Moller Architects has created a visionary masterplan for a multi-unit residential community at the Otaki Maori Racecourse. Collaborating with Wraight and Associates, McIndoe Urban, Envelope Engineering, and Stantec, the concept celebrates Otaki’s rich heritage while harmonizing with its natural and built environment.

Nestled at the foot of the stunning Tararua Ranges, the site offers gently sloping land adorned with lush vegetation and expansive open spaces. The racecourse, with its grandstands, racing facilities, and training grounds, sets a remarkable stage for a vibrant village. Housing clusters are thoughtfully placed along the northern, eastern, and western edges, creating seamless connections between community life and the racecourse's open landscapes.

An enhanced network of pathways weaves through the site, connecting the Otaki River’s trails to new accessible routes for walking, cycling, and inclusive use. These pathways link to shared laneways, tranquil open spaces, and charming pocket parks, fostering a sense of connectivity and community spirit.

The design features diverse housing options, including single-family homes, courtyard housing, terraced homes, apartments, and cluster living spaces with shared amenities. Each home integrates pitched roofs, sheltering verandahs, and a balance of private and communal areas. Factory-built modules with cutting-edge techniques, these residences are customizable yet cost-efficient, blending modern functionality with a timeless aesthetic perfectly suited to Otaki's coastal, rural-urban character.

This innovative project, recently fast-tracked for resource consent, envisions a lively, interconnected community where sports, nature, and daily living come together seamlessly.