The Thompson Park Apartments sit upon the site of an old Auckland Electric Power Board building located in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Designed by Creative Arch and constructed by Clearwater Construction, the design adapts and re-uses the existing structure of the building, demonstrating that 'the old' does not need to be destroyed to make way for 'the new'. The lower two floors of the structure were retained, and three additional levels were added, providing over one hundred new apartments.

The development comprises two linear blocks along with generous zones for informal interaction in shared landscapes — a call to create community spaces. The two blocks are internally connected with a series of walkways and floating bridges. The north side of the development features communal areas with barbecues under a vast timber pergola structure with a swimming pool. Dark louvres and concrete panels break up the horizontal form to moderate the development's scale within its suburban surrounding.

Sto was pleased to work together with both Creative Arch and AFS to scope, supply and reinforce the exterior masonry construction with the StoArmat Render System. The project consisted of approximately 1200m² of AFS LOGICWALL and 600m² of existing concrete block finished in a Stolit K 1.5mm finishing render and StoColor Maxicryl rendered by Sto Contractor, Plaster Solutions.

StoArmat Render Systems provide an ideal reinforcing render for facade applications in both refurbishments and new builds — as demonstrated in the newly built upper levels and reused lower levels of the development. StoArmat Render Systems are organic, breathable, impact-resistant and flexible, ensuring maximum system reliability and security. These features helped Sto deliver a complete weathertight, sustainable solution for the Thompson Park Apartments.

Thanks to the added benefit of the 20+ Year StoArmat Warranty with StoService Assurance, Thompson Park residents are also assured that all building elements pertaining to the rendered facade will perform for years to come.

The project won the Multi-Unit Dwelling category for the Auckland/Northland region at the ADNZ Design Awards and was also a national finalist. Sto NZ would like to congratulate all involved for the great workmanship and outcome of the recently completed Thompson Park Apartments by Creative Arch.