Construkt Architects was involved in developing the concept for a new maritime village along the Wairoa River near Clevedon. The vision was to create a canal-side neighbourhood shaped by the site’s character, drawing inspiration from historic river towns where houses were built close to the water.

The proposal looked to connect everyday living with the water’s edge. Homes were planned to front directly onto canals and wharves, with some extending partially over the water. This strong relationship with the river was central to the identity of the village.
Our role included designing a set of housing typologies, simple, robust forms suited to a tidal, coastal environment. These were grounded in function, with pitched roofs and durable materials, balancing the needs of modern living with a low-key, maritime look and feel.

A lock and weir system was proposed to manage the tidal range and allow boats to access homes year-round. The wider plan also included wetland planting, recreational areas, and public walkways along the river, supporting both ecological values and community use.
We also contributed to shaping the development controls to help guide future stages of the project and maintain a consistent architectural and urban vision. The Wairoa Maritime Village remains a strong example of place based design thinking, and how thoughtful coastal development can reflect local context while offering something new.