Huapai, Auckland
Woods collaborated with Mike Greer Homes to introduce a medium-density housing solution that brings urban apartment living to a rural environment.
Situated within West Auckland wine country, the Huapai Triangle Special Housing Area is a government-designated zone aimed at accelerating housing supply. Woods was engaged to provide urban design and architectural services. Initially tasked with designing seven traditional two-storey terrace units on an 1,800m² site, the scope evolved to develop twelve two-bedroom walk-up apartments. This shift aimed to maximise land use efficiency while maintaining affordability and liveability.
The primary challenge was to deliver high-quality, affordable housing. The design needed to ensure that all units were north-facing to capitalise on solar gain, provide accessibility features, and maintain aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, integrating sufficient parking without compromising the visual appeal of the development was important.
Woods delivered a well-considered apartment development that brings urban-style living to a rural setting — a relatively rare typology in areas like Huapai. Each unit was carefully oriented to face north, maximising natural light and solar gain, while monopitch roofs were extended to shelter the outdoor decks. The architectural form was further enhanced through recessed shared stairwells and integrated storage lockers, adding depth and rhythm to the façades.
Inside, bedrooms were positioned on the cooler southern side of the buildings, while open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas opened out to north-facing decks and patios. Centralised service zones grouped kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries efficiently, and short corridors ensured privacy and separation between sleeping and living spaces. Ground-floor units were designed to be accessible for residents with mobility needs.
Parking was carefully integrated into the site, with carparks placed at the rear of the buildings to preserve the development’s street appeal. The use of quality materials such as steel cladding helped the buildings blend with the surrounding landscape while offering durability and low maintenance.
The success of the project was reflected in the market response — all 12 units sold, including six purchased through the KiwiBuild programme, underlining the development’s affordability and broad appeal.
This project shows how apartment living can be successfully introduced into a rural context, expanding housing choice for Kiwis.
