The SKHY residential development sits in Uptown, a fashionable emerging district close to central Auckland. Uptown comprises Grafton, Newton and Eden Terrace. Commerce, culture and history meet here, while old and new ways of life come together to create a rich, layered living environment.
With more than 40 years of property development experience, Lamont & Co has teamed up with renowned architectural practice Cheshire Architects to create a unique community atmosphere in Auckland and ensure exceptional building quality.
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An imaginative conversion is transforming a commercial building from the 1970s into 65 premium apartments, with 4 commercial tenancies. Built by Leighs Construction, the conversion is due for completion in November 2017.
Adding to the anticipation, the development's second stage is an L-shaped group of buildings: a six-storey apartment building, a four-storey apartment building and a smaller pavilion-style building. Together, they contain 47 apartments, along with office and retail space. With 45% of the apartments already sold, sales are now in their final stage. All buildings in the development have resource consent. Construction of the second stage is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2018, with completion in the third quarter of 2019.
Rediscover tranquillity in the city
SKHY's design draws on Cheshire Architects' philosophy of transforming old buildings into new urban homes through renovation and redevelopment. This is also a global trend in urban spaces, bringing environmentalism and urban design together through targeted interventions. Like acupuncture, these interventions revitalise run-down areas and relieve existing urban pressures.
“SKHY is a very interesting project because of its distinctive location. It sits just behind the city centre. Unlike the standalone buildings on Khyber Pass, it offers more living space,” said Pip Cheshire, a partner at Cheshire Architects, the practice designing the project.
At the centre of the three apartment buildings is a tranquil courtyard garden reserved for residents. Those living in the west-facing building can enjoy both the sunshine and views of the development's lush greenery from their balconies. This building offers one- and two-bedroom apartments, each laid out on a single level.
Buyers who prefer split-level apartments can look to another building facing Khyber Pass Road. Taking its cue from the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, designed by the father of modern architecture, Le Corbusier, each apartment has its own internal staircase connecting the bedrooms, living room and bedrooms across two floors. Each apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Views vary throughout the building, taking in either Mt Eden or the verdant courtyard garden.
Balancing work and life
SKHY enjoys an excellent location at the intersection of Symonds Street and Khyber Pass Road. Its elevated position offers sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour. The CBD, universities and sought-after neighbourhoods of Mt Eden, Ponsonby and Newmarket are only a few minutes' drive away.
Oliver Henlich and Gabriela Suhl bought an apartment in the second stage. Despite the many new apartments coming onto the Auckland market, they were particularly impressed by SKHY's striking interiors, convenient location and the experience of its developer and architects.
Developer Lamont & Co says living at SKHY will allow residents to achieve an ideal balance between work and life.
A small number of one- and two-bedroom apartments remain available in the second stage. One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments start at $595,000; two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments at $800,000; and two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments at $890,000. Every apartment's price includes one basement car park.