Behind The Scenes: Locale’s Architecture with Archistudio

An interview with Kyle Goldsack of Archistudio, words by Casey Vassallo.

Lighthouse Group recently launched Locale – a residential community located at 20 Mission Street, Tauranga. A picture of central sophistication, six contemporary residences have been expertly designed by Archistudio. We speak with Director Kyle Goldsack about the form and function behind his inner-city design.

What aspects make an ideal home?

In New Zealand, I think it comes down to outdoor living. We are not just designing internal spaces but opportunities for occupiers and owners to have the outside as an extension of their homes. Kiwis love this way of life, particularly in the summer months, to utilise all spaces of a home for entertaining. We created the sunny outdoor courtyard at Locale with this in mind.

I believe the best homes are functional, too. How each space talks to each other and creates a rhythm to daily routines like we’ve done at Locale, and getting the optimal configuration of kitchens and bathrooms right makes for an efficient floor plan and a modern way of living. One example is the hidden powder room concealed behind v-groove panelling on the ground floor. It’s a great part of the design layout, saving guests from having to go upstairs when you’re entertaining.

There’s also something to be said for a low-maintenance home. We’ve used pre-finished aluminium cladding and painted brick at Locale, as these products are easy to care for.

What are some of the standout features at Locale?

Locale provides a huge amount of value through its tactful design of the kitchen, dining and living areas, and the inclusion of outdoor living. The properties also include a flexi-space – as more and more people move to work from home and young families break into the real estate market, this third room is a great addition to the home as it can be an office or nursery. In addition, we’ve used a skylight to tap into the sunlight and create ventilation and a visual awareness of the outdoors.

This development’s location is another drawcard, not only situated within a highly desirable character area but also in a changing streetscape close to the CBD. It’s a place that will create community – a very exciting area to be in for true city living.

What point of difference does Locale bring to the CBD?

Locale enables CBD fringe living in a place that is going through huge expansion, and that will create a modern urban neighbourhood.

It supports alternative ways to travel (like walking, biking or jumping on a scooter). It’s close to sports grounds and outdoor public spaces, hot spots and eateries, and allows you to grab a beer after work and walk home.

The quiet nature of the street is peaceful but still close enough to the hustle and bustle. People will gravitate to Locale for its location and the impeccable finishing and functional design aesthetics.

How do you approach designing a project like Locale?

My approach comes from living within these types of homes (apartments and townhouses) myself. Based on my lived experience, there are some must-haves I always consider, like outdoor living at ground level. People then have the joy of a private, functional courtyard to grow veggies and a secure space with greenery to overlook. Then, the outlook is best orientated to optimise morning or afternoon sunlight as much as possible, like we’ve done with Locale.

I also believe the push to transport initiatives challenges the need for a garage these days, which results in a more comprehensive master plan and enables better urban design principles.

What do you love about Tauranga?

If I had to put it down to three things, it would be the proximity to the beach and Mount Maunganui (without actually being in it), its location within the golden economic triangle (Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga), and I think the general way of living – it’s an active lifestyle here but a relaxing un-plugged approach to life.

Locale is now selling priced from $925,000. For further information click here.

Locale by Lighthouse, 20 Mission Street, Tauranga