Delivering an Urban Design Assessment for 53 social housing units, setting a new precedent for quality, intensified living in Hamilton.
The Challenge
The challenge was to prepare an Urban Design Assessment for a proposed residential development on three adjoining sites along Te Rapa Road, Hamilton. The challenge was coordination with multiple consultants for a high-density development on a transitional site that fronts a major arterial road with high traffic, while also mitigating potential effects. Additionally, TUA successfully navigated statutory compliance to secure resource consent despite a few minor infringements.
The Solution
TUA developed the urban design assessment for 53 high-quality, long-term social homes, consisting of one- and two-bedroom units within a series of three-story walk-up apartment buildings. Our approach provided contextually responsive best-practice urban design advice that ensured a clear, legible, and safe high density residential development proposal. The resulting proposal for a high-quality built form, with architectural articulation and varied materials, was deemed appropriate for consent and consistent with the anticipated high-density urban character.
The Journey
TUA were engaged by Kāinga Maha in collaboration with The Salvation Army, to provide expert Urban Design Advice and Assessment services. This process involved a desktop review, a site visit, and evaluation against the Hamilton City Operative District Plan, the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, and CPTED guidelines to ensure a robust assessment. Our input and collaboration with the wider project team, including the Architects, Landscape Architects and Civil Engineers, helped achieve a design that will set a precedent for future intensification along Te Rapa Road. Ultimately, we supported the project to transform the sites into high-quality, long-term social housing, supporting dignity, wellbeing, and community connection for the future residents.
