The Helier
Tessa Pawson of Peddlethorp discusses one of the practice’s most recent projects for long-standing client Oceania and the thinking behind its interiors.
Franklin high back chairs are in Tritan fabric Lexie Cinnamon. Image: Mark Scowen
The Helier represents a shift for your client in terms of the market they’re meeting. Tell us about the brief.
Tessa Pawson (TP): When Oceania engaged us to create a high-end retirement residence on the St Heliers ridge with views across the Waitematā, the brief was to design bespoke apartments and social spaces where locals who love the St Heliers lifestyle would want to spend their later years. The Helier is the first of its kind for Oceania — while the resident experience is always first and foremost, this project ups the ante in terms of service and amenity, and the result is a unique offering, more reminiscent of a luxury hotel than a retirement village.
Your intent was for the interior to establish a dialogue with the exterior surroundings. How did you go about this?
TP: The interior design takes its cues from the village’s beachside location. When you enter The Helier, you’re greeted with a sophisticated, luxurious environment with bespoke details and quality materials and finishes. Herringbone timber floors border pure New Zealand-wool custom-made rugs, walls are hand-rendered with polished plaster and a grand marble fireplace is at the heart of the main lounge area. This rich materiality flows through the building, where spaces are designed for socialising as well as to provide quiet corners for relaxing and reflecting, all with a stunning outlook.
How did Peddlethorp collaborate with Statement iD on this project?
TP: To achieve our vision for these social areas, we worked closely with Statement iD to curate a collection of beautiful furnishings and artwork to sit comfortably in the spaces. In the double-height residents’ lounge, furniture and fabrics were selected to create a variety of seated areas, which feel intimate and comfortable within the volume of the space. While the dining area, wine library, café and cinema are furnished as unique areas, they all speak of the same sophistication.
Weave cushions: Como in various colourways and Tatami Shadow. Image: Mark Scowen
How did you arrive at your choice of fabrics?
TP: For the many locally manufactured furniture pieces, Warwick Fabrics was an obvious choice because of its wide selection of quality and durable fabrics that are readily available and at a cost-effective price point. The 79-apartment project also features a 32-room care residence, with common lounge and dining areas. It was important to Oceania that the care element of the development didn’t feel any less luxurious. In these spaces, we were able to recreate the sophistication of the main amenity areas by selecting matching fabrics in the Tritan range.
