| 29 T T Karen Phelp Innovative housing for Whangarei Each project embraces a contemporary and stylish aesthetic that also includes practicality and functionality. Soho Group: Whangarei Mixed Use Housing DEVELOPMENT Soho Group is nearing completion of a unique, mixed-tenure residential development in Tikipunga, Whangarei, that could help to redefine housing across New Zealand, says Brad Davis, Soho Group’s general manager. The Wanaka Street project, designed by Context Architects, integrates social housing, progressive home ownership and affordable rentals within a single community. “This is a huge investment for Whangarei,” says Brad. “It’s the largest residential mixed-housing development in the region. It’s changed the look and feel of that neighbourhood, providing rejuvenated housing and creating a community. It sets a unique precedent in New Zealand for what can be done.” Brad says from the outside it looks like 69 new units, but it has taken a lot of different stakeholders and partners to deliver the development, which represents a collaborative effort and involves Kainga Ora, Habitat for Humanity, Soul Capital and Te Pae. “A lot of parties, including local council, have come together to make this development a success,” says Brad. The project’s first stage, comprising 51 social housing units, has already been completed, with stages two and three set for completion in February 2025, adding 15 units of progressive home ownership and affordable rentals. Brad says the project addresses a critical housing shortage, particularly for Maori whanau in Northland. Each home meets Homestar 6 standards delivering efficiency, sustainability and health benefits. “Lifemark 4 standards have also been integrated into the design, ensuring increased accessibility and flexibility of use. These features ensure that the homes cater to a diverse range of needs, making them suitable for all members of the community,” Brad says. Careful consideration has been given to the development’s communal spaces. Landscaped exterior areas provide meeting points, while an on-site manager’s office and community room enhance the sense of community support. Brad says urban designers were consulted during the planning phase to ensure a place-based approach that positively contributes to the local neighbourhood’s fabric. Founded in 2017 by managing director Sam Wallace, Soho Group emerged with a clear mission: to provide social housing that is well-designed, warm and safe. Brad says it has since expanded its vision to deliver affordable, innovative and sustainable medium-density housing solutions. Soho works closely with trusted and well-respected community housing partners, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Kāinga Ora, to help bridge the housing shortfalls being faced across the country. To date, it has completed over 500 homes across Auckland and regional New Zealand. “Soho Group procures development sites around key amenities such as supermarkets, healthcare, schools, parks and green spaces,” explains Brad. “Our vision is based around housing affordability. “We’re passionate about brownfield developments and better conversion of land throughout the regions in New Zealand.’ The architectural design undergoes a rigorous urban design process, considering everything from crime prevention and privacy standards to greenery, cladding and energy efficiency. Each project embraces a contemporary and stylish aesthetic that also includes practicality and functionality. Its in-house asset management team and quality tenancy management partners ensure that properties are well-presented and maintained for the long term. Brad says Soho Group’s Wanaka St development is a testament to the group’s dedication to delivering high-quality, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. It has a number of other medium-density developments underway across the country, including developing high-quality public housing in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Nelson Tasman. “With every project we do we are aiming to set a new standard for medium-density housing, contributing to the betterment of the community by providing comfortable, accessible, and environmentally conscious homes for all, as we continue to expand our reach.” We provide architectural and urban design services to create new communities and homes for the future. Welcome home context.nz an integrated design practice
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