La Quinta Parnell + Augustus Park
CLIENT | Safari Group
TYPE | Architecture, Documentation
SECTOR | Residential
STATUS | Complete (2024)
LOCATION | Auckland, NZ
HEIGHT | 10 Storeys
SCALE | GFA: 7,374 sqm, SITE: 950 SQM, 63 apartments + 54 keys
COLLABORATION | Outline Design
PHOTOGRAPHY | samuel hartnett
Capturing the essence of fringe central city living and lifestyle
The hotel residence lifestyle has long gained traction internationally, and this trend is now firmly cemented within Australasia. Hotel and residential spaces are finding their way into one project, including this mixed-use development for Safari Group in Auckland.
The La Quinta Parnell + Augustus Park development aims to deliver a life in harmony, with all the energy and excitement of living at the edge of Auckland’s CBD, and the sophisticated charm and reprieve that Parnell living provides. Over 57 apartments, a combination of studio, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + study and 2 bedroom apartments are on offer, with the hotel featuring 54 contemporary rooms and modern amenities where travellers can relax, refresh, and recharge.
For the overall development, Plus Architecture designed a sophisticated, articulated façade system and two-tone massing, giving the development visual recognition and interest, from both immediate and distant viewpoints.
The lower levels housing the LQ Hotel blend with the neighbouring buildings, with a darker, grounding base. The folded façade panels are organised in a random pixelated pattern, giving a sense of play and interaction through the composition of solid and glazed panels. Shadow play is achieved through the protrusion of the folded elements and the recession of the spandrel detail in the façade system, which in different lighting conditions will change the façade appearance over the course of the day.
The upper levels of apartments transition to a slimmer vertical form, reducing visual bulk to the street. A lighter tone is applied to the form giving a sense of lightness. Balconies are positioned to give further depth to the façade in addition to the folded panels.
The entrance at Augustus Terrace encourages interaction with the street through the placement of a public ‘market’, a level street entrance and a double-height atrium. Similar to the Strand entrance, the main lobby entrance is set back from the street providing protection from the elements with a welcoming embrace, enhanced by a selected planting and material palette. High glazing and lighting give visual permeability to the entrance while a public seating plaza blends the development with the greenery of Fraser Park.
Conscious of neighbouring buildings, a living wall climbs above the Plaza helping to beautify the neighbouring outlook. An allowance for a public sculpture in the plaza helps to promote and stimulate public engagement.
The interiors by Outline Design take their inspiration from the artistic nature and community that is fostered within Parnell, utilising vibrant colours and fabrics to provide a timeless and sophisticated concept.
