Where land meets sea: Horizon apartments
Nestled into a hilltop in Auckland’s Mission Bay, the Horizon apartments maximise the expansive views of ocean, islands and greenery.
Designed for those who love Mission Bay and its surrounding beaches, Horizon is perfectly situated on the highest point of Kepa Road, overlooking the Auckland city skyline, Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf.
Architecturally and interiorly designed by The Buchan Group, the Horizon apartments were developed as an immediate response to the site’s surrounding, explains Anna Hill, associate, The Buchan Group Auckland.
“Horizon is neighboured by the eastern bay coastlines, Kepa road reserve and Bastion point, and we drew inspiration from these locations –where land meets sea, a natural material palette,” she says. “The design then followed through with solid, grounding structural forms that have a lightness to them created through the use of balancing thin horizontal lines.”
On the exterior, heavy concrete blades respond to weather conditions, and will change colour as the building matures and blends with the site. Inside, light-filled rooms with floor-to-ceiling double glazing open onto a terrace or courtyard, seamlessly integrating the interior and exterior in a contemporary manner.
“We worked in partnership with the architectural team to develop an interior that is an extension of the architecture and minimalist clean forms that showcase the selected materials in their true form,” says Hill.
“Heavy importance then lay on the material selection. This was developed as a response to the site’s surroundings, framing the views out to Rangitoto and across Auckland, nestling the interior into the landscape.
Fittings inside include smoked oak flooring and porcelain tiles to bring a sense of luxury and sophistication.
“We wanted fittings that embodied our design concept yet offered flexibility in the finish selection,” explains Hill.
“It was important to us the purchasers had some ability to personalise their interior, while still remaining within the concept scope.”
For bathroom tapware, The Buchan Group selected Phoenix Tapware’s Vivid Slimline collection and Radii accessories in Chrome and Matte Black. “The Phoenix range offered us that opportunity [to personalise], while providing us with a quality, well designed solution.”
“The design of the fittings is uncomplicated, clean and elegant, and this supports the interior concept and worked well with the overall design outcome.”
Interior design: The Buchan Group
Architect: The Buchan Group
Developer: Location Group
Product: Vivid Slimline Shower/Wall Mixer, Wall Top Assemblies with curved wall outlet, Vivid Twin Shower, Gooseneck Sink Mixer. Radii accessories: Toilet Roll holder, Robe Hook and 600mm Towel Rail
