Inside A Luxury Wabi-Sabi Penthouse Apartment

A serene oasis within Auckland’s CBD, The Pacifica offers a calm reprieve from the busy streets it rises above. Inspired by the Japanese concept of a wabi-sabi apartment, Plus Architecture draws on authenticity, simplicity and the natural beauty of imperfection to design this Auckland penthouse.

Located just east of Queen Street in central Auckland, the wabi-sabi apartment is blessed with sweeping views of the harbour islands and cityscape. Hamish Davies, director at Plus Architecture, explains that the brief for the penthouse was to celebrate imperfections. “When we say imperfection, we are talking about those qualities of the materials which bring the unexpected to light; the strength of veins in the stone, the contrast of stone against metal and wood,” says Davies. “It’s those controlled yet beautiful junctions which really enhance the elegance of the space.”

The project was developed alongside Hengyi, which is constantly inspired by culture and technology to develop large-scale projects that have a lasting impact. Structurally, the wabi-sabi apartment’s design twists in a form reminiscent of a traditional Maori carving – the twist, or 'pikorua', that talks to the twisting of cultures and togetherness. “We feel the building embeds itself within the suite while it talks to the broader, larger scale of Auckland's skyline,” notes Davies. Inside, circulation flows through corridors that hug the core of the building, allowing vistas towards the light spaces and stunning views, welcoming natural light into the darker corners of the space. “A lot of the delight is the changing light as it travels through the day – it really enhances the experience of the space,” says Davies.

The Pacifica’s interior, designed in collaboration with Coco Republic, takes a minimalistic approach in line with a wabi-sabi apartment style, allowing a calm and serene backdrop to elevate daily life. “The canvas does not fight with the views, in fact, it enhances the views,” reflects Davies. “We wanted to draw from the unique location and the facade through the interior materiality and complement and enhance it through applying form and function with Coco Republic furniture, decor and lighting to finish the story,” says Tamara Martin, commercial manager at Coco Republic NZ.

Choices in materials and form seek to create a calm and serene environment. This is achieved using a neutral palette dominated by natural stone, marble and warm timber for materials, furniture and decor. “There is so much bustle and noise, which is wonderful and exciting, but you can escape up to the 54th [floor] of this building and enter into the most peaceful and serene space,” notes Martin. The use of warm-toned bouclé, velvets and soft textures injects a beautiful harmony into the space. “The lightness and the warmth of materials just make you feel cosy, at home and at peace. The sense of space, the scale – it all creates a beautiful home that anyone would be so lucky to live in,” reflects Martin.

The Pacifica is a wabi-sabi apartment that offers a beautiful juxtaposition to its inner-city location. “I’m really proud of how this penthouse has come together – it is the jewel at the top of the Pacifica Tower,” says Davies. The unique space, sweeping views and simple material palette work together in beautiful cohesion, creating a calm environment to retreat and recharge.

00:00 - Introduction To The Luxury Penthouse
01:01 - The Design Conception
01:40 - Enhancing The Surrounding Views
02:27 - Collaborating With Coco Republic
03:52 - Reflections On The Design Process

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Photography by Sam Hartnett.
Architecture by Plus Architecture.
Furniture by Coco Republic.
Development by Hengyi Pacific.
Filmed and edited by Cadre.
Production by The Local Production.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

The Local Project acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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