Elementum reimagines coastal living through courtyard-focused, multi-unit housing for a range of lifestyles. Recognised for its design and sustainability credentials, the development won a Merit award at the 2026 Property Industry Awards.
Nestled in the heart of Long Bay Village, Elementum is a carefully considered multi-unit residential community that blends coastal living with urban convenience. Responding to growing housing demand, the development delivers a mix of apartments and terrace homes designed for families, professionals, downsizers and retirees, broadening access to well-designed housing across a diverse range of lifestyles. Located within walking distance of Long Bay Beach, retail amenities and local schools, Elementum strengthens the suburb’s evolving social fabric, while offering a highly connected coastal lifestyle.
Set across an 8195sqm site with a natural fall of seven to nine metres, the masterplan leverages topography to maximise outlook, sunlight and spatial quality. North-facing residences capture expansive village views and overlook a series of landscaped internal courtyards, while upper levels enjoy glimpses towards Long Bay Regional Park, the coastline, and Vaughan Stream. The design carefully addresses the challenges of the adjacent main road and supermarket interface, using landscaped perimeter buffers to mitigate noise, improve air quality and create a quieter, protected internal environment.
At the heart of the development is a network of central courtyards that anchor both the social and spatial experience. Framed by three-storey buildings, these shared spaces provide sheltered communal areas that encourage interaction, while offering visual relief within a higher-density setting. More than circulation spaces, the courtyards are designed as places of pause and connection enhancing natural light, supporting passive surveillance and reinforcing a strong sense of community identity.
Architecturally, Elementum balances expression, durability and efficiency. Articulated façades of brick, reinforced precast concrete and natural timber are shaped through subtle roofline variations that break down scale and contribute to a refined, human-scaled streetscape. Beneath this expression, an efficient structural system of concrete flat slabs and precast shear walls ensures robust performance and long-term resilience, without compromising design quality.
The development comprises 130 residential units, each optimised for natural light, storage and functional living. While layouts are consistent, careful planning ensures comfort and usability across all homes. Materiality plays a key role in integrating the architecture with its surroundings, with green walls, vertical screens, timber and textured brickwork creating layered, visually engaging façades. Lighter brick tones distinguish terrace homes from apartment buildings, introducing subtle variation across the precinct, while landscaped courtyards feature native and coastal planting supported by semi-deciduous trees for seasonal shading.
Accessibility is embedded throughout the masterplan, with lift-serviced buildings and dedicated accessible parking supporting inclusive living and ageing in place. Environmental and social sustainability are central to the design, guided by principles of kotahitanga and wairuatanga that foster wellness and community connection. Native planting supports the local ecosystem, while passive design strategies, including shading devices and tree cover, improve comfort and reduce solar gain.
Water efficiency is achieved through shared rainwater tanks and dedicated systems for terrace homes, supporting irrigation and rain gardens, while services are centrally located to ensure ease of maintenance.
Elementum ultimately delivers a resilient, well-connected urban village that balances environmental responsibility with thoughtful architectural design. Through its emphasis on courtyard living and integrated landscape, the development offers a contemporary coastal environment that is both connected and enduring.
ELEMENTUM AT LONG BAY
84 Te Oneroa Way, Long Bay, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
OWNER TEMPLETON GROUP
DEVELOPER TEMPLETON GROUP
CONSTRUCTION WATTS & HUGHES CONSTRUCTION
ARCHITECTS STUDIO PACIFIC ARCHITECTURE, MINISTRY OF ARCHITECTURE, IGNITE ARCHITECTS
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER ASTERIX STRUCTURES
MECHANICAL & SERVICE ENGINEERS MEPS BUILDING ENGINEERS, 2PIR CONSULTING
BUILDING ENCLOSURE ENGINEER INHABIT, BG&E
QUANTITY SURVEYOR CONSTRUCTION COST CONSULTANTS
PROJECT MANAGER DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
PLANNING TATTICO
CIVIL ENGINEER MAVEN
Photo credits: Photography by Wide Photography