A unique location. Next to the Waitematā Harbour, amongst a network of laneways and disparate buildings styles, the site of The Pacifica presented a creative challenge. “You can design a seven-story building that is very much of its street, of its neighbourhood,” according to Ian Briggs, Plus Studio Director, “but when you head up into the tower area, suddenly you ask: what is its context?”

Creating a tower typology with a strong sense of place meant bringing the macro down to street level and taking the street level back up into the sky. The unique design for the building was inspired by the network of laneways in the district winding their way upwards. Strong lines criss-cross an efficient, timeless podium before pushing skyward with an energetic structure that reaches the heights of Auckland’s tallest manmade and environmental landmarks.

The resulting tower represents a strong, bold statement right at the centre of Auckland’s CBD, capturing the best of the city’s urban lifestyle inside too. In-built amenities are of the highest standard including lounges, a lap pool, sauna, steam room, spa, gym, media room, library and barbecue terrace.

Interiors feature a curated selection of natural materials and timbers reflective of contemporary New Zealand design, while floor to ceiling glazing is carefully engineered to maximise thermal comfort and minimise energy consumption. The upper levels, reaching some 178m high, connect with the outside elements through enclosed winter gardens that serve as front yards in the sky.

Such a large, and significant, project isn’t possible with a great deal of trust between client and architects. In the Pacifica, a shared vision for a landmark identifying the district as a new place for living has been realised.