Serrata Place, Browns Bay
Architectural Redevelopment Project
Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Auckland’s suburban landscape, this smartly executed redevelopment elevates both density and design. The project introduces two striking new homes alongside a retained existing dwelling, transforming a rear section into a private enclave of three distinct lots. Designed for modern living and engineered for performance, the development artfully balances architecture, construction, and environmental resilience – all while navigating the inherent challenges of a compact, irregular site.
The client’s brief was clear: maximise site potential while preserving privacy, ensuring compliance, and delivering a high standard of build quality. Set back from the road and accessed by a shared 48-metre right of way, the site posed immediate complexity in terms of earthworks, access, stormwater control, and internal circulation. With the terrain sloping towards the street, visibility was excellent but vehicle manoeuvring and service coordination needed to be carefully planned. Over 277m³ of earth was moved across a footprint of 564.5m² to form stable platforms and construct the accessway, creating a robust foundation for the build.
The outcome: a pair of architecturally ambitious dwellings – one three storeys, one two – each executed with meticulous attention to scale, materiality, and flow. Unit 2 features a basement-level double garage with laundry, followed by a generous open-plan first floor that integrates kitchen, dining, and living spaces with a private deck. A bedroom and ensuite offer ground-floor accommodation, while the upper level includes three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Unit 3 follows a similar narrative, with the addition of a southern-facing roof deck and a dedicated study zone upstairs, reinforcing its appeal for growing families or home-based professionals.
Architectural form is crisp and defined, responding to the tight building envelope with a verticality that draws light deep into the plan. Roof pitches vary from 12 to 33 degrees, giving each unit a distinct profile. The exterior palette is deliberate and refined – JSC Timber vertical shiplap weatherboards paired with Midland Brick veneers anchor the façade, while Colorsteel longrun roofing in dark grey delivers a confident finish. Natural timber decking, concrete and timber retaining walls, and powder-coated aluminium joinery round out the robust yet elegant exterior treatment.
The interior material selections continue the commitment to quality. Engineered stone benchtops, Melteca walnut-finished cabinetry, brushed nickel fittings, Tivoli Vein Cut Silver tiles, and Belgotex carpeting all work in harmony to create a tactile, well-resolved living experience. Bosch appliances, ceiling-to-floor tiled showers, and commercial-grade brushed nickel hardware reflect the level of specification typically found in more exclusive homes.
Environmental performance was also integral. Each home is fitted with a 2000L above-ground stormwater detention tank, designed to meet Auckland Council’s 10-year pre- to post-development runoff requirements. These tanks form a permanent part of the private drainage system, ensuring that stormwater flows are responsibly managed and sustainable in the long term. Connections to three-waters infrastructure, underground power, and telecommunications are all integrated into the design, with access and utility easements cleanly resolved as part of the three-lot fee simple subdivision.
The shape and scale of each lot have been carefully proportioned to accommodate the consented dwellings while maintaining reasonable yard setbacks and generous off-street parking.
At its core, this project demonstrates the power of architectural precision and construction discipline to unlock hidden potential in urban fringe sites. By embracing complexity and elevating the standard of execution, it adds to the city’s housing stock not just in number – but in quality, resilience, and liveability.
Architectural Redevelopment Project
Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Auckland’s suburban landscape, this smartly executed redevelopment elevates both density and design. The project introduces two striking new homes alongside a retained existing dwelling, transforming a rear section into a private enclave of three distinct lots. Designed for modern living and engineered for performance, the development artfully balances architecture, construction, and environmental resilience – all while navigating the inherent challenges of a compact, irregular site.
The client’s brief was clear: maximise site potential while preserving privacy, ensuring compliance, and delivering a high standard of build quality. Set back from the road and accessed by a shared 48-metre right of way, the site posed immediate complexity in terms of earthworks, access, stormwater control, and internal circulation. With the terrain sloping towards the street, visibility was excellent but vehicle manoeuvring and service coordination needed to be carefully planned. Over 277m³ of earth was moved across a footprint of 564.5m² to form stable platforms and construct the accessway, creating a robust foundation for the build.
The outcome: a pair of architecturally ambitious dwellings – one three storeys, one two – each executed with meticulous attention to scale, materiality, and flow. Unit 2 features a basement-level double garage with laundry, followed by a generous open-plan first floor that integrates kitchen, dining, and living spaces with a private deck. A bedroom and ensuite offer ground-floor accommodation, while the upper level includes three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Unit 3 follows a similar narrative, with the addition of a southern-facing roof deck and a dedicated study zone upstairs, reinforcing its appeal for growing families or home-based professionals.
Architectural form is crisp and defined, responding to the tight building envelope with a verticality that draws light deep into the plan. Roof pitches vary from 12 to 33 degrees, giving each unit a distinct profile. The exterior palette is deliberate and refined – JSC Timber vertical shiplap weatherboards paired with Midland Brick veneers anchor the façade, while Colorsteel longrun roofing in dark grey delivers a confident finish. Natural timber decking, concrete and timber retaining walls, and powder-coated aluminium joinery round out the robust yet elegant exterior treatment.
The interior material selections continue the commitment to quality. Engineered stone benchtops, Melteca walnut-finished cabinetry, brushed nickel fittings, Tivoli Vein Cut Silver tiles, and Belgotex carpeting all work in harmony to create a tactile, well-resolved living experience. Bosch appliances, ceiling-to-floor tiled showers, and commercial-grade brushed nickel hardware reflect the level of specification typically found in more exclusive homes.
Environmental performance was also integral. Each home is fitted with a 2000L above-ground stormwater detention tank, designed to meet Auckland Council’s 10-year pre- to post-development runoff requirements. These tanks form a permanent part of the private drainage system, ensuring that stormwater flows are responsibly managed and sustainable in the long term. Connections to three-waters infrastructure, underground power, and telecommunications are all integrated into the design, with access and utility easements cleanly resolved as part of the three-lot fee simple subdivision.
The shape and scale of each lot have been carefully proportioned to accommodate the consented dwellings while maintaining reasonable yard setbacks and generous off-street parking.
At its core, this project demonstrates the power of architectural precision and construction discipline to unlock hidden potential in urban fringe sites. By embracing complexity and elevating the standard of execution, it adds to the city’s housing stock not just in number – but in quality, resilience, and liveability.