Overview

Featherston Forms is an innovative project that introduces the first three-storey building to Featherston, Wairarapa. Commissioned by Housing Solutions, the development will deliver 11 residential units and 1 retail space, designed to be sold to social housing providers upon completion, addressing the region’s pressing need for affordable housing.

 

This project embraces cutting-edge construction methods, utilising offshore-manufactured modular units from overseas. Delivered to the site 100% complete—down to the kitchen sinks and tiled bathrooms—these modules redefine efficiency and build quality in Featherston, a town with deep historical roots and a unique identity.

 

Design Response

Featherston’s character is defined by its small-town feel, historical streetscapes, and balance of green space with built form. Drawing inspiration from the town’s mid-20th-century architectural language, the design of this development respects the existing context while introducing contemporary elements that address modern needs.

 

Key design features include; A respectful urban form: The retail frontage along Featherston’s main street incorporates verandahs and façade elements that mirror nearby heritage buildings, while the residential upper floors are set back to maintain scale and preserve the streetscape. Medium-density housing precedent: This project establishes a benchmark for medium-density housing in Featherston, with a mix of 2-bedroom upper-floor units and 1-bedroom ground-floor managed-care units. Community-focused design: Generous private deck spaces, secure bike storage, and seamless pedestrian connections to parks, public transport, and amenities support a sense of community while minimising car dependency.

​

As the first three-storey development in Featherston, the project required careful navigation of resource and building consent processes. The South Wairarapa District Council’s limited experience with offshore-manufactured modular construction presented unique challenges, but ​