North Point – Raglan, New Zealand

Planned to bring about a sense of community, this artfully arranged collection of townhouses in Raglan features Vulcan Cladding finished in the warm tones of Protector - Straw.

When architected and executed thoughtfully, compact urban developments like this one in Raglan have many benefits for both residents and the environment. With amenities and transport routes close by, emissions are reduced and connections fostered between neighbours through chance encounters. Green spaces are well used and well designed, enhancing the natural environment.

Designed by Red Architecture, this multi-unit development of six two-bedroom homes is a key example of this compact and community-based design. In creating the spatial design and selecting materials, the architects saw an opportunity to forge a sense of cohesion with the town itself by arranging homes around common spaces and pathways.

Claddings and finishes were chosen to reflect the landscape and atmosphere of the village. Car parking and storage are relegated to the fringes of the plot, to allow the housing and surrounds to take precedence.

Located on the boundary of a residential reserve, the homes seem to merge with the land and streetscape, with the Abodo Vulcan vertical weatherboards finished in Protector - Straw, echoing tones in the dunes and marram grasses seen at nearby beaches. To provide some visual texture as well as enhancing privacy, windows and carports make use of Vulcan battens, also finished in Protector - Straw.