A home for hope

A ‘big home’ in the city

Auckland City Mission’s new purpose-built housing and social services facility HomeGround will be a safe haven for some of Auckand’s most desperately in need, and we’re very proud to support it. Known as HomeGround, the 10-floor downtown building will provide accommodation for 80 residents, along with wraparound health, crisis and other services, alcohol and drug detox, and activities and training. Vantage manufacturer Wight Aluminium and APL have come to the party with significant price support for the supplied windows and doors.

Embodying values

Stevens Lawson Architects handled the redevelopment of the Mission’s existing premises on Hobson St, with a brief to express the values of the organisation and provide a home for the most vulnerable communities. Most of the building is constructed of Cross Laminated Timber – it’s New Zealand’s tallest timber building – and the steel cross-bracing and other features deliberately evoke a Pacific feel.

High performance products

High performance APL Architectural Series joinery has been used for the windows and doors, while APL’s naturally automated passive ventilation system Ventient is installed in all residential units, for improved air quality and reduced energy consumption. Roof glazing above the ground floor courtyard and over the roof terrace helps to maximise light in these communal areas.

Manaakitanga

Manaakitanga – meaning hospitality and respect – is reflected in the provision of services and is embodied in the building itself. At HomeGround, the Mission’s community dining room ‘Haeata’ has a brand new commercial kitchen and a welcoming space for street whānau to enjoy a warm meal. The building’s ground floor is inviting and easily accessible, and community spaces are provided throughout, including a roof terrace and function rooms.

A home for hope

HomeGround is all about treating its residents and users with dignity, compassion and respect. It’s about strengthening individuals, whānau and communities. It’s a home for hope. “This is a highly worthwhile community project, and we’ve been very happy to support it,” says APL CEO David Downey.