The oTTo Towers project introduced an innovative approach to urban living in the heart of Wellington. This 80-unit development, with each apartment comprising a prefabricated modular unit, is stacked 6-7 storeys high on a concrete podium containing car parking and commercial spaces. Designed with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and contemporary aesthetics, oTTo offered a progressive solution to urban housing while respecting its vibrant Te Aro surroundings.

 

The design reflects oTTo’s ethos of modern, high-end living. Large feature windows and open-plan interiors maximize natural light and provide an inviting atmosphere. Each apartment is thoughtfully planned to suit urban lifestyles, with options for courtyard or balcony spaces. Interiors incorporate innovative features, such as concealed projectors that transform living spaces into immersive entertainment hubs.

 

Externally, the façade uses a palette of coloured steel and glass to balance modernity with contextual harmony. A central access core connects all units to Wakefield Street, creating a strong urban frontage and seamless integration into the city fabric.

​

oTTo represents New Zealand’s strides into modular construction. The prefabricated units were constructed offshore, while the podium and access core were site-built. The Poneke Company’s expertise ensured the seamless coordination of offshore and on-site works, meeting New Zealand’s stringent Building Code through a collaborative design process with local and international consultants.  This project set a benchmark for obtaining building consent for offshore modular construction, including the use of MultiProof certification and manufacturer-issued Declarations of Conformity.​

​

The project faced unforeseen delays due to COVID-19-related disruptions, including shipping and rising construction costs, and construction was indefinitely paused in 2024,​​