Located 1.3km from the CBD in one of Queenstown’s older areas, with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu towards the Remarkables range, this proposed development on Thompson Street offers a thoughtful response to the demand for urban living. Intensifying two traditional quarter-acre plots, the project aims to provide sustainable, high-quality housing with convenient access to both the surrounding environment and local infrastructure.

 

Designed to integrate with the established character of the neighbourhood, the development introduces a modern, three-storey row-house dwelling typology. The site’s elevated position allows the design to enhance the streetscape without overwhelming it, respecting the surrounding urban grain. The building forms a clear urban marker at the entry to the shared ROW, offering active surveillance of the street, central courtyard, and surrounding environment.

 

The 12 three-bedroom units are designed for both functional living and community engagement. Each unit features north-facing living spaces, private roof decks, and generous communal areas. The central courtyard fosters interaction among residents while providing visual connections through the site, allowing for longer views between buildings. The height of the development is broken along its length with the central unit. This unit is set lower, with a sloping timber-clad form that softens the project's massing, aligning it more with the traditional pattern of the neighbourhood. Elsewhere, flat roofs include generous outdoor living spaces, offering a careful balance of privacy while orienting these areas to maximise sunlight and views. Considered together, the building form helps prevent the project elements from dominating the neighbourhood and enhances the sense of openness.

 

The development is constructed by Cook Brothers Construction, a well-regarded local builder known for their commitment to quality and sustainability. The use of local expertise further reinforces the project’s integration into the community while ensuring a high standard of craftsmanship.

 

Sustainability is central to the project, with energy-efficient features and efficient land use incorporated throughout the design. The proposal also prioritises pedestrian movement and removes traditional garage doors from the streetscape by providing underground parking. This not only declutters the public realm but enhances the overall visual experience of the site.

 

With a design that balances modernity and contextual sensitivity, the Thompson Street development aligns with Queenstown’s urban evolution, providing much-needed housing while respecting and contributing positively to the character of the area. The project supports both the growing demand for urban living and the values of community, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.