Owen Street Housing

Owen Street Housing

Defined by its steep terrain and layered architectural form, this 36-unit Kainga Ora housing development in Newtown, Wellington, demonstrates a considered response to site and landscape. Apartments are arranged in a series of staggered volumes that follow the natural contours of the hillside, minimising ground disturbance while maximising daylight, views, and amenity.

The resulting composition creates a distinctive architectural presence that is both connected to the surrounding neighbourhood and embedded within its landscape setting.

The development has been carefully planned to ensure each home benefits from quality living conditions despite the constraints of the site. Oriented toward the west, the apartments capture expansive views and abundant natural light, with every unit achieving a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight on the winter solstice. Shared outdoor spaces and a community room provide opportunities for social interaction and support a strong sense of community among residents.

A cohesive material palette reinforces the overall identity of the development while responding to its natural setting. Darker cladding elements visually unify the buildings and help them recede into the backdrop of the Wellington Town Belt, while lighter materials and varied textures introduce warmth, individuality, and human scale. Together, these architectural strategies create a development that balances density, liveability, and neighbourhood integration.

Client: Kainga Ora – Homes and Communities

Location: Wellington

Status: Completed 2024

Sector: Multi-unit Townhouses