Kohimarama: Single-level style

The idea is substantial, low-maintenance, airy beach homes away from the city crowds - and all a short stroll from the sand and surf. By VICKI HOLDER. 

Less is definitely more at The Bay, a collection of spacious, single-level lifestyle apartments soon to be built a mere hop and a step from the white sands of Beach in Auckland. 

Following months of research in the US and Melbourne, Kensington Properties' Patrick Fontein came up with the concept for a low-density development of substantial beach homes. They're pitched at baby boomers who want single-level living, the ample dimensions of a stand-alone home and low maintenance with good undercover car parking. 

Kensington sales and marketing manager Dave Tippett says the research clarified people of this age are not only moving away from their big family homes, they're also shunning the bigger blocks of apartments, which pack a lot of residents into a small area and compromise on light. 

The 14 residences at The Bay are in four completely separate buildings with either one or two dwellings on each floor. By Ignite Architecture with interiors by Jane Macomber, the design maximises the light that fills each home. Site coverage on the 4900sq m property, which was once owned by the Porter Family Trust, is low. Distances between buildings range from 8m to 14m. It's not just the apartments that are large, but also the areas around them. 

"The emphasis is on big, open-plan living areas opening to huge terraces or ground-floor garden areas. It's much more of an efficient use of space than in a regular townhouse," says Tippett. "One-level living is not only good for people with mobility issues, but it's more efficient with the size of the rooms. When you take 220sq m across one level, that's a big area. Everything is a good size - the living area, the three bedrooms, even the storage area, which is not just a cupboard. It's very spacious." 

From the generous underground parking - with three car parks per residence - to the expansive hardwood decks, every inch of these vast homes opens north to the sky and sea. At least two separate outdoor living areas are provided with each residence, giving a seamless indoor-outdoor flow to landscaped gardens designed by Natural Habitats. 

Lush coastal plantings will feature a variety of native flora, including nikau, pohutukawa and koromiko interspersed with flaxes, tussocks and attractive exotics, such as magnolia and olive trees. Grounds between the buildings will be defined by layered landscaping elements, such as schist stone walls and hedging. 
Buildings at The Bay will be constructed from solid concrete masonry where attention will be paid to ensure acoustic insulation in excess of New Zealand standards. Glass will be used extensively to allow light to flood inside, but vertical cedar slat screens and electrically operated overhead louvres will offer privacy. 

Airy interiors will reflect a simple beachy theme with clean lines and soft, natural hues. In the kitchens, hardwood flooring and hard-wearing, pebble-patterned, stone benchtops will add textures of the coast. 

The seaside theme continues in the bathrooms and en suite where subtle, rippled, sandy-toned tiles, glass shower boxes and deep baths soothe the mind, body and spirit. Designer bathroomware includes Antonio Citterio washbasins and toilet pans to add the finishing touches. 

Situated on a gently sloping, north-facing site on Taranaki Rd, The Bay is only 200m from the beach. A short, flat stroll leads to the village shops and cafes and there are a number of parks nearby as well as the tennis club and bowling green. 

Construction on The Bay begins in January 2005 and completion is expected in December 2005. 

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: The Bay, 11-13 Taranaki Rd, Kohimarama. 

FEATURES: Substantial solid masonry homes on one level; three bedrooms; expansive glass for light interiors; large outdoor decks; three underground car parks; lifts to each apartment; intercom access; wired for Sky; Bosch appliances; master bedroom with dressing room and en suite; separate laundry; security access; basement storage. 

SIZE: Floor areas from 262sq m to 294sq m. 

PRICE: From $1,495,000 to $1,950,000. 

AGENT: Karin Cooper, Barfoot & Thompson, St Heliers. Ph 575 9079 bus; 0274 912 158 mob.