A housing project for low-income elderly showcases the positive impact of sustainable design on vulnerable communities.
The 6 Homestar design rated development prioritises what matters.
Essentials
What: 12 Hollard Grove
Details: 18 one-bedroom apartments for low-income elderly tenants; five typologies; approximately 52 square metres each; 909 square metre brownfield site; the first stage of a proposed mixed residential development on a wider 6900 square metre site
Location: Lower Hutt residential suburb of Avalon; adjacent to a park; close proximity to Naenae train station and amenities
Occupancy: 18 people; 65+ years of age
Project certification: 6 Homestar design rating v5 (December 2024)
Project Snapshot
Owner/developer: Urban Plus Ltd; a multifaceted property management and development company; owned by Hutt City Council
Architectural designer; Giselle Bockman, Miles Construction
Main contractor: Miles Construction
Homestar professional: Abryllica Nieves, architectural technician/ Homestar Assessor
Project timeline: concept design 2023; consented 2024; construction commences June 2025; completion and occupancy September 2026
Demonstrating environmental leadership through Homestar methodologies and practices targeting lower carbon emissions is no smart speak slogan for Urban Plus Limited.
The Lower Hutt-based social and public housing provider – with a specific focus on meeting the needs of low-income elderly – is pushing for greener thinking in the sector.
Homestar and harnessing low carbon strategies is a core objective in its Statement of Intent.
“We’re committed to being a leader in sustainability and to the delivery of warmer, drier, more energy-efficient homes. We believe improving the built environment will provide long-term health and cost benefits for the Lower Hutt region,” says Urban Plus Ltd chief executive, Daniel Moriarty.
“We want to lead by example and demonstrate to other residential housing developers the need to embrace Homestar – the more homes built this way the better. We want to show it’s easily achievable and it benefits society on a greater level.”
The design rating for 12 Hollard Grove is the sixth 6 Homestar rated project in Urban Plus Ltd’s portfolio.
A 19-dwelling development in its Homestar lineup has since been purchased by another community housing provider and several other certified properties are being sold to market.
Urban Plus says the 6 Homestar rating status unlocks discounted mortgage rates for purchasers.
“When a property has a 6 Homestar certification and above – anyone from a first home buyer, investor, owner occupier or community housing provider can benefit from reduced mortgage rates. While not all banks currently offer this discount, more are coming on board with this way of thinking, which is great,” says Daniel.
He says other benefits of building to Homestar include:
energy modelling leading to lower operating costs and energy expenditure for occupants
less stress and anxiety around energy poverty for the elderly
better health outcomes
better comfort levels
an assurance occupants will be warm in winter months and comfortable in summer months at minimal cost
12 Hollard Grove sits in its suburban streetscape as a single structure comprising three storeys – showcasing a cost-effective, contemporary urban-styled genre of high-density apartment housing.
Horizontal projections above windows, canopies, prominent stairwells and entry points punctuate its built form.
Miles Construction senior architectural designer, Giselle Bockman, says Homestar has been a central force in its design story.
“Homestar played a significant role in shaping our design approach by supporting a strong focus on sustainability, occupant wellbeing and future adaptability.”
She says the tool drove adaptions across water use, thermal performance, continuous extraction and water hardware.
Project design features include:
generous use of glass to the façade; sensitive placement of windows allowing for natural light, quality views and connectivity for occupants
exterior cladding in lightweight fibre cement Cemintel; subtle vertical and horizontal textural patterns including the aesthetic of brick without comprising the building’s external envelope; healthy and sustainable materials
cross laminated timber (CLT) in the midfloor saves on labour, provides fire resistance rating, decreases building timeframe, reduces neighbourhood disruption
layouts supporting natural and mechanical ventilation systems; space efficiency, ample storage; comfortable occupancy movement
kitchens designed for ease of use; bathrooms include grab rails and other accessibility features for occupants and carers; bathrooms designed to be easily retrofitted to meet changing needs
underground installation of rainwater storage tanks allowed space on site for a common area with barbecue, bench seats, picnic tables, planting and direct access to an adjacent park
a sense of community; reducing loneliness; propelling connectivity
Homestar assessor, Abryllica Nieves, says the sustainable features integrated into Hollard Grove will uplift tenants’ daily lives by enhancing comfort, health, wellbeing and long-term affordability.
She says the level of thoughtfulness and care demonstrated across all project design decision-making has been impressive.
“Every element - from the overall concept to the smallest details – has been carefully considered to ensure these apartments meet the long-term needs of their occupants - supporting the project’s strong commitment to quality, functionality and sustainability.”
Homestar Design highlights include:
the project is set to achieve excellent performance for both winter and summer comfort with most typologies on target to exceed the minimum requirements; a critical factor in the context of Aotearoa where cold housing and overheating are common issues
on target to achieve high points in the Resource Efficiency category - design approach promotes smaller dwelling footprints; reduced material use during construction; lowering long-term operational energy demand; proving compact, efficient homes deliver environmental and lifestyle benefits
the project has been specified with products and materials to achieve the maximum 10 points available under the Sustainable Materials credit
“I am proud to be part of a project prioritising environmental responsibility, social wellbeing and helping to ensure quality, sustainable housing is accessible to those who need to most.”
Photo credit: Miles Construction