Sunfield Masterplan

  • residential
  • urban design
  • landscape architecture

Winton

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

2021


Sunfield offers a radical new approach to living – a neighbourhood with far fewer roads and powered by solar energy, supporting more affordable homes.

The innovative Winton development, masterplanned by Studio Pacific, presents a bold vision for compact living in a car-less environment that prioritises people and community. Sunfield is structured around 15-minute neighbourhood principles, where many daily needs can be reached on foot or by bike. Streets and lanes prioritise walking and cycling, while community transport and connections to nearby rail and regional centres support wider travel.

The development is planned across approximately 244 hectares between Takanini and Papakura. When complete, Sunfield will include around 3,400 homes, supported by a 7.6-hectare town centre, local retail and healthcare services, and three retirement villages. The masterplan also enables space for a future school and community facilities. Alongside 25.9 hectares of parks and wetlands, residents will have access to community gardens that support self-sufficiency and social connection.

With a vision to become New Zealand’s lowest carbon community, Sunfield aims to contribute positively to the transition toward a low-carbon built environment. Removing cars enables a highly permeable neighbourhood, where compact housing and shared spaces are connected through safe, walkable lanes. Ensuring cycling and walking are practical journey methods was a central consideration in the concept design, with amenities, education, and recreation distributed across the neighbourhood to ensure they are easily accessible.

Solar panels will be installed on every possible rooftop throughout Sunfield, generating clean electricity for residents. Excess power can be stored on-site in large electricity storage units connected as part of a local energy network.

Located just 2 km from Papakura Train Station, 12 km from Manukau City Centre, and 20 km from Auckland Airport, Sunfield sits at the edge of Auckland’s urban area where city and countryside meet. The masterplan supports a lifestyle where daily needs are close to home, reducing time spent travelling and increasing time available for community, recreation, and family life.