Community Lane Kāinga Ora Senior Housing

When CMP Construction needed a complete balustrade and screen solution for Kāinga Ora’s Community Lane (formerly Highbury Triangle) – the country’s largest social housing redevelopment – they brought in a team they knew could deliver under pressure. Belcanto joined the project at the 11th hour and took the job from concept to engineering approval in just eight weeks. They then supplied and installed more than 2000 metres of balustrades and 1200 square metres of screens.

‍

‘With a fast-paced programme, we needed assurance in delivery,’ says Matt Prumm, Project Manager for CMP Construction. ‘We had worked with Belcanto before and knew they’d make the process easier.’

‍

Belcanto interpreted Architectus’ project drawings and came back with a fully customised solution using their Attaché Affinity system – an engineered aluminium balustrade and screen set-up designed for fast installation, long-term performance, and architectural quality. The project needed more than just a good product. It needed a team who could work around structural tolerances, tight time frames, and all the detail that comes with high-spec design. ‍

‍

A quality high-density environment

The site previously had 45 older state homes, with the new development now accommodating 236 apartments over five buildings: four for senior tenants and one predominantly for families. Quality urban design was essential. Each building is oriented to maximise natural light and views over shared gardens and the connecting lane.

‍

Balustrades and screens enhance privacy, safety and outlook in this high-density development. They soften sightlines between units, frame views to communal gardens, and contribute to a cohesive architectural language that balances personal comfort with a sense of shared community. ‍

‍

Designed for construction realities

The Community Lane project came with specific requirements: fixings had to be designed to avoid the steel reinforcement, installation had to work around scaffold drops, and the system needed to allow for movement between the precast and slab edges.

‍

Belcanto responded with a fully engineered solution, incorporating a smart packing and fixing method that handled site tolerances without compromising aesthetics. Their team developed bespoke extrusion profiles to simplify fabrication and avoid costly site measures – allowing components to be pre-made and installed as soon as the structure was ready.

‍

‘They came up with a packing and fixing method that looked sharp and gave us the tolerance we needed,’ says Matt. ‘It meant they could fabricate in advance and install as soon as we were ready. No downtime.’ ‍

‍

From detailing to installation

Belcanto took care of the entire process, including shop drawings, technical documentation, PS1s, and delivery sequencing. And they coordinated directly with the architectural team at Architectus to get the custom profile approved. ‘Belcanto worked through the full detailing process and got everything signed off without hold-ups,’ says Matt.

‍

While speed and constructability were critical, Belcanto’s Attaché system is also designed for long‑term performance in New Zealand conditions. The balustrades and screens are manufactured in Belcanto’s Levin facility using durable, low-maintenance aluminium – tested for high-wind and coastal environments and compliant with NZBC safety and durability requirements.

‍

As the Attaché system is made offsite, there’s less waste on site – and any aluminium offcuts go straight back into Belcanto’s closed-loop recycling process.

‍

‘The workmanship was excellent, and the finished result looks great,’ says Matt. ‘But more than that, Belcanto treated it like a partnership. They’re responsive, fast, and solution focused. That makes a real difference on a job like this.’ ‍

‍

Find out more

To learn more about our balustrade products and specification services, get in touch with our team of experts.