The Greenhouse

Designed by award-winning architects Ockham Residential, The Greenhouse strikes a chord with New Zealand’s iconic natural surrounds, amalgamating in a distinctly contemporary multi-residential build. A creative reimagining of urban architecture, this project offers timeless modern luxury in one of Auckland’s most trendy suburbs. 

Despite being situated amidst a vibrant metropolitan hub, the design was inspired by the natural landscapes of Tāmaki Makaurau that surround the urban environment. Light industrial accents in the dark metal window frames and symmetrical façade are contrasted with the verdant palette, reflecting the nearby Watahari ranges. With immediate access to first-class dining, shopping and nature facilities, The Greenhouse’s distinctive quality allows it to tie into its surroundings while standing out as an iconic piece of architecture.  

Finding a brick that made an impact both at street level and from afar proved a challenge that took four years for Ockham co-founder Mark Todd to overcome. Knowing the significance of tactile quality in drawing people to a build, hundreds of bricks were sampled from brickmakers across the globe. It was at an artisanal brickmaker in Venuto, Italy, however, that they found the brick that was just right. With a history in firing bricks that spans over five generations, Brickworks’ exclusive distributor San Selmo was tasked with creating a striking custom brick to be used through the exterior and interior of The Greenhouse. Crafted with clay formed in the rich histories of Venetian earth, the leading manufacturers recognise brickmaking as an honoured ritual, evidenced in the unique quality of each product, distributed by Brickworks NZ.

Giving The Greenhouse its distinctive identity, 150,000 custom bricks were used throughout the project, referencing the natural environment while asserting a durable foundation to promote longevity of design. Close up, the bricks exude a subtle shine, juxtaposing the playful viridescence and depth of the building when viewed kilometres away. Every aspect of the apartments hero the custom brick as its core characteristic, setting itself apart from contemporary architecture in its use of bold and bright colour at scale. 

Custom-shaped bricks were created to form the quintessential arch that invites residents and guests through The Greenhouse. Taking inspiration from the many arches around Ponsonby, their softening effect contrasts the chevron metal detailing at the base and top of the building, emulating the feathers of local birdlife. Inside, elegance continues with a lobby coated in dark slate tiles and smoky mirrored glass, reminiscent of Karekare sand, making way for the ‘Melt’ pendant by Tom Dixon to take centre stage. Its walls are lined with artworks by New Zealand artists to further ground the architecture in place while brass and walnut details enliven and warm the space. Crafted by acclaimed furniture designer Tim Webber, a 10-seater dining table stars in the centre of the residents lounge, comprised of rafters from the building that originally occupied the site, sustainably utilising material while grounding the communal area in place. Wanting to foster convivial lifestyles and connection between residents, the lounge has been crafted for entertaining.

The apartments themselves continue the richly layered material palette, opting for warm oak floors, walnut cabinetry and aged brass accents in the kitchens and bathrooms. Large windows and high ceilings were prioritised to give residents ample space and natural light. Environmental influences flow through each room, with dark stone, basalt basins and green shower tiles to establish connection between the indoors and out – in both the natural environment and building’s exterior architecture. Both private and shared balconies are adorned in powder coated brass-coloured aluminium balustrades for added opulence that complements the emerald bricks with ease. 

Captivating from kilometres away, The Greenhouse is an outstanding example in pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture, highlighting the ability for brick to create city-defining façades.

“Every aspect of the apartments hero the custom brick as its core characteristic, setting itself apart from contemporary architecture in its use of bold and bright colour at scale.”

“Every aspect of the apartments hero the custom brick as its core characteristic, setting itself apart from contemporary architecture in its use of bold and bright colour at scale.”