CONTRACT DESIGN & BUILD CASE STUDY
Universal Homes undertook both the design and build for this suite of 23 homes, in partnership with Kāinga Ora. This large-scale development constitutes walk-up apartments with unit title dwellings for long-term tenants of Kāinga Ora.
These architecturally designed three-storey buildings feature one-bedroom walk-up apartments, with exterior breezeways. The layout comprises two apartment blocks: one with 12 units, and the other 11 units. Smart use of space is maximised by the Universal design team, giving the best living solutions for the available space. Some of the ground level homes include full accessibility and entry modifications to ensure maximum ease of living for all Kāinga Ora residents. Outdoor living is available on private balconies, and additional common areas outdoors offer a sense of community cohesion.
Managing your development from
concept to completion
Working with Kāinga Ora to offer an end-to-end service across both design and build in the affordable medium-density housing sector, Universal Homes provided a comprehensive turnkey solution for this project, from building consent stage. Thoughtfully designed yet affordable, the Dominion Road development offers quality, medium-density living: a growing need for Auckland’s future.
Having design, civil and construction all in-house is a key strength we were able to bring to the Dominion Road development, giving the ability to manage and deliver a large-scale development from concept to completion.

On budget, On Schedule.
“Universal Homes are one of my favourite contractors to work with. We were really happy with the design for the Kāinga Ora Dominion Road housing development. The build – a mixed flight cladding and brick exterior – was an absolute breeze. The entire project was finished before the contractual completion date, even though this was during Covid-19. In terms of health and safety, and quality control, Universal was brilliant. That really made life easy for me. All in all, they were great to work with on every level.”
Damian Lofts, Project Manager, Kāinga Ora
Project: Design and build for housing development at Dominion Road, Mt Roskill
Partner: Kāinga Ora
Project details: Thoughtfully designed walk-up apartments on Auckland’s iconic Dominion Road
Land Area: 1717 m2
Building Coverage Area: 551.4 m2
Total Housing stock: 23 homes
Homes built by Universal: 23 apartments
Build style: Architecturally designed three-story buildings, featuring 1-bedroom walk-up apartments
Development timeline: 12 months, completed January 2021