The release of two architecturally designed high-spec homes by acclaimed architect Kenny Chia, of FORMiS in Westmere, is bringing a new level of refined, minimalist luxury to the tightly held coastal neighbourhood.
The homes are part of a boutique collection of eight townhouses built from premium materials with tranquil Japanese-inspired landscaping 50m from the shoreline and within walking distance of Westmere’s vibrant village scene.
Townhouses 2 and 4/25 Tirotai Crescent are now move-in ready and Kenny is proud of the result.
He began working on the concept work and design during the Covid lockdown and the past 18 months have seen the completion of what has been a major project, which included creating an underground carpark to keep cars off the street, and a “podium” with a Japanese-inspired garden and “giant bonsai” tree.
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Kenny says the opportunity to create medium density housing that does not look like anything else around is perhaps the most exciting thing about the project for him personally.
“The style of architecture is quite minimal. We wanted something that was modern but not too contemporary, hence there’s no weird angles to the shape.
“Instead, there’s subtle detailing around the bricks and the verticality of the windows. It’s quite focused on all the vertical lines because the bricks run horizontally, so that’s a contrasting way of modulating it. Everything is quite soft, earthy and textural,” says Kenny.
The vision was to design premium townhouses that blended in with the environment, which is why he also incorporated an underground carpark. He admits it was a bold move, not just because of the technicality of building it but also the cost involved.
Each of the three-level homes has generous-sized bedrooms and bathrooms, high spec kitchens and ground floor living areas with private outdoor spaces. Photo / Supplied
The homes are part of a boutique collection of eight townhouses built from premium materials with tranquil Japanese-inspired landscaping. Photo / Supplied
The development has been constructed from permanent natural materials to an elite standard that exceeds building requirements. Off-white bricks and full-height bronze aluminium joinery blend in with the surrounding coastal environment.
Kenny describes the development as “a quiet response” which was the brief from the client that they responded to for the design in terms of it being a medium density development on the street.
“We were very conscious that it should sit well within the environment in context with the materials used. It wasn’t about whacking eight units on there.”
Each of the three-level homes has generous sized bedrooms and bathrooms, high spec kitchens and ground floor living areas with private outdoor spaces perfect for a barbecue.
Carl Watkins, of Barfoot & Thompson, says it’s rare to see townhouses built to such a premium standard in Auckland and describes them as an “architectural statement in a prime location in Westmere”.
“They’re all bespoke. No two are exactly the same, which is also unusual,” he says.
Townhouse 2 is for sale by deadline closing June 18, and townhouse 4 is also for sale by deadline, closing June 17. Photo / Supplied
Architect Kenny Chia: “The style of architecture is quite minimal. We wanted something that was modern but not too contemporary.” Photo / Supplied
The townhouses either face north or west. “You either get all day sun or all the late afternoon sun,” he says.
Unlike many townhouse developments which put the living room on an upper level, the living area of these three-storey townhouses – kitchen, dining and powder room – are on the ground level which open up to the outdoor living spaces.
“It’s a confident expression of contemporary residential design and you can’t beat the location,” he says.
“This is the quiet end of Westmere where the walk to your front door passes a pohutukawa shoreline, and you can paddle a kayak at high tide.
“It’s a flat walk just minutes from the Westmere Butcher, Glengarry, Catroux, Seabreeze Cafe, Rag Tag, pharmacy, local grocer. Westend Tennis Club is nearby, Cox’s Bay on your doorstep and it’s a five-minute drive to the Harbour Bridge and 10 minutes to the city.”
4/25 Tirotai Crescent, in Westmere, is for sale by deadline closing June 17; 2/25 Tirotai Crescent is for sale by deadline closing June 18.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
