WALKER GROUP ARCHITECTS
Regardless of the size and complexity of the project, we seek to exceed expectations in both our documentation and service, delivering projects within agreed time frames and budgets.
Walker Group Architects Ltd. has it origins as far back as 1932 when the original firm, Lewis Walker, was founded in Auckland, New Zealand. Now, as always, we aim to produce buildings of aesthetic quality, sound construction through enduring honest design, lateral thinking and excellence. We take a holistic team approach with an integrated, total building focus to create inspirational and environmentally sustainable solutions, focussing on and meeting our client’s expectation through close
client collaboration is baseline for us - “ we listen ”. We understand that the clients of the modern building and construction industry require of its consultants an understanding of the latest proven technologies and trends. The resources, people and technology in Walker Group Architects enable us to undertake a wide range of projects, through our specialist business units, including commissions involving design, feasibility studies, planning submissions, contract documentation and administration, quality control and peer reviews.
VIADUCT HARBOUR
AUCKLAND // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: VIADUCT HARBOUR LIMITED
BRINGING BUSINESS TO THE HARBOUR
The Viaduct Harbour is a tidal man-made inlet created off Auckland’s Waitemata harbour. The reclaimed lands surrounding the Viaduct have traditionally supported robust industrial warehouses for boat manufacturing, fishing, timber and raw product storage, their activities requiring little connection to the main port and Auckland's City Centre. New Zealand Yachting hit the world stage in 1995 with New Zealand’s winning the Americas Cup, creating new demands on this rough area, which resulted in it being transformed into a foreshore playground and promenade for locals and overseas visitors. Businesses associated with the new water activities and New Zealand's high technology industries which had made possible the winning of the cup wanted to bring their office activities down to this man-made edge, to extend
the city business district down to the urban water edge. The result is a development which can recall the buildings of the past, with their solid in-situ concrete walls, small individual windows in classic orders and solid banded bases supported on basalt as the buildings of old, a place that you would expect to still be here in 100 years time. A green park at the foreground, a shared frontage by the offices provide more privacy for the office users and separation from the water edge promenade. More importantly, it brings back the green perimeter to the harbour removed long ago and allows all the offices to partake of the Viaduct’s activities equally. Its users have a more private realm away from the promenade.
SAMOAN CONSULATE
SOUTH AUCKLAND // NEW ZEALAND
The project consists campus style development with two building, a three level consulate office of approximately 1500 square metres, one level consulate offices, one commercial office floor and a level of ground floor retail, a separate traditional Fale building seating over 450 people which we believe to be the largest in the world, a formal Malae or traditional gathering area and an associated 55 space car park.
The openness of the traditional Malae and transparency through the adjacent office building at ground level provides clear sight-lines that reinforce the legibility of entry points into and out of this space allowing a high level of passive surveillance at all times. From within the Malae, view corridors connect back to the Mangere town centre. From within the office building, strong visual connections were created from the north facing gathering areas and balconies. At ground level, physical connections from the retail level and Fale link these main internal spaces together worldwide was made easy via the internet.
OREWA WATERFRONT MASTERPLAN
// NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: RODNEY DISTRICT COUNCIL
After being approached by Rodney Council to be part of a community to develop town planning rules for the development of the Orewa township. We also were commissioned to design the Orewa Life Saving Club and further to investigate potential developments to the waterfront and it’s then staging sequence.
The Life Saving Club will be one of the initial catalyst buildings setting the tone and quality of this waterfront. Resource consent has been issued and documentation is underway for construction.
WHITFORD HOUSING
WHITFORD // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: PRIVATE
Whitford Village Green is a new type of residential subdivision in New Zealand. Architects have always like the idea of creating a village where they can consider the whole environment. Walkers were originally approached by the client after a visit to our award winning project in Wairakei. The village concept was to be based of this design, but on a much grander scale. Like Wairakei Lodge where a courtyard is at the heart, Whitford Village has a large village green”a public park” we increased the density of dwellings around this park, to include a range of two level terrace houses and a few 3 level apartment buildings, each wrapping around a small entry court.
Besides Walkers designing all these higher density buildings for the village we are also designing each stand alone house for purchasers. This is a unique feature of this subdivision, where concept fees form part of the purchase price of the land. This ensure the village architecture is retained across the whole development and gives buyers confidence that their neighbours property will be of a similar quality and designed to privacy and outlook. Earthworks and services have commenced on site.
