Wairere Apartments

The Beacon sits on reclaimed land, which became part of the Whakatāne commercial center in the 1890s. As one of the oldest existing commercial buildings in the township, the original building holds significant heritage value.

The brief required creation of an innovative and passive design. Build costs had to be effective, with respect to material selection, construction procurement, and life cycle costs. Careful consideration was made as to how the development co-exists with the surrounding buildings and local landscape and was also required to be eco-friendly.

As part of a mixed-use strategy the design includes commercial and retail space. A podium of apartments sits across three levels, above commercial and car parking zones.