This penthouse, designed by Plus Architecture and located on the 54th floor of Auckland’s tallest building, offers an exclusive glimpse into what happens when space, light and design meet.

WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Sam Hartnett / Simon Devitt

The Artefact Flint Engineered Timber Flooring by Forté is a feature in itself, looking right at home in this luxurious and contemporary interior.

Auckland’s skyline has been forever transformed by the completion of The Pacifica in 2021, which proudly houses a breathtaking penthouse space that redefines luxury living. Designed by Plus Architecture, the tower itself is a triumph of modern design, blending high-end living with the intimacy of a vertical neighbourhood. And when it comes to the penthouse, no detail was overlooked.

This space, says Plus Architecture’s director Hamish Davies, is more than just a home – it’s an experience.

When the penthouse was first conceived, it was designed as a cold shell – a raw, unfinished space, awaiting the final touches of a visionary designer. The developers then brought back Plus Architecture to divide the enormous space into four smaller, tailor- made apartments – two for owner-occupiers, and two created on spec.

Fast forward to today, and one of these apartments has become a masterpiece of design and architecture. “We were commissioned to create one of the most bespoke spaces in New Zealand,” says Hamish. And after spending just a few minutes in the penthouse, you can understand why.

The design brief was clear: the space had to evoke a sense of tranquillity and spiritual calm, while remaining sophisticated and functional. To achieve this, the designers took inspiration from wabi-sabi principles, marrying natural textures with a minimalist, zen-like aesthetic. The result is a serene yet luxurious space, with neutral tones and raw materials creating an organic flow from room to room.

Natural stone and white-washed timber are the stars of the show, with every surface chosen for a timeless, tactile quality. “We used a lot of travertine throughout the space, including a striking Ocean Black in the bathrooms and the entry, and Sahara Yellow in the living area,” says Ivona Golubovic, associate at Plus Architecture, based in Melbourne. “The goal was to give the space a grounded feel, while the raw textures really allow the light to play off them in a way that enhances the natural beauty of the materials.”

While the design feels effortless, nothing about it is accidental. Every detail has been considered, from
the wide-open spaces to the intimate nooks that offer a sense of privacy. “We divided the apartment into day and night zones,” explains Ivona, “which helps maintain a sense of flow while still keeping things functional. We used sliding walls, which allow the spaces to be adjusted depending on what’s needed.” The result is a 450sqm home that feels both vast and intimate at the same time, with a sense of flexibility that allows the space to adapt to its owner’s needs.

The kitchen is a work of art. Minimalistic and luxurious, the kitchen is a stunning example of concealed cabinetry and integrated appliances. There’s no clutter here – just sleek, sculptural lines and surfaces that are as much about design as they are about practicality.

No penthouse would be complete without an outlook to match, and this one delivers in spades.
With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, the views of the Tāmakimakaurau Auckland skyline and beyond to Waitemata ̄ Harbour and Rangitoto Island are simply unparalleled. “The views are one in a million,” says Hamish. “We designed the entire apartment with that in mind – how the external environment interacts with the interior.”

Designed with layers of rich textures, the space is a visual and sensory experience that maximises both light and natural materials. “I think a lot of it is textural, and an exercise in layering,” says Ivona, explaining how elements such as stone, timber and plaster come together to create a cohesive environment. The ensuite, adorned with Calacatta black vein marble, waterproof plaster on the walls and subtle lighting, is a perfect example of this approach. The walk-in wardrobes are similarly designed with dark, smoky glass and meticulously planned lighting, contributing to the understated elegance of the space.

While the design process encountered some expected challenges, particularly given the scale of the fitout, material delivery and complexity of the joinery, the collaboration between the Melbourne and New Zealand teams was key to its success. As Hamish says, “It was a privilege to help create this jewel of a project.”