Tāhunaui Collective

Line drawing of residential buildings with trees and a woman standing on a balcony.

“Imagine a vibrant new cohousing community just north of Nelson, a stone’s throw from Tahunanui Beach. With 25 to 35 thoughtfully designed homes set along major transport routes and within easy reach of central Nelson, life here blends convenience and connection. A built‑in community solar scheme drives down energy bills, while shared gardens, green spaces, and car‑sharing help foster stronger bonds with your neighbours. It’s not just a place to live — it’s a place to belong.”

In collaboration with
Circle Living


Scott construction

A circular arrangement of gold and bronze dots forming a ring on a black background.
The logo of Scott, featuring a stylized blue and gray emblem and the company name in bold gray letters.

TIMELINE

  • Now - Taking expressions of interest

  • 2028 - Development complete

PROJECT DETAILS

A new cohousing development proposed for Nelson, near Tahunanui beach.
Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed | 3-Bed | 4-Bed

  • 25 - 35 dwellings

  • On transport routes and desirable location close to central Nelson.

  • Community solar project built in, reducing energy costs.

  • Shared gardens/green space.

  • car sharing

A detailed landscape design plan for a community space, showing various buildings, parking, green areas, pathways, and labeled zones including retail, bike store, laundry, common house, and numbered parking spots, with surrounding streets and neighboring buildings.

Ground floor

Image: Kahnopy Ltd

A hand-drawn map showing an outline of a complex with different rooms labeled with their area in square meters, trees, pathways, and surrounded by other buildings and streets, including Muritai Street at the top.

2nd floor

Image: Kahnopy Ltd

Moodboard

The natural tones and textures of wood, brick, and timber create a warm, calming atmosphere that fosters a sense of comfort and belonging. Earthy colours drawn from these materials—soft browns, warm reds, and muted greys—evoke a connection to the natural world, reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being. The use of organic surfaces and natural light reflections creates a soothing, grounded mood that encourages relaxation and social connection. Overall, the palette supports a gentle, welcoming environment where people feel at ease, connected, and in balance with their surroundings.

A peaceful backyard garden with lush green plants, a winding gravel pathway, a patio area with a round table and chairs, two black chairs on a brick patio, and tall trees providing shade, enclosed by a brick wall.
Outdoor view of a wooden deck with potted plants and stairs leading to a house with sliding glass doors, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Front view of a partially constructed two-story house with a wooden frame and large glass windows. There are potted plants and greenery outside, with a gravel pathway in the foreground.
A beige brick building with three windows, one on top and two below, featuring wooden frames and a wooden balcony railing on the top window; the windows reflect trees and the sky.
People sitting at a table on a brick apartment building's patio, with a woman standing nearby, in a green outdoor space with trees and a small playground.
Close-up of a modern building's exterior with wooden vertical slats and large glass windows, with trees reflected in the glass.

Images: Pinterest

Materiality

The material selection for this project prioritises bio-sourced and locally sourced materials to create a deep connection between people and nature. Wood, bricks, and timber facades were chosen for their natural beauty, sustainability, and minimal environmental impact, ensuring that each material can be easily reused or repurposed. By using renewable and locally sourced resources, the design reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. These materials not only harmonise with the surrounding environment but also foster a sense of warmth and timelessness, reinforcing the project's core concept of reuniting people with nature.

Collage of exterior building materials including brick paving, wooden fencing, exterior wall with brick and siding, plants, a wooden deck, and various wood and siding textures.