Construkt Architects provided residential masterplanning, an urban design report for resource consent, and a residential design code for the Kowhai Road development in Ōrewa, Auckland.

Prepared for Queens Homes, the masterplan responds to very steep topography sloping down towards the Ōrewa River. This challenging terrain was a key driver of the masterplan, informing the subdivision layout, lot sizes and opportunities for future housing. The subdivision provides for a mix of residential lot sizes, an esplanade reserve and a public walkway connecting with the river edge.

The steep slopes also required careful consideration of shading, site orientation and sunlight access. A residential design code was developed to address these constraints and guide future housing design, connecting the overall masterplanning approach with design decisions at individual lot and dwelling level.