Architectural Innovation Meets Sustainable Living in Westmere

The Westmere project represents a bold step forward for multi-unit residential development in Auckland. Located at 80 Garnet Road, this development comprises four sophisticated units that harmoniously blend cutting-edge architectural design with the rigorous demands of high-performance building. For the owner, Milotte, the vision was to create a series of homes that offered more than just an aesthetic statement. They aimed to provide a superior living environment characterized by exceptional thermal comfort, sustainability, and architectural flair. The success of this vision is evident, with demand for the homes proving very high and the project being a finalist in the HOME Magazine “House of the Year 2026”

The Design and Build

The architectural language of the Westmere development is one of sleek modernism. The design utilizes a palette of high-quality materials, including Eurostyle Spanlok vertical steel cladding and Roman series brick veneer, to create a textured, contemporary exterior. Internally, the homes are light-filled and spacious, featuring open-plan living areas that flow seamlessly into private courtyards.

What truly sets this project apart is its architectural innovation. This development was the first to utilize Formance curved SIP walls, a technical feat that allowed the architect to introduce soft, organic lines into the ground-floor building envelope. These curved sections demonstrate the incredible design freedom offered by the Formance system. The inherent strength of the panels allowed for these unique geometries without compromising the structural integrity or the thermal continuity of the home.

The Formance Advantage

Choosing a Formance building system was central to achieving the project's high-performance goals. While traditional timber framing often struggles with thermal bridging and air leakage, the Formance envelope provides a continuous, airtight barrier that dramatically reduces energy loss.

• Thermal Performance: The units utilize 115mm and 165mm thick Formance panels for the walls and a substantial 265mm panel for the roof. This robust envelope, combined with graphite-infused (Neopor) EPS cores, ensures that the homes meet and exceed New Zealand Building Code R-values.
• Airtightness and Health: By its nature, the Formance system is highly conducive to airtight construction. This airtightness, paired with a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) system, ensures that the interior environment remains dry, healthy, and free from external allergens.
• Speed and Precision: Pre-engineered panels allowed the structural shells to be closed in significantly faster than with traditional methods. This rapid build time allowed internal trades to begin work sooner, a critical advantage in a multi-unit project.
• Sustainability: The commitment to a lower carbon footprint is woven into the fabric of these homes. The Formance OSB is sourced from responsibly managed forests, and the EPS core is 100% recyclable.

Financial Benefits of High Performance

A key achievement of the Westmere project is its Homestar 7 certification. By building to these high standards of sustainability and efficiency, the homes provided a tangible financial benefit for the Owners. The high performance building envelope provides significantly lower energy consumption and resource usage reducing the ongoing running cost of the homes. This makes high-performance living not only healthier and more comfortable but also more financially accessible.

A Proven Result

The Westmere units are more than just homes; they are a showcase for the future of New Zealand housing. Every detail, from the innovative curved SIP walls to the high-tech Basis switchboard, was chosen to enhance the quality of life for the residents. The fact that all units were leased on completion speaks volumes about the market demand for homes that are as smart and sustainable as they are beautiful. By choosing Formance, the owner  has delivered a legacy of performance, health, and comfort that will last for generations.

Are you ready to elevate your next project with a high-performance building envelope? Contact the team at Formance to discover how our SIP system can bring your architectural vision to life.