Context is Everything

Context was engaged to design a 24-unit apartment complex in Onehunga, Auckland, with a focus on communal living and a reduced carbon footprint. The brief called for a forward-thinking design that would appeal to residents seeking a more connected, sustainable lifestyle.

The development comprises two six-storey buildings linked by courtyard-style bridges that encourage social interaction. Shared amenities include a rooftop garden with a built-in barbecue and vegetable beds, a launderette, long-term storage, and a workshop.

Apartments are compact but well-considered, with higher ceilings and a palette of raw concrete and unpainted timber creating light-filled, characterful spaces. The building uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) for faster construction, shallower foundations, and lower embodied carbon.

This project sets a benchmark for co-housing in Auckland, offering a vibrant community atmosphere and a lighter footprint on the city.