Taratoa Terraces is a masterfully crafted multi-unit residential community.

The project strikes a balance between technical craftmanship and material texture, seamlessly integrating modern living with the natural lush surroundings of the neighbouring Point England Reserve.

The 1,500m² site consists of 14 units, offering a mix of two and three bedroom layouts to meet the diverse needs of the modern buyer. Developed by Treasure Homes, the vision was to foster a genuine sense of belonging. OZAC Architects achieved this through a U-shaped layout, a configuration that protects resident privacy while enclosing a shared central courtyard to encourage natural social interaction.

The project was designed specifically for first-home buyers seeking a

"lock-up-and-leave" lifestyle. To achieve this, the team selected CLAD Solutions’ fibre cement products, compromising Shera Vertical Shiplap DL01 weatherboard and Shera Bevelback 180mm horizontal weatherboard, paired with Premier Modena Brick.

The design demonstrates that low maintenance requirements can drive high-end aesthetics. The ground floors utilise a robust brick base for a grounded permanent feel. North and South terraces feature dark-painted vertical boards and gable roofs with louvre accents to draw the eye upward, creating a striking silhouette. While the eastern terraces utilise white horizontal boards to broaden the visual profile, ensuring the community feels open, layered and cohesive.

The selection of Shiplap and Bevelback profiles was a strategic choice to align with the project’s core pillars of durability and ease of living. In New Zealand’s volatile climate, fibre cement was the ideal medium; it is exceptionally resilient and provides a "lock-up-and-leave" solution for busy professionals who prioritize lifestyle over home maintenance.

Beyond performance, the material served as a canvas for the project’s "tone-on-tone" aesthetic. By utilizing CLAD Solutions, the design team could safely apply modern dark coatings to the fibre cement surface—achieving a high-end, contemporary look without the risk of thermal movement or compromising structural stability. This colour-matching logic, where deep-toned bricks are paired with dark cladding and lighter bricks with pale boards, creates a sense of harmony and proves that industrial materials can offer a warm, inviting texture.

To ensure a seamless project delivery, CLAD Solutions provided comprehensive technical backing and BRANZ certification. This provided the necessary assurance during the design and consenting phases, ensuring full compliance with the New Zealand Building Code and facilitating a streamlined approval process.

Taratoa Terraces is more than just a housing development; it is a successful collaboration between Treasure Homes, OZAC Architects, and CLAD Solutions. By blending thoughtful spatial planning with high-performance materials, the project offers New Zealand urban dwellers an ideal home that is as beautiful as it is functional.