Located in Te Teko, the design is inspired by the principles of mahakitanga and manaakitanga. The buildings reflect the importance of sharing, particularly in terms of hospitality, openness, growth, and knowledge. The planning emphasizes the value of Whānau and co-living, while also ensuring privacy, allowing residents to grow both individually and collectively.
Housing: The living areas are designed as invitation spaces, enhanced by the inclusion of top-hinged doors. Residents signal that their home is open to hosting others by opening their doors. This fosters stronger relationships between families and neighbours. The front deck extends the living area, facilitating larger gatherings. Sharing an open sleeping space not only reduces the building’s footprint but also enables the Whānau to stay close together.
Communal Kitchen: The communal kitchen offers residents a space to prepare and share meals. The window seats provide seating, and the addition of horizontal shutters offers children a study surface. Vertical shutters open to allow privacy when needed, giving each child the option to turn inward while eating or raising questions.
Community Building: The community building plays a key role in connecting residents with their wider Hāpu, Iwi, and the public. The public enters from the north side, moving through the verandah before entering the building. Inside, groups have the flexibility to rearrange the space to suit their needs. This area embodies Manaakitanga and Mahakitanga, offering a place for sharing and collaboration. The large southern windows provide a shared view of the local maunga, further strengthening the community connection.
Landscaping: The gardens offer residents the opportunity to cultivate fruit and vegetables together. They can choose what to grow, care for the produce, and, in turn, share the ‘fruits of their labour’ as a community.
Windows and Doors: Inspired by the Samoan concept of Vā, the windows and doors foster relationships between residents and the surrounding landscape. They extend living spaces beyond the walls, creating a continuous connection between the built environment and nature.
All building design, physical and digital modelling, and perspective drawings were completed by me.