Kāpiti Retirement Trust is a community-based charitable trust that operates the Sevenoaks – Midlands Gardens Retirement Village at Paraparaumu Beach. The district has a shortage of later-living accommodation, and especially affordable apartment-style units for people needing supported living.
The new Totara Wing provides 14 one-bedroom suites, supported by new communal living, dining, activities and kitchen. The new wing has been carefully planned to connect with the existing Matai Wing and to define the Kauri Wing (dementia unit) outdoor space. The site was challenging with an awkward shape, difficult ground conditions and many existing in-ground services.
Associate Professor Mark Southcombe (Wellington School of Architecture VUW) completed the concept design. Wright & Gray Architects Ltd took on the project from preliminary design stage through to completion. In an environment of escalating building costs, the project team worked hard to manage value while not sacrificing essentials.
The interiors capture a relaxed, beachside feeling with a maximum of life-enhancing daylight and living plants. The design details support residents for mobility, wayfinding and safety.
A challenging build was completed on time and to budget: a credit to the whole project team.
“ We had over 160 people through the Totara Wing today and the accolades were just ongoing. The common theme was just how lovely and light and spacious the area felt and everyone commented on the quality of the build and the materials used. So many commented on what a lovely feel the building had. The design is such a credit to you all. “
– Wendy Huston, CEO – Kāpiti Retirement Trust
Collaborators:
Concept design: Southcombe Architects
Building contractor: Crowe Construction & Associates Ltd
Structural engineer: StrucD Ltd
Services engineer: Mechanical Environmental Ltd
Land surveyor: Cuttriss Consultants Ltd
Fire engineer: National Fire Consultants
Planner: Leith Consulting
Quantity surveyor: Probill Ltd
Geotechnical: Miyamoto, Trevco
Landscape: KRT maintenance team
Daylight modelling: LDP Ltd
