Thirty Eight Elizabeth
Combining retail space, restaurants and large residential towers, Thirty-Eight Elizabeth reframes the centre of Tauranga, delivering a relaxed aesthetic that’s in-keeping with the sun-drenched beachside vibes.
The retail space is spread over two levels, with a dining terrace for gastronomic indulgence under the warming sun. The accompanying 10-storey towers feature 97 upscale apartments and 23 exclusive townhouses, all benefiting from a central position and views that stretch over the City skyline, many of which gaze over the water in the distance.
On one side of the balcony, residents can enjoy the sunshine from their balconies without impediment. On the other side, they can move behind the louvres running the height of the balcony opening. This positioning of the louvres is clever, they are in front of the balcony doors, where they can cast shadows inside and prevent the interior space from easily overheating, while allowing in enough light to awaken the interior.
For visitors and residents, 340 car park spaces are offered over 5 levels, with a design that uses a combination of louvres and perforated screening. The louvres are used to separate the exterior from the interior, providing a glimpse of what’s available beyond their span. The perforated screens are used as a decorative cover for the car park structure, adding a shiny aesthetic that sparkles like glistening sand on the nearby beach. It’s never overpowering, adding just enough glitz to energise the aesthetic.
Insol Caldera 150mm fixed blade louvres were used for the balcony screens on the East and West Towers. Designed and engineered to comply with balustrade regulations, they are bracket-fixed to the primary floor structure. Finished in the same dark, earthy tone used throughout the design to provide contrast to the predominantly white facade, they are the visual supporting act.
That role increases in importance when used for the lower ground car entrance screen. Here, the Caldera louvres provide a strong visual and physical barrier that whilst not taking centre stage, has equal billing to the visual elements in the immediate vicinity.
Of course, the glamour role is reserved for those perforated panels. Made from 3mm aluminium, they feature a custom designed repeating cultural pattern, with diagonal lines that contrast with the visible car park concrete structure behind them. With vertical supports, the panels provide fall protection and a high enough open rate for the required ventilation. It’s functionally wrapped in a reflective powder coat.
Thirty Eight Elizabeth is a vibrant addition to downtown Tauranga that serves multiple purposes. For some, it's a place to shop for the latest fashions. For others, it’s somewhere for a meal and an evening out. For residents, it’s simply home. Common to all purposes is a design that feels like it should be there.
Architect Ignite Architects Contractor Hawkins
Location Tauranga
