Located along on the headland of the St Heliers clifftops, the elevated site at 5-9 The Rise offers near 360° views to the Waitamata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and Glover Park. The brief from the client, Geoff Cawson of Shackleton developments, was to provide a mixture a larger single-living dwellings to a ‘unique site’ which slopes steeply away to the South and is within an ‘outstanding natural feature’ overlay of the St Heliers explosion crater (Glover Park).

The architectural response was to provide a cluster of dwellings which follow the natural contour of the site and maximise the various aspects the site offers. The use of light natural stone, which grounds the building within the lush green landscape, provides a base and breaks between the large generous private living spaces which are wrapped in full height glazing and dressed in louvres for privacy and to filter the abundance of natural light. The dark contemporary architectural forms hang within the lush green landscape during the day like nests in the trees and glow like lanterns perched on the hill at night.

The material palette is bold and texturally rich, offset by surrounding vibrant greenery that brings a soft, organic quality to the design.

The interior of The Rise apartments captures the essence of elegant simplicity – accented with texture, form and a captivating palette. Constructed with uncomplicated flow, natural materials give definition to substantial open-plan living and dining areas. A showcase of New Zealand craftsmanship and talent.