Koru Flat is a newly constructed ground-level apartment set amongst towering native mamaku (giant tree ferns), which frame peek-a-boo views over the city, harbour and peninsula. Upon arrival you'll be greeted by an inlaid spiral koru (the Maori symbol of new beginnings, inspired by the unfurling frond of the tree fern) and the sparkle of native paua shell in the polished concrete floor.
The space
Designed by owner-architect Valeri, Koru Flat is a well-appointed modern apartment that retains hints of the tradition embodied in the century-old historic villa above. Conceived as an urban in-fill project while upgrading the foundation of the original house, the nature of the site (a steep hillside overlooking the city) is such that large windows bring in natural light and provide views over the city, harbour, and peninsula through the canopy of Dunedin's most outstanding grove of mamaku trees ("black fern," or giant tree fern). Just outside your front door you'll find a steel staircase (constructed as part of the 2023 renovation project) that climbs to the villa where owners Valeri and Trent live (see photos). Guests are welcome to make use of the stair platform to admire the view or sip a drink while enjoying the unique atmosphere of a mature mamaku forest canopy.
The full modern kitchen features high end appliances (Miele dishwasher, Neff induction cooktop, Asko pyrolytic oven) for your culinary needs. The kitchen comes fully stocked with microwave, toaster, fridge/freezer, stainless steel cookware, electric jug/kettle, and a integrated digital meat thermometer.
The separate bedroom features a queen-size bed, washer/dryer tucked away in a small closet, and a large walk-in closet that doubles as a distraction-free (windowless) office.
The dedicated workspace in this "office" is a small custom-built Metalon electric desk (height-adjustable from 62cm to 126cm) with Aeron chair (for use in seated configuration) and rubberised fatigue mat (for use in standing desk configuration). The desk comes equipped with a 90W USB-C docking station, laptop stand, and 24-inch Dell monitor (model no. P2424HEB) with webcam and integrated speakers. Other accessories (cables, USB keyboard & mouse) are available upon request.
A full bathroom with privacy lock features a full-sized shower with high pressure hot water. In keeping with our "traditional meets industrial" design concept, the walls and ceiling of the bathroom were hand-plastered by an artisan with "Relay," a high-tech plaster (also used in airport runways!) that is increasingly being adopted in high end residential architecture overseas.
The small sofa in the kitchen/living area nook converts to a sofa bed suitable for one adult, or one adult and one small child.
A child-sized mattress (70cm x 130cm) is available upon request and can be used on the floor of the main bedroom, the walk-in closet, or the living/dining room space. A rollaway trundle bed (suitable for one adult) can also be made available upon request.
In total, Koru Flat offers beds for up to four adults (one queen, one single/sofa bed, and one single rollaway bed [please request in advance]) and one small child (child mattress available on request). Note that the windows in the living/kitchen area where the sofa bed is situated have shades that can be drawn for privacy, but they lack blackout shades and so will allow some filtered outside light in. Blindfolds can be provided for light-sensitive guests who intend to sleep in the living room.
Energy efficiency: You will be staying in one of the most energy efficient living spaces in Dunedin. The apartment was constructed using modern "passive house" technologies. All windows are double glazed and tightly sealed (but can be opened if you prefer fresh air). Walls/ceiling/floor have been insulated to a high standard, with vapour barriers throughout. A Meltem energy recovery unit maintains a trickle flow of fresh air into the unit, removing moisture while retaining heat. Hot water is partially heated by a solar panel on the roof. A high efficiency solar thermal heat pump also uses roof-mounted solar/thermal panels to warm the polished concrete floor year-round.
There is no television in Koru Flat. Secure WiFi is provided to guests free of charge (gigabit fibre connection w/unlimited data).
Other things to note
Guests should be prepared to climb the stone staircase (24 steps) from the driveway to reach Koru Flat.
While it is possible to sleep up to 4 adults in Koru Flat (queen bed, single sofa bed, & rollaway bed [available upon request]), remember this is a small apartment and space is limited. Moreover, while privacy screens are installed on all windows in the dining/living space, there are no blackout shades in this room. Blindfolds are available on request. It would be possible to place one of the single beds in the walk-in office/closet, but this is accessed via the main bedroom, and has no windows. Continuous mechanical ventilation of fresh air flows through this small room, via the Meltem energy recovery system. For a fifth guest, we can offer a child-size mattress with bedding (please request in advance of your arrival).
