Nield Road - Multi-Generational Homes

Project Pacific is the result of a community need intersecting with a bespoke property developer. The result: the creation of three spacious, fully wheelchair-accessible, energy-efficient, 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom homes with an expansive 182 m² floor plan.

The inspiration for Project Pacific emerged in the midst of the COVID pandemic, following a call to consider solutions for social housing.

Designed by TOA Architects, an architectural practice known for culturally grounded, community-focused design, three connected large homes were created, with spacious bedrooms allowing for multiple bunk beds, an external stainless-steel sink bench, a large 1.4 m × 1.0 m shower, ample storage spaces, and a wide-open living area extending out to a covered private deck.

The homes are also connected as a micro-community. Together, they have access to a large common deck space, a landscaped garden area, an access ramp, a view overlooking the local park, and a deliberate separation of parking from areas frequented by children.

All homes have been awarded the LifeMark 5-Star certificate for full accessibility and certification for HomeStar 7.0 v4.1, which awards points based on the health, efficiency, and sustainability of residential buildings.

The completed homes were sold to Penina Trust, a Pacific-led NGO supporting holistic wellbeing for communities with complex needs. Penina’s work is grounded in cultural integrity and Faa Pasefika (the Pacific Way), with a people-centred approach that recognises whānau/aiga, community, and partner organisations, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and relationships with mana whenua in South Auckland.

Together, the team took the road less travelled and delivered three unique, energy-efficient homes that support people of all physical abilities within a purpose-designed micro-community in South Auckland.

PJM provided client-side development, project, cost, and construction management services. This included procuring consultants, preparing the project feasibility, managing costs, and delivering the project under a construction management model to ensure commercial viability during challenging and inflationary times.

Project Pacific: Putting the “Community” in Community Housing • Lifemark®