54 | ARCHITECTURE Sheppard & Rout Architects: Worcester Terraces T T Kim Newth National award for townhouse project Apartment and townhouse developments have been springing up across the country, but few could rival Fletcher Living – Worcester Terraces in Christchurch for quality and presentation. Sheppard & Rout Architects won a 2023 New Zealand National Architecture Award for their design of this large-scale, medium-density development. Fletcher Living – Worcester Terraces was one of only two multi-unit housing projects to have received national award recognition. “We’re pretty proud of that, especially when you consider the influx of apartment and townhouse developments over the whole country,” says Jasper van der Lingen, Director of Sheppard & Rout Architects. Associate Director Joff Kennedy, who co-designed Worcester Terraces, observes that an award like this also demonstrates the value-added benefits of having an architect on such a project. Part of Fletcher Living’s One Central development in Central Christchurch, Worcester Terraces is designed in scale with its transitional location between the inner city and suburban buildings to the east. With a strong street presence and an attractive mix of typologies, forms and material treatments, it is no surprise to learn that all 68 residences sold off the plans as the development was progressively built in four stages. Fletcher Living is developing a number of other similarly sized ‘super lots’, aimed at reinvigorating city living after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. “They are using various different architects, which I think is a good thing to achieve that variety of style and approach,” says Jasper. “We have been fortunate to have had two now, the other being Cambridge Quarter.” Sheppard & Rout’s design process for Worcester Terraces was carefully designed to meet Ōtākaro guidelines. Taller street corners anchor the development on the site. Precast concrete panels lend structure, finish, fire and acoustic separation with pockets of cedar bringing contrast and warmth. With a broad range of one, two and three bedroom options – on one level, two or three storeys – Worcester Terraces provides a template that is fostering a diverse city neighbourhood. “From our very first submission to Ōtākaro, they commended the level of considered design and thought that we had brought to the site,” says Joff. Rather than clogging the streets with cars around the perimeter, parking for residents has been discreetly located in the development’s centre and punctuated with green spaces. The awards’ jury commended the design’s forward focus, noting that the courtyard parking could be adapted to a common green space in the future. Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects worked closely with Sheppard & Rout to ensure the built and natural landscapes were balanced, with landscape elements including large trees and green walls. “Fletcher Living did not want a gated community,” says Jasper. “Instead, there are these little walkways and courtyards; people say they love to take shortcuts through there. It’s about giving something back to the city rather than locking it away.” Townhouses and apartments have raised platforms to ensure good street views from within as well as protecting privacy. Dual aspects allow for cross ventilation and lookthrough views to the local area including neighbouring Rauora Park. Half the units are Lifemark certified, with level entry access from the inner courtyard. All dwellings have been designed to a Homestar Level 6 rating, with features including ducted air conditioning and high quality insulation. Sheppard & Rout Architects is being recognised again this year for their excellent work, having recently been shortlisted for eight projects across three regions for the 2024 Local Architecture Awards, with awards due to be announced in May. “It’s one of those years where we have finished a whole lot of jobs around the same time. We didn’t expect them all to be shortlisted. We’re very proud of that.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=