SCHOOL ZONES:
Western Springs College, Ponsonby
Intermediate, Auckland Girls' Grammar,
Richmond Rd School
CONTACT:
Diane Jackson, ph 021 315 339
When architect Ross Brown and his wife, Meredith McNab, came across a property in Ponsonby nine years ago that was zoned for commercial and residential use, they knew immediately they were on to a winner.
"We knew all about the mixed-use zone and how fantastic the opportunities were," says Ross, who had already developed a nearby property with the same zoning.
Dual zoning meant any building they put on the Douglas St site that they'd bought in 2005 could occupy most of its 267sq m and be up to 15m tall.
An old villa on the property was removed and Ross drew up plans for a five-storey building that would include ground-level parking, two commercial levels and a split-level apartment above these, where the couple has lived since 2010.
For Ross, who feels urban architecture in New Zealand cities is often too proscriptive, this personal project was an opportunity to "walk the talk" and put into practice his town planning and urban design training.
"Mixing people and businesses makes for a very vibrant area. It creates a real buzz," he says.
The bonus of being in one of the few zones of its type in Ponsonby means the property is surrounded by mainly residential structures, so will not be built out.
Douglas St, which runs directly off Ponsonby Rd, is close to the city fringe suburb's great cafes and restaurants.
Surrounded by a variety of small businesses including IT, travel, design and film, the apartment feels tranquil and looks out over clusters of mature trees including pohutukawa and karaka, which attract birds.
You access it via an elevator which services all levels of the building including the ground-floor foyer and car park.
Facing due north with striking views that sweep from the upper harbour beyond Cox's Bay across Ponsonby's rooftops to the central city and Sky Tower, the apartment was designed to make the most of the sun and - thanks to excellent cross ventilation - have an airy, open feel.
A double-height ceiling above the open-plan kitchen, dining room and main living room on the lower level maximises space in the generous 230sq m apartment and also relates to the downstairs and upstairs levels.
A deep, north-facing deck that opens off the main living room and master bedroom on the downstairs level heightens that sense of space and creates a strong connection to the outdoors.
Striking features in this modern apartment include exposed concrete walls, richly coloured, European, smoked oak flooring, a marble tiled gas fireplace and feature doors made of pale Tasmanian oak.
As well as all the main living spaces, a large master bedroom, dressing room and ensuite, the downstairs level includes a neatly concealed laundry off the entrance hallway, generous storage and stairs behind the kitchen which lead to the fire escape.
Upstairs are a large, north-facing study and two more bedrooms at either end of a mezzanine library-cum-second living room, which looks down over the main living area.
Image 1 of 7: 4/34 Douglas Street, Ponsonby. Photo / Michelle Hyslop
Both upstairs bedrooms have respective east- and west-facing decks with views over Ponsonby. This level also includes the main bathroom, which has wooden slatted flooring, and a small kitchenette - ideal for guests.
Intelligent design features include solar panels for all water heating, double-glazed windows and fewer windows on the south side of the apartment to avoid heat loss in winter.
Now that Meredith, a market researcher, and Ross are not as occupied with their careers, they are keen to start another building project on the Tauwharanui Peninsula.
