74 | Herriot Melhuish O’Neil Architects: Seaborne Development T T Richard Loader Judges reward Petone development ARCHITECTURE When Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects (HMOA) were commissioned to design a townhouse development near Petone’s foreshore, they embraced the challenge and have been rewarded with success at the New Zealand Institute of Architects’ 2023 Wellington Architecture Awards. Called Seaborne because of its location, the design brief was to raise the standard for townhouse developments, creating an inviting multi-unit environment within a 4462sqm site amidst existing suburban residences. “Much of the work we do in Wellington is on hills, so it was interesting to do something on a large flat site,” says HMOA director John Melhuish. “Seaborne was the first of this type of townhouse development that HMOA has completed on this scale. So it was great to have it recognised at the NZIA awards. This kind of medium-density development is becoming common in New Zealand, and winning the award for it has given us a bit of profile.” John acknowledges that the challenge for this kind of development is avoiding what might be termed ‘the Coronation Street effect’, where townhouses are set out in a row and all look the same. It was also important for the design to be sympathetic to the surrounding environment, which predominantly consisted of single storey homes on single lots. “It was important to break up the scale and form of the development, and we addressed that by creating a framework of seven blocks of townhouses surrounding a central courtyard. “Each block consisted of different numbers of two and three bedroom townhouses, with variations and combinations of cladding, and some blocks stepped back from the street front. “Three different roof forms were used, alternating between the seven blocks. Each block has its own unique look, feel and integrity, so that people recognise it as the Seaborne development. We also tried to fit in with the existing suburban built up area, using good quality materials and design integrity, so that it all holds together nicely, and creates a good street edge for the neighbours.” The end design has provided 26 two-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom townhouses, ranging in size from 90sqm to 100sqm, with living downstairs / bedrooms upstairs, and beautifully built by Ironhorse Construction. No strangers to entering the NZIA awards, HMOA boasts a number of past NZIA successes to its name. John says while receiving awards is good for the practice, it is particularly good for the people involved in the winning projects. “It’s great encouragement and validates a lot of hard work that goes into these projects. Attending the awards evening also provides a great snapshot to see a lot of the good work that has been going on in the region and beyond. “Unless something is published you’re not aware of some of these amazing projects. It’s very collegial amongst the architectural profession in Wellington. Many of us have worked together in different practices and get on really well. The awards night is a celebration and opportunity to catch up. Architecture is a challenging and complex profession, so even though we compete with each other in the market, we still support and help each other.” Last year HMOA celebrated its 25th anniversary. Initially established as a Wellington practice, offices have since been opened in Christchurch, Auckland and Tauranga, providing coverage from Northland to Arrowtown. “When Max Herriot and I set the business up we were both quite design and very details-focused architects. “The quality of our work has led onto other projects, and so a lot of commissions have come through word-of-mouth. But I think that the culture we have created in the practice has also been very important. Everyone has to really enjoy coming to work and doing this very difficult job, and that is often not easy to achieve. > Electrical > Heating > Data > CCTV > Alarm Systems Apex Electrical & Communications Limited Unit C, 2 Centennial Highway, Ngauranga, Wellington 6035 service@aec.co.nz | 04 890 3747
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