This project was located on Whitaker Place, in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. It is located in close proximity to both the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

The project involved the demolition of the existing office building and construction of a new purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) building providing 15 floors of accommodation with 300 studios apartments. Ground floor accommodation included the main entry to the building with reception, communal kitchen, lounges and study area.
All of the new accommodation was comprised of studio apartments (single occupancy) ranging from 11.7m2 to 15.1m2. Communal facilities included a lounge, study, communal kitchen / dining room, games room, laundry, theatre and a gym was also provided together with car parking.

The design of the building incorporated five car parks and bicycle parking in a secure garage. Communal facilities included a lounge area, games area, gymnasium and a theatre was also provided.

Levels 1 – 15 each provided 20 studio apartments per level. These included 12 standard (11.7m2) studios (S1), two larger studios of 14.5m2 (S2), two accessible studios (14.14m2) (S3) and four premium (15.1m2) studios (S4). The configuration of each floor incorporated two lifts and stairwell with services towards the central core and the bedrooms towards the perimeter of the building. Rubbish and laundry facilities were also provided on every level.

Each studio and apartment offered kitchen facilities that include a two hob element bench top cooker with ducted range hood, microwave, stainless steel sink, laminated bench top and laminated kitchen cupboards. A fridge was also provided. The kitchens have vinyl floor covering. Fitted furniture included a desk, a chair, shelving, a wall heater, and a 90cm wide single bed.

Prior to commencement, Barcam entered into a lease with UniLodge, who manages 67 properties (over 16,000 beds) in Australia and New Zealand. The investment arm of UniLodge bought the lease and project upon completion.