8 | ALP Studios & Breen Construction T T Kim Bowden High-end apartments meet tourist demand The central courtyard features a shared entertainment area complete with a breakfast bar, barbecue, and sleek, stainless steel hot tub by local maker, Stoked. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Wanaka’s new Alp Studios is filling a market gap by offering a luxury stay right in the heart of this tourist hot spot. The new boutique apartment accommodation has opened its doors on Brownston Street, offering high-end comfort just steps from some of the town’s top hospitality outlets. Developed by Auckland-based David Gibson, Alp Studios comprises two self-contained, two-bedroom apartments – one on the ground floor and one upstairs – each with its own kitchen, two bathrooms, and dedicated car parking with electric vehicle charging. The design, by Chris Norman of local architectural firm Chaney Norman, balances sleek modern finishes with cozy alpine character. Interiors feature warm timber accents, Forté flooring, and wood panelling throughout. With concrete floors, acoustic insulation between levels, mechanical ventilation, and four heat pumps, the building is designed for both thermal efficiency and year-round comfort. One of the development’s standout features is its central courtyard – a shared entertainment area complete with a breakfast bar, barbecue, and sleek, stainless steel hot tub by local maker, Stoked. Measuring three metres by two metres, the rectangular tub serves as a steaming spa in winter and a refreshingly cold plunge pool in summer – ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes or cooling off on one of Wānaka’s scorching summer afternoons. The accommodation is already proving popular with overseas tourists. “We’re seeing a lot of bookings from Americans, Australians, Canadians and Chinese visitors,” David says. “They’re typically spending a few nights in Queenstown, a few nights in Wānaka, then heading on to the West Coast or Christchurch.” With August bookings nearly full, attention is now turning to the summer season. The property is managed by Kim Stewart at Lakeside Properties, and is available for holiday rental via their website. The location, David says, is one of the development’s biggest drawcards. “There’s a lot of Airbnb and other accommodation on the outskirts of Wānaka, but you typically have to drive in order to get to town. Here, guests can just walk out the front door and be at their choice of bars, cafes, restaurants or food trucks.” The project was built by Breen Construction, who also happened to be the previous tenants of David’s commercial unit next door – giving them a unique vantage point during the build. “They did a fantastic job,” David says. “It was good to have a local firm that could manage everything with me remote. They were literally looking out their office window at the site.” Now that Breen has relocated to new headquarters on Ballantyne Road, the adjacent 240sqm commercial space is available for lease and is being marketed by Geoff McElrea of Colliers Queenstown. The space would suit professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects, who want to be close to the town centre rather than further out in one of the business park-like developments. “Brownston Street is a high traffic area,” David says. “It’s one of the busiest streets in town.” While ALP Studios is a new entrant, David believes it fills a growing need. “There is a shortage of high-end accommodation in central Wānaka, and I hope this offering will be enjoyed by local and offshore tourists,” he says. 23 Gordon Road, Wanaka | Phone: (03) 443 1260 Email: wanaka.reception@aoteaelectric.co.nz For anything electrical, from Appliance repairs to Commercial builds. M A N U F A C T U R E R S G U A R A N T E E 15 YEAR Cladding • Plastering • Painting Ph: 027 840 0022 www.tkplastering.co.nz
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