Mt Eden: The right zone

A cool air of sophistication reigns supreme in these modish apartments close to the city's centre. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Zone 23, a development of residential apartments and commercial space at the foot of Mt Eden, has one of Auckland's most go-ahead addresses.

Positioned in what was once an industrial foothold, these streets between Enfield St, Normandy and Mt Eden Rds, are now flush with designer abodes set to offer exceptional city-fringe living.

This stunning development built of pre-cast concrete panels, steel columns, Zincalume and vast amounts of glass, some of which is tinted green, expounding a solid existence with an edgy interior is sure to set a benchmark.

Boxed lines and an easy flow guide the eye effortlessly around the complex, where nothing interferes with the substantial and imposing view. The balconies, paved central areas and wide avenues allude to the simple luxury that awaits inside.

The 24 apartments are a visual feast, the spaces appearing voluminous due to a double-size void lined in glass. There are seven configurations with two- or three-bedroom options, all offering residents a unique existence catering for their needs.

LAYOUTS

The layouts of the apartments, although different, have a similar feel throughout. Use of a mezzanine level for bedrooms (except the three-bedroom homes where one bedroom is on the lower level) delicately divides private and public areas. This also allows for the use of wooden shutters overlooking the living areas for privacy when needed.

A separate parking building with storage units gives the development a continuous clean-lined, boxed design, which is also apparent in the landscaping of the common areas.

A cafe, restaurant and commercial space downstairs create a sublime community atmosphere that is both public and private.

INTERIORS

A sleek theme emerges at the entrance with a terrazzo-style floor sweeping through most of the first level of the apartments. A satin acrylic finish on the walls seamlessly blends the spaces, continuing the neutral and natural palette throughout.

Clever, subtle lighting defines the entertaining spaces with a suspended light over the dining area clearly cutting the room into three, adding a delicate ambience. Elsewhere, downlights and spots highlight other entertaining and relaxing areas.

A double-height glass void, with windows and large sliding doors opening to the terrace from the living area, allows copious amounts of natural light to flood the home and emphasises the generous width enjoyed for living.

At one end, the Poggenpohl kitchen offers a clarity of design. With stylised drawers that self shut, this sleek and streamlined kitchen provides a fabulous area for entertaining.

Complementing the cabinetry are Alu.design Westinghouse appliances, including a dishwasher, hobs, oven and rangehood. Groovy coloured panels offset the cabinetry to form a cohesive space with form and function.

Deliciously dividing the kitchen from the dining area is a large island with a Querella quartz composite top. Housing stainless-steel sinks and pull-out spray tapware above ample cupboards and the dishwasher, it has a generous overhang ideal as a breakfast bar.

The cool and crisp interior extends through to the bathrooms where tiles line two walls and the floors. Pozzi Ginori bathroom fittings discreetly interrupt the seamless space, and contemporary glass-fronted cabinetry and a chrome heated towel rail complete the look.

The terraces are a spacious, minimalist entertaining area ideal for all occasions. Ceramic tiles lead to a frameless glass balustrade, which is stunningly topped with a timber handrail.

Solid lines and strong materials blend to perfection at Zone 23, offering residents a timeless environment within minutes of everything.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 23 Edwin St, Mt Eden.

FEATURES: 24 two- and three-bedroom two-level apartments with large tiled terraces; double-height lounge and dining areas and large glass panels; Poggenpohl kitchens; Alu.design Westinghouse appliances - dishwasher, hobs, ovens and rangehood; Simpson front-loader washing machine and dryer in laundry (optional); aluminium sun louvres; video intercom system and secure, undercover parking with swipe-card access; cafes, restaurant and commercial space on site.

PRICE: From $435,000 to $950,000.

SIZE: Floor area from 132.8sq m to 307.3sq m.

AGENTS: John Shaw and Jill John, Barfoot & Thompson, Parnell. Ph 366 0015 bus; John 366 1479 ah; 021 439 778 mob; Jill 377 8951 ah; 021 745 424 mob.