A modern treasure
A modern treasure of innovative solid construction and historical reminders provides the ultimate central apartment lifestyle.
The second and final stage of the Latimer Central Apartments is now complete.
Adjacent to the new sports stadium, the prime-positioned build becomes an iconic part of the CBD’s eastern fabric.
At 272 Barbados Street, parallel to Latimer Square, the design is a head-turner.
The standard is high-end for all 34 units built by Street and Cook Construction.
Each one, a future-proofed investment. The first residents moved into the main building this month and now just five of the sought-after apartments remain for sale.
The drive-through entrance is via a portico under the project’s first stage, The Gatehouse, which is home to four exclusive apartments.
The 20 residents’ outdoor carparks are secured behind the central automatic security gate.
The ground-floor brick façade retains timeless character, melding with history – namely the old brick Orion substation.
It still stands as a grand feature point between the gatehouse and the main building – a nod to Christchurch’s past.
Director John Street of Street and Cook Construction has run an outstanding operation from Taranaki for over 35 years.
This is his second noteworthy development in Christchurch, which includes the award-winning GCH Aviation Centre.
Site foreman Brad Shotter moved his family down to Christchurch to project manage each exciting development.
“The apartments are very cleverly designed, to fit the relatively tight space we had to work with,” Brad says.
“Each one has its own unique view. All the balconies and courtyards are generously sized and most face north. The Hebel exterior is extra thick at 75 millimetres and provides a high acoustic rating and thermal barrier.”
The four floors and penthouse of the main building are of classic black and white exterior.
Fresh and light, neutral décor throughout connects the inside the 30 apartments to the spacious common areas.
The one and two bedroom apartments, are all generously proportioned and include Bosch appliances.
Strict acoustic tolerances mitigate the usual sounds from a bourgeoning CBD.
Solid Kwila treads and rises create the wide stairwell, provide an alternative to the internal elevator.
Brad says the project was a real pleasure to work on. It was almost like clockwork for the 18-month project that was completed on schedule.
“The build is up there with the best in innovation. BRB patented-design seismic-strength structural steel from America makes it a standout construction by John Jones Steel. The extremely solid foundation included 73 screw piles, some as deep as 14 metres, supplied and installed by Smith Cranes and Construction. These subcontractors were an integral part of this successful project.”
Cobalt Electrical and Security Systems provided the very latest requirements.
The company’s previous accolade was installing the security systems for the Christchurch Town Hall rebuild.
“We had six tradesmen on the Latimer site most days,” says Liverpool-born owner Eddie Russell, who has operated his one-stop-shop Christchurch business for more than 30 years.
“It was a nice job, and we needed to be there at every building stage. Everything worked out great. We were proud to meet every tight deadline and scope of works.”
Cobalt provided all of the smart features for the building and apartments.
With ICT card access control for the security gate and security walk in entrance, KNX Worldwide automation systems controlling the building through sensors and timers, including the carpark and emergency lighting. Installed in every apartment was smart-lighting control, data hub, Sky TV, fibre optics for the high-speed WIFI built into the walls, and the latest ABB video intercom.
The apartments are now state of the art.
Street and Cook is looking forward to the next exciting Christchurch project.
To view the apartment listing for sale visit Harcourts Gold.
