Box™ creates ‘Mews’ style development for a developer in Nelson
The property, located on a corner section of the inner city, comprises six townhouses laid out in the style of an English mews. A mix of double-storey and single-level dwellings, all with individual courtyard gardens and double garages, are companionably grouped to create a sense of community.
Dan Heyworth says: “We envisioned the concept of a mews where houses are terraced around a central lane. Each home is oriented for optimum sun on a compact footprint that encourages a sense of neighbourliness.” All dwellings in the high-end development were pre-sold.
The post-and-beam structural system, developed by Box™, adapted well to the multi-unit project, named Sussex Mews. With plywood cladding, stainless-steel cross-bracing and some precast concrete panels to comply with inter-unit fire rating criteria, the complex makes a strong design statement in a locale historically populated by weatherboard houses. Gobi-block walls on the perimeters of the site have some transparency which allows connection with the street.
The three and four-bedroom dwellings have an efficient open-plan layout, concrete floors and small internal courtyards which bring light into the heart of the homes. Developer James Purves says: “The success of Sussex Mews just goes to show that the residents of Nelson recognise good design and are willing to invest in it.”
While the section could have accommodated a low-rise apartment building or a cookie-cutter collection of units, the mews option, with similar but not exact-replica homes, proved highly attractive on this inner-city section.
Box™ offered a realistic value-for-money proposition – good-looking architecturally designed houses as well as a guaranteed construction cost and completion date.
NZIA AWARD WINNER – MULTI UNIT
Products used in
SUSS
Professionals used in
SUSS
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This was the seed of Box™. A strong belief that the best way to produce the best homes was through builders, designers and customers working in unison, not against one another.
Success comes through an understanding, appreciation and trust of each other’s expertise. This results in great design – part of which is building pragmatism. This combination of design and build practicality also leads to a unique company culture.
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