Two things that urban apartments don’t typically have are large, private gardens, and very generous kitchens.
At the new Clonbern Garden apartment development underway at 5 Clonbern Road, Remuera, Auckland, those exclusions have been creatively addressed.
Both the architect and the agent quote the residents’ private garden at Clonbern as one of the very special elements of this thoughtfully designed complex. It has all the hallmarks of a secret garden, enclosed as it is by the four apartment buildings and featuring lush, layered planting and two elegant water features.
Start your property search
“We were aware it was already a fantastic urban site but it also had that beautiful thing about Remuera which is the gardens,” explains architect Richard Goldie of Peddle Thorp. “And those two things have really driven the design.”
The garden is also on Harry Cheng’s list of special features at Clonbern. “It enables residents to enjoy the sort of ‘real’ garden they might have had in a previous home without having to maintain it,” says the Bayley’s agent.
Also on his list are the kitchens, which he describes as ‘very grand’. As an example, the two bed apartments have a rear bench in the kitchen that is 4.3m long. The latest Miele appliances are included and the massive rear bench is complemented by a generous island with a Silestone top. ”We wanted the apartments to have family kitchens. It’s part of the idea of the buildings being suitable for their location.”
Clonbern Garden is a confident transition between the busy milieu of the Remuera shopping area, and the homes of Clonbern Road. “In designing we have focused on its position in the neighbourhood. It’s
elegant and contemporary but still has a touch of tradition,” Richard Goldie says.
The majority of apartments are dual aspect, enjoying sun at different times of the day. Many are also full depth providing light, airy spaces. With extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing, all the apartments make the most of their garden outlook. Each of the four buildings enjoys its own view.
There are one, two, two plus flexi and three bedroom options in different price ranges. Most apartments feature two living spaces with an internal courtyard or ‘winter garden’ complementing the main seating area and adjoining the master suite.
The two bedroom plus flexi room is designed to suit a variety of lifestyles, with the winter garden space able to be used as a study or third bedroom.
The master suite adjoins the winter garden and includes an ensuite with porcelain tiles and wall hung fittings to enhance the sense of space.
It will be a little while before buyers will be choosing their colour schemes (there are two contemporary palettes - one neutral and muted, the other dramatic with bold contrasts) with construction planned to start next year, and a completion date of 2022.
In the meantime, the Clonbern show suite at 390 Remuera Road is open from Monday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
