The Capital Apartments - Accommodation
Client: Oriental Bay Nominees Ltd
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Project Brief
A prominent Wellington waterfront hotel has had a makeover and is now a modern apartment building. The former Hotel Raffaele was built in 1980 as the first Wellington Park Royal.
Project Data:
Location:
Wellington City
Client:
Oriental Bay Nominees Ltd
The cellular construction and non-existent parking have always been constraints to redevelopment of the site. However, a full refurbishment of the building, coupled with the amazing views of Wellington, has meant that efforts have been worthwhile.
The Capital has 14 3-bedroom apartments and 18 2-bedroom apartments.
Mainzeal was the main contractor for the construction project, which involved extensive rebuilding throughout. Improvements included new lifts and staircases, a completely new rear facade, new windows and balconies to the front, and replacement of the old top storey, which incorporated a Mansard style roof, to provide the four penthouse-style apartments. The interior was entirely stripped out, with new bathrooms, kitchens and living areas created, which include new flooring, services and ceilings, all fully decorated.
A new 3-level concrete car parking building was constructed by excavating into the hillside at the rear of the building, with access provided via a car lift, which is thought to be the first in New Zealand to service an apartment building. During the car parks’ construction, an underground cavern was discovered within the rock, which was believed to be a remnant of a mine.