44 | Collaboration the key Solari Architects specialises in multi-unit, residential and commercial projects. ARCHITECTURE Solari Architects: Urban Company T T Anne Boswell Designgroup Stapleton Elliott Not your traditional water treatment facility T T Kelly Deeks The self-confessed “architecture nerds” at Wellington firm Solari Architects have made it their mission to transform the average townhouse development into creative, efficient properties that solve real housing problems through great living solutions. Specialising in multi-unit, residential and commercial projects throughout New Zealand, Solari Architects was established in 2011 by James Solari. James, who has worked extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia, found a market opportunity in the growth of the multi-unit residential sector in New Zealand, with a more intensive way of living on the ‘roadmap of change’ for Kiwis. “We built the core of the business around that, and sought out people with the skill sets to help us meet this opportunity,” James says. Solari’s initial focus was on properties in the Wellington region, but it has expanded to include the Hutt Valley, Taranaki and beyond, working with developers to design efficient, multi-unit residential housing projects. One of these development companies, Urban Company, has collaborated with Solari on seven projects to date. The first was Raukawa Heights, a 33-home development in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt. “Urban Company did a great job of managing to deliver their properties during a tough time in the industry,” James says. “They deserve full credit; it shows they can weather the storm and deliver.” Solari Architects and Urban Company have also collaborated on a nine-townhouse development in Oxford Sreet, Tawa, on which construction is complete, St Giles Kilbirnie, a 20-unit development currently under construction, a 10-townhouse development in Wadestown that is currently in the consent process; and a residential and commercial Designgroup Stapleton Elliott’s innovative approach to public architecture has been recognised with the Public Architecture Award at the 2025 Te Kāhui Whaihanga Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne NZIA Awards, celebrating the Waiaroha – Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre as a pioneering model of community-centred infrastructure. Led by DGSE principal Ezra Kelly and senior associate Alex Heperi, the Hastings-based project has transformed what might have been a purely functional water treatment facility into an inspiring public space that connects science, culture, and community. “The thing about this project is that it’s very pragmatic, providing safe drinking water right from the middle of town,” Ezra says. “But the Hastings District Council wanted to do something different, above and beyond the traditional water treatment plant.” The result is Waiaroha, a first-of-its-kind facility in New Zealand that blends a fully operational water treatment plant with a hands-on education centre, and one of the most visually striking public facilities in the country. Visitors can follow the journey of water from the mountains to the sea through outdoor exhibits, interactive features, and the striking Te Whare Waiaroha indoor learning space. The sculptural reservoirs rise like landmarks on the horizon, while the education centre — its form inspired by the forests of Tāne — sits lightly in the landscape, enveloped by native planting and reflective water. Inside, natural light filters through warm timber surfaces, creating a calm, tactile space that encourages curiosity and contemplation. “We wanted to design something that felt generous, open, and connected to the land,” Alex says. “Every material choice reflects our respect for the cultural and natural narratives of Heretaunga.” development on The Parade at Island Bay, called The Bay, which is in the design phase. From the start of their relationship, James says the two companies worked seamlessly together. “Solari Architects and Urban Company share the same vision and ethos of working together as a team, from consultants to construction and everyone in between,” he says. “By working together, the outcome is better for everyone.” James says another “piece in their armoury” is their work within the social housing space. Solari’s relationship with Kainga Ora (formerly Housing NZ) has continued to strengthen since its first collaboration in 2017 on a housing development in Lower Hutt, and it has also worked with Taranaki iwi Te Atiawa, Wellington and Hutt City Councils, and the Salvation Army on further social housing projects. “It has been great forming relationships with the councils, especially when it comes to consents in a world of intensified housing,” James says. Despite the design restraints of multi-unit residential developments, James says there are plenty of opportunities to be creative, while helping more people achieve a good home. “The challenge of a project, be it a complex site or budget constraints, is exciting as it forces creativity and efficiency,” he says. “From the nuances of relationships between households to how the property fits into the neighbourhood, there are always challenges to overcome.” The project is part of a wider water infrastructure strategy developed in response to the Havelock North water contamination event and sits at the heart of a network that ensures the long-term safety and sustainability of the region’s water supply. Ezra says the site’s location in central Hastings was chosen for efficiency, making use of existing infrastructure. “Underneath the building is massive pipework, so there were big technical constraints, plus close neighbours,” he says. “We had to weave together the cultural story of wai with the scientific and engineering story.” That narrative, combining mātauranga Māori and modern design, is central to the project. Alex, whose specialisation in cultural design helped shape the concept, says the collaboration between consultants, contractors, and cultural advisors was what made the project truly special. “It was one of my first major projects, and I learned so much about the importance of collaboration,” she says. “Sometimes it’s challenging, but when everyone leaves their egos at the door, you see what’s possible. This project really set a precedent for that.” DGSE worked closely with Wayfinder Landscape Planning and Strategy, who were also commended by NZIA with this award, and Gemco Construction delivering the build. The landscaping, architecture, and storytelling were all developed together to ensure a seamless visitor experience, one that invites the community to understand water not just as infrastructure, but as taonga. Awarded by industry peers, the NZIA recognition affirms the project’s significance not only as critical civic infrastructure but also as a celebration of community, culture, and connection. sales@sharpedge.co.nz | sharpedge.co.nz 37-39 Thorn Place, Onekawa, Napier Proudly supporting Designgroup Stapleton Elliot Ltd www.nkplanning.co.nz NK Planning Limited are proud to support Solari Architects. The water treatment facility has been transformed into an inspiring public space “By working together, the outcome is better for everyone.”
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