TANOA HOTEL
TANOA // SAMOA
CLIENT: PRIVATE CLIENT
T he Tanoa Hotel project is reinforced by a proposed landscape connection to the Apia Waterfront. At present, the road leading to the site is barren and exposed, bordered by a concrete breakwater barrier and interspersed with a few large trees offering limited refuge and shade for visitors.
The waterfront connection is achieved by the increasing number of large shade trees along the journey, providing a designated pathway with solar lighting, seating, water figures, shelters, viewing decks and the introduction
of shade trees along the Port site frontage. The new streetscape extends the hotel’s landscape beyond its boundaries and enhances its visitor’s experience of Apia’s township.
The prominent trees along the road are the Flame Tree, Coral Tree and Indian Almond. Additional Flame Trees provide more shade canopy and a red flower display extends the avenue of red along Apia’s waterfront to Tanoa Hotel’s front door.
MAHURANGI FOREST ESTATE
PUHOI // NEW ZEALAND
Walker Urban design and landscapes undertook a report, in conjunction with other consultants, into the feasibility of creating a new town on a privately owned property . This was seen as an opportunity to utilise existing poor grade land to provide an eco friendly response to Auckland’s expansion needs with good links thanks to the proposed northern motorway. Our concept created one larger town along with a series of smaller villages and an eco focussed university. These were to be nestled within an extensive newly created forest reserve set up in three zones for the locals and visitors to make use of. These zones were Living and recreation, Education and research as well as ecological tourism.
PAKURANGA PARK VILLAGE
AUCKLAND CITY // NEW ZEALAND
The Pakuranga retirement village masterplan was created to enable a 30-year vision for the client. Included 12 stages, some minor options within stages allowed for organised growth, and yet still flexible for potential market changes. We have now fully designed stage 1, a multi story apartment block, and are currently working on stage 2 - 8 level hospital and dementia unit.
The entire existing and proposed building for the extensive site has been drawn in CAD 3D; this enables the client and official residents within the retirement village to get an accurate and definite understanding of the various stages and how they influence their unique environment and the village as a whole.
The master plan encompasses a large central park as a focus where developments will eventually align.
GULF HARBOUR MARINE APARTMENTS
WHANGAPAROA PENINSULA // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: WILKINSON & DAVIES
Designed in association with Robin Riley, Gulf Harbour is made up of sea side terrace and serviced apartments grouped around a marina on Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Public entry at ground level is provided from a semi private concourse running between the buildings and the marina to the front also providing direct access from the apartments to the private marina berths, similar to the Cote D’Azur.
Private vehicle access and double garaging are at the rear of a mixture of multi level apartments or 2 level Penthouse apartments, serviced by lifts and stairs.
AMANORA TOWN CENTRE
PUNE // INDIA
CLIENT: FUTURE GROUP
Amanora Town Centre awarded “ Best Shopping Mall” by The Confederation of Real Estate Developer’s Associations of India In 2012 for its “innovative and unique Structure as designed by Walker Group Architects keeping the character of Pune.”
Blurring the lines between entertainment and retail mall, the eight screen multiplex is on the 3rd floor to one side of a spectacular atrium formed under a dome. On the same floor as the multiplex is typically a cafe court and restaurant bars which step down into a landscaped oasis.
STOCKYARD FALLS
WARKWORTH // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: PERENDALE HOLDINGS
Agreenfield site, bordered by existing roads to the West and East and a river to the North, a master plan was drawn up to explore the density of a particular proposed commercial development, for the land owners. The plan included commercial and entertainment buildings, fast food operators and a residential park for the elderly. The rural context dictated the approach to building form and material, density of use to traffic and circulation. This exercise allowed the client to determine the viability of the development to attract commercial operators, to gauge effects on local commercial operations and to assess local authority support before exploring development options and resource consents for land use. This project is currently under construction.
DONGHAI ISLAND RESORT
This master planning scheme was completed for a wealthy, well respected Chinese developer. This scheme encompasses several building types to create an instant island resort with all facilities expected and associated within a pristine tourist destination.
The design intent is reflective and sympathetic to the Chinese architectural in the region and fused with modern western architecture.
WAIWERA MASTER PLAN
WAIWERA // NEW ZEALANDThe intent in this design is to provide Waiwera a heart, a place where a variety of activities can occur, markets, car boot sales, musical events, etc this main space takes the form of a village square where traffic still passes across the northern edge on shared vehicle and pedestrian paving. This intermarrying also adds life and activity to the square. A increase in easily accessible street car parks close to the square is achieved on the secondary road which services the pools, brewery and apartments. At the end of this part of the road is the formal hotel entry court. The car park associated with the hotel also provides greater parking at peak times.
