michael de Seymour.

"Mature native trees nestled on pockets of land, palm-shaded boulevards and waterways surrounded by boardwalks are all just a stroll away from Orewa Beach," de Seymour says.

This new showcase development will include a massive $10 million landscaping and facilities programme with lakes, parks, a gymnasium, a sauna and four swimming pools, as well as a boutique commercial centre with a delicatessen, restaurant, cafe and wine bar. Five-and-a-half kilometres of walkways and a neighbouring native bush reserve leading to the beach encourage residents to incorporate walking in their day.

The homes in Kensington Park are designed to reflect both traditional and new values, as people look for safe, community-minded neighbourhoods.

"This is not a gated community, but it gives the impression of one, with a distinctive clock tower at the park entrance and a high level of security with a community feel," says de Seymour.

Every element of Kensington Park has been orchestrated, from the streetscapes and landscaping to the architecture.

"Although each home is different from its neighbour, homes are part of the same design concept, with a relaxed beach-like feel that follows the Florida style of architecture," he says. "We placed the homes to retain the mature native trees, including a stand of 300-year-old puriri trees, and kept clear lines of sight to the sea."

The developer has included a variety of detached houses, terraced homes and apartments.

Energy efficiency is incorporated into every aspect of the building process, says de Seymour.

"From the way the streets are designed to the kinds of material on the benchtops, the principles of sustainability, durability and community are taken into account," he says.

"Where possible, homes are insulated to higher than normal standards in the floors, walls and ceilings. The buildings are oriented for maximum energy efficiency, and incorporate hot water solar panels on the roof, low-energy heat pumps and double-glazed windows.

"These energy-saving initiatives, carried out with Right House, a subsidiary of Meridian Energy, will allow owners of these homes to reduce their power bills by almost 60% a year," says de Seymour.

Homes will allow for fibre-optic cabling, which will deliver telephone, internet and television services, and link the home's security system to a centrally managed service. Swipe cards are used for the pools and gym to ensure that access is controlled.

For details, contact Kensington Park, phone 0800 57 67 392 or visit the website: www.kensingtonpark.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas