MODE was involved from the inception of the project, assisting Kāinga Ora with bulk and location studies to assist in determining the optimum layout of the site, through to resource consent, building consent and construction support.
Client: Kāinga Ora
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
MODE Expertise: Architecture
Project Lead: Charles Fisher
Completion Date: 2022
Mount Smart Road | Auckland, NZ
Located at the prominent corner of Onehunga Mall and Mt Smart Road in Auckland, 78 Mt Smart Road provides 40 one and two-bedroom apartments alongside a ground-floor community room for Kāinga Ora.
The five-storey development responds to its urban corner through a considered built form that addresses both street frontages and contributes positively to the surrounding neighbourhood. The building is a significant new addition to the Onehunga area, with the use of high quality materials and a form that will wrap around the prominent corner street frontage and provide a positive addition to the urban environment.
A durable, low-maintenance material palette of colour-through fibre cement cladding, pre-coated aluminium joinery and screening supports the long-term performance of the building while giving the development a clear architectural identity.
The apartments are designed as warm, dry homes with careful consideration given to natural light, outlook and connection to the surrounding environment. The landscape and parking areas provide sunny outdoor spaces, accessible movement and opportunities for passive surveillance, supporting both safety and everyday use.
Built to Homestar 6 standard, the development incorporates environmental considerations alongside practical requirements for long-term maintenance and operation.
The project reflects a collaborative approach between MODE and Kāinga Ora, from early site and layout studies through design, approvals and construction support, delivering much-needed housing within the evolving Onehunga neighbourhood.
