The Regent Park development is the only ‘new build’ project in the WCC Housing Upgrade Project and as such was challenged to provide an ‘exemplar’ of current social housing development.  The existing site had 38 existing bedsit and one-bedroom units housing individuals.  The new development comprises units in a mix of housing typologies to accommodate more people from families, couples and singles, and also providing accessible units.

The variety of housing types achieves a more integrated fit within the local neighbourhood.  The retention of public cross site access assists in merging the development into the physical and social patterns of the local community.

The use of colour provided variance within the development individualising the units for the occupants.  The concept of the folding white forms interspersed with strips of colour gives a rhythm and scale to the project that relates to the form of the surrounding Victorian villas.

Each building type and block has two complementary colours, which alternate with each unit to reinforce a sense of individuality.  Colours were selected to harmonise with the selected landscape, planting and the surrounding community, acknowledging the multi-national nature of the occupants.

The design provides modern housing that is safe, secure, durable, healthy and affordable.  The development optimises density without compromising amenity and as such the site has been designed as an integrated housing development utilising best practice ESD principles. The site layout, infrastructure and buildings have been carefully considered to respond and acknowledge the underlying landform, natural landscape and existing built patterns to provide a comprehensive sustainable and integrated social housing development. It will positively contribute to the local community and greater built environment within the area.

The colour palette is extensive and carefully curated unit by unit, featuring Resene DNA, Resene White Pointer, Resene Clockwork Orange, Resene Wedgewood, Resene Whizz Bang, Resene Wazzup, Resene Pulse, Resene Funk, Resene Koromiko, Resene Vermont, Resene April Sun, Resene Koru, Resene Double Gravel and Resene Triple Friar Grey

A number of Resene preparation and finishing products were used throughout the Regent Park complex including Resene Sonyx 101 waterborne semi-gloss, Resene Lumbersider low sheen waterborne, Resene X-200 waterproofing membrane and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.  Resene Sun Defier was applied to the coloured panels to assist with the longevity of these elements.

The judges wholeheartedly agreed that this project positively contributes to the local community and greater built environment. It stands out without being garish, using colour well with a degree of sophistication not seen in other projects.

The WCC Regent Park Development demonstrates such a great use of colour to individualise what could just be seen as a collection of similar houses providing individuality without being overpowering.  The colour gives each home a greater sense of ownership and helps strengthen the elevations with the colour adding to the architectural experience.

The setting and colours differentiate the buildings, allowing them to take on the moods of the day, in shadow and sun, generating a sense of movement with colour. The putting together of a palette like this creates intense movement, individuality and it is quite simply clever.

Architectural Specifier: Designgroup Stapleton Elliott

Building Contractor: Hawkins Construction Ltd

Client: Wellington City Council – City Housing Assets

Painting Contractor: JMA Decorators

The Resene Total Colour Awards were launched to encourage and celebrate excellent and creative use of colour.

View images of the Resene Total Colour Award winners on the Resene website, and in video form on the EBOSS website.