Ara Hills Sales and Information Centre
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Project
Commercial
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Status
Completed
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Location
Orewa, Auckland
Perched on a ridgeline above Orewa, this kit-set, transportable, steel and aluminium-framed glasshouse served as the first point of contact for the Ara Hills neighbourhood. Clad in finely-battened cedar and wrapped in full-height glazing that lent it a glasshouse quality, the light-filled interior showcased master-planning models, interactive touch-screens and a relaxed lounge opening onto a sun deck overlooking the site. Entirely off-grid from day one, the centre relied on a roof-mounted PV array, battery bank and smart inverter to power HVAC, lighting, data and security—enabling months of operation before permanent utilities reached the development. Its modular form allowed it to be lifted and repositioned in under a day, underscoring AV Jennings’ commitment to adaptable, sustainable development.