The Architects:

The Watermark is a singularly Wellington solution to a singularly iconic site on the no less unique Wellington waterfront. It should come as no surprise then that the design came out of Wellington. Studio Pacific Architecture have worked on many projects – and many of them landmark projects – throughout New Zealand but remain, resolutely, a Wellington practice. It is their affinity for the city and their approach to design that drew them to the attention of The Watermark’s developers, Land Equity Group.

As Nick Barratt-Boyes, Principal of Studio Pacific Architecture notes, “We have worked on a number of prominent waterfront projects elsewhere in New Zealand but The Watermark is a very significant project for us. It’s on a prominent island site on the waterfront and it’s in full view of the public gaze. It’s a rare opportunity to craft a solution that exudes personality while stitching itself into the neighbourhood”.

Daryl Calder has spent five years working on The Watermark as Project Architect. The first challenge, he says, was the melding of the old with the new – retaining the integrity of the historic John Chambers building while juxtaposing it with a contemporary building. The result is a uniquely Wellington building with a defined sculptural form that has both subtle nautical references and evokes the Wellington skyline. It knits together a complex array of uses – residences, a boutique hotel, a swimming pool and amenities along with private and public car parking and ground floor retail restaurants and cafes.

Another challenge was the absolute commitment from the developer to create a landmark building not just in design but also in meticulous attention to every last detail. It is evidenced in the materials used: timber panelling, timber and stone flooring, selected quality wallpapers. It is there in the numerous integrated elements such as exterior fireplaces, coffered ceilings, modular kitchens and modular walk-in wardrobes, underfloor heating and home automation. It has been designed specifically for the location and the climate. Many of the residences have an outdoor room – a semi-enclosed terrace – with adjustable screens for privacy, shade and wind shelter with integrated heating sources for the less clement days.

The diversity and degree of choice within the residences that The Watermark offers is rare, as is the extent to which the purchaser can personalise and customise. This commitment to quality in The Watermark, Nick Barratt-Boyes notes, will meet the expectations of the most discriminating purchasers.