32 | Richard Loader Affordable housing with wow factor Divided into two blocks on the north facing corner site, the complex will contain 21 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments, including four wheelchair accessible apartments on the ground floor. Soho Group DEVELOPMENT Soho Group’s medium density development in New Plymouth is a shining example of the company’s vision of creating progressive, innovative and affordable residential developments in the regions. Located on a brownfield site in Leach Street, central New Plymouth, civils and vertical construction works of the three-storey apartment complex is due to commence late January/ early February 2023. Brad Davis, Soho’s National Development Manager/General Counsel, says that like most of regional New Zealand, medium density housing is still quite a novel concept for New Plymouth. “Soho Group procures development sites around key amenities such as supermarkets, healthcare, schools, parks and greenspaces. This particular site is a very short distance from Pukekura Park, it’s on the door step of the key food suppliers, supermarkets and healthcare services.” The site had been a car sales yard, sitting right on the fringe between key amenity and local residential zone. Brad hopes the development will be a step to bringing more people back into central New Plymouth. “Our vision is based around housing affordability. We’re passionate about brownfield developments and better conversion of land throughout the regions in New Zealand. There were a number of issues that Soho had to collaboratively work through with New Plymouth District Council, that other developers perhaps wouldn’t have taken on.” Divided into two stylish blocks on the north facing corner site, the complex will contain 21 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments, including four wheelchair accessible apartments on the ground floor. All three levels are accessed by stairs. A ground floor communal room complete with kitchen, bathroom and small meeting room will be for residential use, and is a key focal point for that part of the development. Entry to the buildings can be gained either from the carpark, or from a communal green space dividing the two blocks, that can be used as a children’s playground or just a pleasant spot to meet friends and family. “The building has been through a rigorous urban design process, and that goes with everything from considering crime prevention through the building’s design, to privacy standards to greenery to cladding to energy efficiency. Each apartment has its own outdoor space. The upper levels have balconies ranging from 8sqm to 10sqm, while the ground floor apartments have up to 20sqm patio/outdoor area. We aim to set a really good precedent that opens up more of this type of development, and the only way to do that is to build a building that we’re really proud of, despite the various barriers.” A contemporary and stylish design, the building will make use of mixed cladding materials both for practical and aesthetic purposes. Brick has been used at the ground floor because it is a robust, low maintenance material that will retain its quality and good looks for the long life of the building. On the upper levels, Weathertex, a dark linea cladding, provides subtle contrast. Aluminium balustrades with a timber look surround the balconies. “The framing is all timber, and that is driven by our environmental and sustainability goals. Internally, the building has been designed to a Homestar 6 standard, which is relevant to ventilation, acoustics, heating, and energy efficiency.” New Plymouth Building company, Chris Bell Construction was engaged as the lead contractor, early in the process and was able to offer construction suggestions that have resulted in cost savings without impacting on the high quality of the project. Brad says the programme currently allows for the development to be completed by May 2024. “This development is procured in partnership with Kāinga Ora, who has entered into a Sale and Purchase agreement for the development, to be handed over on completion to be used as social housing. Soho Group was founded just over five years ago, primarily to provide social housing that was well designed warm, dry, safe. Really trying to turn around the stigma of what is perceived as social housing in New Zealand.” Soho Group’s focus includes providing affordable housing solutions, innovative medium density housing solutions, and lastly sustainable development. “So, it’s a regional focus for us at the moment, producing really innovative, well-designed buildings that help solve the housing affordability issue. We’re currently operating from Whangarei, right through to Nelson.”
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