Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are indigenous people of the Tāmaki isthmus based at Bastion Point in Ōrākei.

Kaumātua refers to all Maori over about 55. Traditionally the term refers to the status and role that Kuia (older women) and Koroua/Koro (older men) attain as recognition of their contribution, leadership, knowledge, and protection of Whānau/Hapū/Iwi life.

This project is located alongside existing Kaumātua housing with close proximity to the Marae and the task was to develop a master plan for a total of eight units on the site. These were to provide connections to existing housing, the Marae and the greater community, with a prototype two-bedroom home that could be repeated without compromising the views and solar-gain benefits of each unit.

As the design is for elderly, accessibility, security, low maintenance, thermal comfort and the ability to have a live-in caregiver are essential parts of the design.

The requirement for accessibility precluded using a suspended lightweight flooring system and the project employed hybrid prefabrication methods. The building was mostly flat-packed/panelised and assembled on a site poured concrete slab. It also includes a volumetric bathroom module transported complete with concrete floor and accessible shower.

The first unit achieved a high LifeMark rating and has become home for a highly respected member of the community.

It is hoped that the first unit will provide a new model for Kaumātua housing undertaken by the trust.

Photography © Ross Keane