| Key design objectives PMM intended from the start that the Stonefields community should form a landmark example of a quality urban lifestyle in New Zealand, recognising its unique character, heritage and future. Peter says: “We always intended that this would be an attractive place where residents can enjoy all the benefits of an urban environment, while still having easy access to its history and an extensive network of green spaces.” Under PMM’s approach, a series of design objectives quickly become integral to the master plan for the site. Key among them were: · Recognising and celebrating the heritage of the site · Providing convenient, efficient and integrated access to a wide range of facilities, activities and opportunities – such as employment and education · Creating a vibrant town centre with integrated residential development, to serve the broader community as well as Stonefields residents · Enabling residential choice and diversity, to cater for a broad spectrum of the community · Establishing a network of green space, parklands and public space in close proximity to all dwellings · Rehabilitating large scale quarried areas to provide stormwater attenuation, environmental education and a major recreational amenity for the
region.
Initial planning
Peter describes how PMM approached the project. “We first undertook a review that highlighted a number of key factors that would influence the development of the overall design. For example, we could see that the Stonefields site is very well located, within only eight kilometres from downtown Auckland. The site clearly presented an opportunity for convenient living, with commuting times and distances kept to a minimum.” “Surrounding land uses and features also represented key opportunities for the development of a residential community with convenient access to a range of outdoor sports facilities and activities.” PMM then undertook a site analysis to create the basis of a structure plan. As Peter puts it, this analysis took in “natural site features, such as the dramatic cliff embankments and quarried areas, as well as views and access to Mt Wellington. These would be maintained with green space and pedestrian paths forming an interface between residential development and the mountain”. Design A critical part of PMM’s design vision was that a substantial portion of the higher density residential elements should be located around the 5.3 hectare lakes and wetland reserve area. “This facilitates a high level of surveillance of this open space, as well as providing residents with convenient access to this facility”, says Peter. Three key elements formed the structure of the plan: Roads A simple hierarchy of roads formed a grid through the site, ensuring that access, orientation and legibility though the site is very clear. Localised neighbourhood roads were designed to be more complex, limiting opportunities for shortcuts for through traffic. Community facilities The major urban facilities to be provided, namely the town centre and the school, were located along major roads to ensure convenient access. As Peter puts it: “The town centre was located next to the newly extended College Road, as it will serve a broader community. The school, is located centrally within Stonefields, as a traditional community hub. All residents will be within a 4 to 6 minute walk of the school and a comprehensive network of pedestrian and cycle paths will provide safe and attractive access throughout Stonefields.” He continues: “A network of traditional small-scale neighbourhood parks are provided throughout Stonefields. These are open spaces, surrounded by two storey townhouses, where children can play safely and neighbours can get the opportunity to interact with each other.” Under the impressive cliffs, large quarried areas will be rehabilitated into attractive wetland areas and on site stormwater ponds, making these water elements a permanent feature at Stonefields. All three major access roads through Stonefields are also aligned to maintain direct views of the wetlands, establishing this area of the site as a key community node. A mix of housing Key to PMM’s approach to how the housing should be laid out is that there should be a mix of styles, types and house / apartment sizes within Stonefields, all geared toward creating a mixed, diverse community that reflects the future of Auckland. As Peter says: “We’re constantly aware of the need to provide a diversity of section size, to encourage and enable a real community to come to life. If all the houses are the same in an area, this opportunity decreases. It is really only when people of different backgrounds and at different stages in their lives – students, young professional couples or retirees - live in proximity that you start to see a vibrant, inclusive and diverse community coming into being.” When asked to sum up PMM’s approach, Peter says: “Living at Stonefields will present residents with opportunities that are found in very few other neighbourhoods in New Zealand. Most importantly, Stonefields will also facilitate a return to some of the most highly prized qualities of traditional urbanity, such as the ability to access facilities and activities by foot or bike, where people are not compromised by vehicular traffic. This, allied to an integrative approach in the design of Stonefields, ensures that a sense of identity, community and belonging will be achieved here.”
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