Ropa Lane

Project Type: Multi-unit Residential
Client: Private Developer
Location: Maupuia, Wellington
Status: Completed

Our team at Solari Architects are privileged and excited to have the opportunity to design a project such as this on one of Wellington’s most fantastic locations. Perched near the edge of the escarpment known as Maupuia that shelters Miramar from Evans Bay it looks over the northern end of Wellington Airport’s runway.

The apartments are a bespoke solution to a truly spectacular site. The views over Evans Bay to the north are simply stunning and are supported by an easterly outlook over Miramar to Seatoun Heights. Underpinning the design is the unique shape of the property, a curving eastern edge meeting the north facing boundary with a sharp angle. This informed the prow-like shape welcoming your entry to Ropa Lane. The curving eastern edge contrasted with the gesture of a slice that opens the building up to the majestic northern views.

A unique design solution is the winter-garden balcony spaces. These provide a truly flexible solution to living in a stunning yet exposed environment. They blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor allowing the occupants choice and flexibility in how they experience their connection to outside depending on conditions. Spectacular views and sun are paramount, while also providing shelter from the wind.

Watching the planes either take off or land (pending Wellington’s wind direction) is a unique experience of the location. To counter the noise due to the proximity to the planes, a high level of acoustic treatment has been embedded into the design of the apartments.