Wynyard Central

At the heart of the quarter is Wynyard Central, one of five stages of the overall project. On top of one basement sit three different building types — five-storey pavilions, three-storey townhouses, and a 10-storey apartment tower.

The pavilions are distinct, free-standing buildings clad with cedar. They showcase some exceptional carpentry and incorporate a staggering degree of detailing.

The townhouses are in a row of eight and are accessed via private patios and individual garages. Each is brick-clad with a planted roof.

The 120 apartments, which are clad with precast concrete wall panels, feature cantilevered terraces and generally have floor-to-ceiling glazing to maximise the natural light.

This complicated structural design and its exceptional architectural detailing posed a series of challenges. Not least was completing the apartment tower structure, which sometimes involved early morning pours of concrete, while not disturbing the pavilions’ new occupants 50 metres away.

LT McGuinness worked through these challenges in several ways. From the outset, careful planning took place and a clear methodology was created. Then we collaborated closely with the consultant team to ensure that all voices were heard. This was vital on such a huge project which, at its peak, had up to 400 staff working on site.