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The Victor Apartment

Category:

GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE AND ON GRADE PROJECTS

Project general details

Nominator

Investor

Supplier

Architect

GreenAir

The Victor

Archi_ON

GreenAir

Location (City)

GPS

Country

Region

Year of nomination

Auckland

New Zealand

data

Oceania

2024

Project specifications

The Victor’s is a luxury, coastal apartment building consisting of six levels. Upon entering the ground level, visitors and tenants are greeted by a 11064mm L x 3750mm H Stacked Plant Wall with lush dense planting to create a living wall display. The defining feature of this building is the incredible, full-height ‘living’ atrium consisting of eleven green wall panels, each measuring 2800mm H x 1000mm L. Additionally, level 1 includes 22.6 m² of floor planter boxes with varying plant heights to truly encapsulate a natural garden look and feel. From level two and above is crisscrossed by sky bridges. Each glass balustrade along the corridors is paired with an engineered balustrading system developed by GreenAir to produce sections of foliage that cascade and drape down into the atrium below.

Object type

Roof area (m2)

Year of completion

Project in operation?

Other

1800

2021

YES

Project details

Innovation

Integrating nature into urban environments is crucial for well-being and sustainability. The engineered balustrading system by GreenAir transforms standard glass balustrades into cascading sections of lush foliage within the atrium. This innovative approach is both aesthetic and functional. Weighing 60kg per square meter when saturated, they are among the lightest available, reducing structural load and construction complexity. This lightweight design supports sustainable building practices and facilitates easier installation and maintenance, ideal for vertical gardens in urban settings. By pushing the boundaries of conventional materials and techniques, we've created a model of sustainable urban living that prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising design and functionality. These innovations enhance occupants' quality of life and set new standards for green building practices in the industry.

Maintenance

Our comprehensive plant care service ensures plantscapes remain fresh and healthy: Design of Plantscape: Plants are chosen based on light, temperature, and interior design. Hydroculture: Inorganic, soilless media allows for accurate, less frequent water and nutrient administration. Water: Water level indicators ensure optimal water control. Pest and Diseases: Infested plants are cleaned, pruned, or replaced with natural, chemical-free treatments. Quality Check: Regular checks by technicians ensure top condition. Servicing Frequency: Plants and containers are serviced bi-weekly, with annual reviews for freshness. Plant Servicing: Plants are cleaned, polished, trimmed, and pruned. Rotation: Plants are rotated for balanced growth. Plant Replacement: Aging plants are replaced to maintain freshness. The Green Walls has four main categories of maintenance, namely host wall, general plant, irrigation system and fertigation system maintenance.

Project ecology

Up to 90% of the plants used in the project were propagated and nurtured in our local nursery. This commitment not only supports the local economy but also reduces carbon footprint by minimizing transportation distances and promoting biodiversity conservation. By sourcing plants locally, we ensure they are well-adapted to the local climate and environmental conditions, promoting their long-term health and resilience. This approach also supports the preservation of native plant species and contributes to the overall ecological balance of the region.

Biophilic design

The Victor Apartments embody biophilic design principles, and integrate nature into the built environment to enhance the well-being of residents and visitors. Green walls, planter boxes, and cascading foliage throughout the building create a direct and immersive connection with nature. The atrium's green walls and the Stacked Plant Wall at the entrance promote a tranquil atmosphere, improving air quality and reducing noise. These elements in the space contribute a sense of calm and relaxation. Additionally, the engineered balustrade planting system serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Guiding wayfinding along corridors and pathways enhances navigation while adding to the building's visual appeal. The presence of green spaces fosters community interaction and provides communal areas for relaxation and socializing. Overall, the Victor Apartments demonstrate how biophilic design can enrich urban living by integrating nature into everyday environments.

Users

cater to a diverse group of residents seeking modern, luxury living with a strong connection to nature. The building’s proximity to the beach, local amenities, and top schools makes it ideal for families and professionals alike. With 56 freehold apartments and 8 luxury penthouses, it attracts those desiring a blend of coastal charm and urban convenience. The building’s innovative design, including green walls and sustainable features, appeals to environmentally conscious individuals. Additionally, the vibrant community and regular local events create a welcoming environment for all residents, enhancing their quality of life.

Users

private

Source of funding description

The Victor Apartments project was funded through a combination of private investment, development loans, and pre-sales of the apartment units.

Source of funding

private

Please describe aspects of the project contributing to sustainable urban development?

GreenAirPonics, an organic and volcanic renewable resource, is utilized as a planting medium, replacing traditional soil-based mixes. This innovative medium offers numerous advantages, including superior drainage, gas exchange, and moisture retention. Its ability to hold water, nutrients, and supply oxygen to the roots ensures optimal plant growth. Further, this growing media is sterile and maintains a neutral pH balance, creating an environment inhospitable to soil-borne pests and diseases. Additionally, its lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for the complex structures and engineering required for large plantscapes, reducing the overall load on the building framework.

How the project contributes to climate adaptation?

All cover pots within the Stacked Plant Wall and other grow pots on site (excluding green walls) are made from 100% recycled materials and manufactured using 100% wind energy. These pots feature a self-watering system with a water indicator, allowing plants to absorb water as needed, thus reducing over-watering and minimizing water waste. This efficient watering method conserves water, ensures optimal plant health, and reduces maintenance needs. Additionally, the use of recycled materials and renewable energy significantly lowers the project's carbon footprint, aligning with sustainable practices and enhancing the building's overall climate resilience.

How is the project supporting local biodiversity and urban ecosystems?

To ensure year-round vitality, we conducted a comprehensive light study to select the most suitable plantings for each area of the Victor Apartments. This meticulous approach ensured that every plant receives the optimal amount of light for its specific needs, enhancing growth and sustainability. The Stacked Plant Wall on the ground level, situated in an area with lower light levels, is populated with shade-tolerant species that thrive in dimmer conditions. In contrast, the green walls scaling the atrium and the balustrade planting on the upper levels are exposed to higher heat and direct sunlight. These areas feature sun-loving plants that flourish in bright, intense light. This thoughtful variation in planting not only maximizes the health and growth potential of each species but also creates a dynamic and visually appealing environment. Additionally, it ensures that the greenery remains vibrant and resilient throughout the year, regardless of seasonal changes.

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WORLD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD

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