Te Ara Hou Apartments
2010 - NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards Winner for Sustainable Architecture
Photography by: Paul McCredie, Wellington City Council
Te Ara Hou Apartments are the first 67 apartments under construction of twelve housing sites earmarked for upgrade by the Wellington City Council. This is part of a 10 year programme with a further 28 complexes and 126 stand-alone houses to be completed in the following 10 years.
The Te Ara Hou upgrade follows on from our engagement in 2007 to assist WCC in creating an initial concept and budget for each of the councils 34 main social housing complexes. The concept design brought together a multi-disciplinary team of consultants who looked at all the housing issues.
The objectives of the upgrade are to ensure the Council’s housing stock is safe, secure and of a good standard for modern living. Both sustainability and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) are guiding principles in the design. Improvements include insulation, ventilation, water proofing, acoustic treatment between apartments, hard and soft landscaping, recycling and improved lighting.
The Housing Upgrade Project is a joint venture between the Government and Wellington City Council. It includes a $220 million contribution from the Government with an additional financial contribution from the Council.
