Amaia Stage 3 Ext Aerial Takapuna Final01

Amaia, 48 Esmonde Road

Redefining urban living on Auckland’s North Shore

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

1 / 3

Maximising the development potential of an underutilised site

Amaia is a landmark vertical village surrounded by an estuarine nature reserve, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour. Located on Takapuna’s Esmonde Road, and minutes from the northern motorway, public transport connections and key employment hubs, Amaia is ideally situated for high-density urban development. With the first stage of 80 apartments now complete, the development has potential for up to 500 apartments and a hotel, spread across several multi-storey blocks with a 16-storey residential tower in the centre.

Jasmax was engaged to develop a long-term masterplan aimed at maximising the development yield of the two-hectare site, as well as providing the concept design, including interiors, and securing resource consent for the first two residential buildings, which are now complete. Crucially, Jasmax prepared, negotiated and obtained a private plan change, doubling the development potential of the site, while protecting its ecological significance and value to the surrounding community. Following extensive negotiations with Auckland Council, the Terraced House and Apartment Buildings (THAB) zoning was successfully amended to allow a significant increase in the height limit, from 16m to 48m, reflecting the site’s prominence and strategic location.

The key drivers underpinning the masterplan included maximising visual and physical connectivity with the surrounding estuary, harbour and neighbouring commercial centres; drawing the public into the site to enjoy commercial offerings, providing public access to the water’s edge and ensuring the development will be a high-quality addition to the cityscape.

High-density development that enhances neighbourhood connectivity

Surrounded on three sides by tidal mangroves, the site rises to a height of 10m above sea level from the water’s edge. A 20m coastal reserve has been set aside to become an esplanade, providing public access to the water’s edge via a boardwalk. Along with new public open spaces, a walking and cycling connection across the mangroves to Hauraki peninsula has also been proposed, in line with Auckland Transport and the local board’s proposal to improve connectivity between Esmonde Road, Barry’s Point Road and nearby Akoranga Bus Station.

With taller structures occupying the centre of the site, the massing of the new buildings reflects both the volcanic nature of the isthmus and the Indigenous forest that covered the site in pre-European times. Generous spacings between new buildings avoids the development appearing fortress-like and protects views for residents.