A new eight-apartment building in Auckland showcases ergonomic kitchens equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances, designed by local architecture studio Monk Mackenzie in collaboration with developer Artifact. The Jervois Apartments, located on a ridgeline in the central Auckland suburb of Herne Bay, represents one of the early developments to take advantage of recent zoning changes in the area.
The project emerged from significant urban planning updates in Auckland. "Three or four years ago this area was re-zoned under the Auckland Unitary Plan, which allows for taller buildings and more density," explained Hamish Monk, co-founder of Monk Mackenzie. "This building is one of the early adopters of that zone change." The development capitalizes on the site's prime location, offering residents panoramic views of the Waitakere Ranges on one side and Waitemata Harbour on the other.
The building's distinctive architectural features include an undulating screen made of perforated metal that wraps around the street elevation. This curved screening system serves dual purposes, filtering natural light while providing privacy for residents. Sophie Wylie, a trained architect and co-founder of Artifact alongside Liam Wylie, carefully organized the internal layout to maximize both functionality and natural light exposure.
The apartment layouts follow a strategic orientation system designed around New Zealand's climate and sun patterns. Bedrooms and private areas occupy the southern side behind the protective screen, while social areas such as kitchens and living rooms claim the northern side to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. Each residence includes a glass-walled internal courtyard that draws daylight into the center of the floor plan and facilitates natural air circulation.
A unique feature of the development is the winter garden located on the southern facade, which includes frameless glass doors that can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions. This design creates an external space that remains usable throughout the year, regardless of Auckland's variable climate patterns.
Interior designer Amelia Holmes specifically planned the kitchens around the lifestyle habits of older buyers who are looking to downsize from larger homes but still enjoy hosting guests regularly. The kitchen designs feature premium Fisher & Paykel appliances set within dark-stained oak cabinetry, complemented by slate worktops and marble islands that create sophisticated cooking and entertaining spaces.
The kitchen layouts center around an island bench that defines the open-plan kitchen and living area. One end of the island is configured as a bar area, creating a natural gathering space that connects directly to outdoor deck areas. "We didn't want the appliances to have prominence," said Sophie Wylie. "Fisher & Paykel products are minimal and clean, and worked well with the dark stain of the oak and the aesthetic we wanted."
The appliance selection focuses heavily on ergonomic considerations for the target demographic. Fisher & Paykel wall-mounted ovens and two DishDrawer dishwashers flanking the sink eliminate the need for residents to bend down during cooking and cleaning tasks. "If we were going to put ovens on walls, we wanted them to be very minimal and contemporary looking," Sophie Wylie explained. "That's where the Fisher & Paykel ovens are so perfect – they offer a sophisticated glass front with minimal buttons or color."
Storage solutions include column fridge-freezers that slot into vertical cabinetry alongside wine cabinets, both positioned strategically near butler's pantries. This arrangement allows residents to cook and entertain simultaneously without interference. Natural slate covers the benchtops, providing durability against heat and moisture while adding texture that contrasts with the smooth appliance finishes.
The material palette throughout the kitchens combines gray marble with timber cabinetry detailed with batten-style handles. Compact laundry areas sit off the main hallways, featuring graphite-colored Fisher & Paykel washers and dryers stacked vertically to maximize floor space while maintaining consistency with the kitchen's material palette.
Fisher & Paykel, founded in 1934, represents New Zealand's luxury appliance brand known for creating kitchen products that seamlessly integrate into home environments to complement surrounding interior design. The company's philosophy of minimal, clean design aesthetics aligns perfectly with the contemporary architectural vision of the Jervois Apartments, creating cohesive living spaces that prioritize both functionality and visual appeal.
