As the island of Waiheke basks in a golden aura, washed down by a generous stream of wine, an equally robust tide of concrete is transforming its picturesque landscape. Not just any concrete, though, the kind that signals opulence and grandeur, foundations of dreams coming to fruition image by intricate image.
The engaging web of construction behind safety railings on Miro Road could easily be overlooked for a high-tech fortress in the making. The space-age-like design is hewn into the rugged hill of an 858sqm section, an investment made in the preceding year. A coveted piece of land, its allure lies not just in the upcoming multi-story luxury residence, but also in its cascading layout that further provides an access road.
In comparison, Onetangi’s Fourth Avenue has embarked on its own journey of transformation. Severely sloping land comprising of 2000sqm is making way for a new home. Purchased for $855,000, this land pristinely covered in scrub promises potential for a ‘Grand-Design’ styled residence that would have unparalleled views of the Onetangi beach.
Waiheke, already home to personalities such as Colin Giltrap, Graham Hart, Ben Cook, Martin Reesby, Michael Allpress, Christopher Luxon, John Hawkesby, Bruce Plested, has its share of hidden opulence behind those high fences, scaffolding and crinkling tarpaulins. However, the confidentiality agreements signed by builders forbid them from revealing any explicit information or sharing photographs.
In context, customary homes in Auckland range up to 136sqm while apartments can be as compact as 80 to 100 sqm. Waiheke has set a rather bold precedent with 1000sqm constructions that may take up to three years or more to complete. These imposing luxurious creations tend to skyrocket the average national construction costs by a mammoth tenfold, touching a breath-taking $20,000 per sqm.
The exclusive and recently developed Wawata Estate has set a generous 400sqm to 500sqm limit on building sizes, in an effort to safeguard the commanding views along with the meticulously recreated natural environment. As of today, almost a dozen of the 25 available sections have been sold with construction already underway.
One remarkable instance is a buyer who purchased two sections in order to accommodate provisions for a pool and a separate guest house. Copper, cedar, stone, limestone, natural plaster and stainless steel are some of the predominant materials being used, as architects focus on harmonizing with the landscape rather than sticking to the norms of designing a deluxe mansion.
While the strategically placed homes and their high costs may be a bit astounding, the reason for their existence primarily rests in the fragility of Waiheke Island. The island’s wastewater concerns and reticulation conditions, its challenge to work with the landscape while preserving the natural environment, require such extensive measures.
Life on Waiheke, in general, is a tale of two distinguishable spaces. Simplifying the contrast, a visualization of Waiheke can be described as what meets the eye and the concealed wonders that lie behind the scaffolding.
Every now and then, newly constructed residences are offered directly on the market, saving potential buyers from the tedious process of construction. As real estate agents affirm, the costs and complexities of developing a new house may often surpass the purchase of an already built one. It’s a beautiful testament to the strength and resilience displayed by the dwellers of Waiheke, creating a luxurious sanctuary where the land meets the sea.