Our vision highlights and makes the most of the unique aspects of the location, such as healthy mineral water, natural hot springs, clean seaside environment etc. The master plan has several elements that other towns in the area don’t have, small public square giving the town a true centre, retail close to the seaside and native bush. A deliberate strong emphasis on health and wellbeing making this the capital of health and wellbeing for the North Island.
HISTORICAL PRECINCT TEMPLE VIEW
Concepts for a landscaped central community area, as part of the overall future Temple View development, incorporating existing historic buildings along with new buildings. With strong visual links back to, and from, the Temple there was great emphasis on the creation of a beautiful picturesque setting. The new buildings were required to be in sympathy with the existing historical buildings as well as be human in scale. Incorporating a man made lake with cafe, museum , community hall, library and outdoor amphitheater it was hoped to achieve a tranquility that reinforced community as well as peace and reflection.
TEMPLE VIEW // HAMILTONBROADWAY JUNCTION
AUCKLAND// NEW ZEALAND
A mixed use development on a new platform utilising airspace above the existing Newmarket railway triangle compromises retail pedestrian streets. In a circuit with connection to Broadway’s Lumsden Green and Newmarket Railway Station. Retail predominantly on podium level with gentle flow from Broadway street level.
Restaurants on second level with views of the harbour. The different buildings contain offices, serviced apartments or owner occupied apartments on upper levels. Styled along the lines of Rodeo Drive or Chancery, with a mixture of neoclassic and modern elements, reminiscent of European towns offering opportunities for street cafes, alfresco dining and variety as a counter point to the internalised shopping mall.
MILLBROOK COUNTRY CLUB
QUEENSTOWN // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: MILLBROOK
Millbrook is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading golf resorts and is located within walking distance to Arrowtown and a 15-minute drive to Queenstown. The resort hems the fairways with a combination of hotel accommodation and private homes. With established and proven design guidelines monitored by a review board, the resort has been able to maintain a high level of design while maintaining the resort’s original theme.
McEntyre’s Tarn is a small subdivision being developed by the property arm of Millbrook. The brief was to design five homes with an average size of 200m2 over looking the green to the second hole. The design incorporates three bedrooms, study/TV room, open plan kitchen, dining and living with a strong focus on outdoor entertaining.
Homes are to be priced at a midpoint level for the resort, with a target market of existing apartment owners thinking of moving up or people not wanting the larger existing homes.
AIT MARAE
Marae have been part of the community scene and cultural focus of Maoridom for centuries.
This city based AIT Marae is prominently sited on the corner of St Paul’s and Wellesley Streets and faces directly onto Symonds Street. The desire to develop an AIT Marae grew over many years, and in 1994 a working party was convened consisting of AIT Maori groups and other stakeholders. As a result, a Marae that was appropriate for AIT purposes was completed soon after, with Walker Community Architects as project leaders.
The scope of the project comprised the Marae and courtyard development with lower level car parking, as well as all servicing requirements, and fencing and landscaping to create the sheltered environment required.
The project was successfully tendered and constructed during 1996 and 1997, and with the addition of traditionally carved barge boards, panels and posts produced by Maori craftsmen the building has become a significant feature of the campus and city.
SPORTS AND MARAE COMPLEX
OTARA // NEW ZEALAND
Anew master plan is being developed for the whole of Ngati Otara Park. Within the park are a group of community buildings including a Marae, kindergarten and a sports club. With an increase in community activity, the community leaders saw the need for an improvement in existing facilities for use by the greater South Auckland population.
Jointly with Ngati Otara Marae and Otara Multi Sports Committees, a brief was prepared to fully understand the needs and functions of the community. This includes various sports clubs who will be utilising the buildings with the view of developing a business plan which would generate income for both buildings for its upkeep.
AJ HACKETT BUNGY
QUEENSTOWN // NEW ZEALAND
CLIENT: AJ HACKETT BUNGYIn 2004 AJ Hackett Bungy had undergone significant extensions under Patterson Architects to provide an exciting interactive retail entrance and foyer to review and postscript the Bungy experience off the nearby Kawerau bridge. While successful for those jumping it was not for their families and friends who would not jump but wanted to come to share in the experience. A large domed retail cocoon dominated the steel and raw pre cast concrete interior and was an enclosure to a ‘rocking’ floor experience which was not popular.
The proposal seeks to open up the raw interior by removing the cocoon and special floor, to introduce more space for visual and audio interactive experience for those not jumping, to see one’s progression from entry to centre, to watch others making the jump, their reactions down to the most detailed. More interactive activities are proposed near the bridge outside, again for those who did not want to take the big jump, as well as outside toilet facilities to cope with the huge numbers.
SHOTOVER JET HEAD OFFICE
DESIGN COMPETITION
Using a selected tender process, Shotover Jet wanted to replace their existing administration centre with an’ icon’ building to attract tourists from around the world, a building with better operational flows, with an emphasis on pre and post jet boat experience and with provision for more revenue oriented opportunity around jet boating.
Selected as one of the two preferred schemes, the proposal achieved the complex design brief on a magnificent promontory site around which the Shotover river winds its way down to the Kawerau river then to the mighty Clutha river. The upturned roof tips to acknowledge the mountain side forces around the promontory site. Its underside, viewed from the river below, is furrowed like the underside of a jet boat, to grip the water. From the mountains above it appears as a saddle, a waka moving down the river gorge. A Pounamu greenstone welcomes the visitor.
The very first jet boat used on the river has become reception counter and focus. Sweeping views surround the visitor on all sides with an invitation to see, hear, touch and move as part of the rushing and ebbing ‘river jet boating’ experience.
AMANORA PARK TOWN APARTMENTS
New apartment buildings occupying two large sites. Separated by the main road into Amanora Park Town. The ground sweeps up as one curve from each side to give a recognisable simple iconic form, creating a gateway to the Park Town. The landscaping of this man made continuation of the ground is indicative of the sweep from the valley lake up to the mountains. Floating above and punctuating through this sweep are individual recognisable, simple apartment
blocks. Each with separate atrium entries. Although these work together with the total to form 100m to 150m height at the road of the entry, owners can identify and quickly access their apartment. Multiple apartment type offerings from down by the water, park settings, tower and penthouse landscape villas are offered. Total building area for both sites 170,000 square metres. Amanora Park Town Apartments Pune, India.
88 BROADWAY
NEWMARKET // NEW ZEALAND
Six level 157 unit residential apartment and town house development grouped around a landscaped plaza. The development sits on top of a new podium built above the Newmarket Triangle railway junction. It incorporates retail along Broadway at street level and along a pedestrian access to Newmarket railway station.
ASQUITH AVENUE
Alarge Housing New Zealand development for 40 new residences with a central shared park which encompasses and provides connections to the sites existing natural formations. 20 residences are to be 3 and 4 bedroom stand alone or terraced residences on individual sections, under individual titles, accessed directly from the existing streets or from a new single shared driveway.
The developed residence typology comprises a simple readable street facing gable form with open glazed
frontage for street permeability. Its wrap-over wall/ roof junction helps enhances its singular character with glazing cutaway like the gaps in the leafy foliage of a tree. Materials include metal cladding, timber reveals and fine metal glazing bars, natural colour toned to the existing and new basalt walls. Open treed front yard gardens front the streets and landscaped decks and rear landscape gardens open onto the central park.
NATADOLA RESORT
NATADOLA // FIJI ISLANDS
A competition scheme for a Fijian village to develop their ocean edge land for a new ‘tourist orientated’ retail centre with cultural focus and entertainment and using the disused sugarcane railway line for access.
KAWARAU FALLS STATION
QUEENSTOWN // NEW ZEALAND
Development alongside existing hotel, includes lake front prime houses and terrace housing on a sloping north facing site with outlooks back to Queenstown.
Access lanes and landscaping with provision for community square and cafe.
QUEENSTOWN COMMUNITY HOUSING
We participated in a design competition held by the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), to design affordable housing for 44 Lots in the Shotover Country subdivision.
Our scheme provided five main housing typologies that ranged between 1-2 levels and 2-3 bedrooms, with a focus on terrace housing. Within these main types, there are variations ranging from mirroring the floor plan, minor roof
Site Plan - Scheme 3
suitable repetition to gain the cost benefits of scale. All of the designs followed the design criteria for ‘Home Star’ and ‘Life Mark’ standards. Which focus on energy efficient, healthy homes, designed for the needs of first home buyers through retires.
We progressed to the final two submissions, where unfortunately the design competition is abruptly cancelled.
35 Dockside Lane Auckland Central, 1010 PO Box 5319
Wellesley Street, 1141 Auckland
New Zealand
Phone : +64 9 373 3828
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