Abstract:
At the beginning of 2023, Auckland experienced unprecedented levels of flooding resulting in hundreds of homes being damaged or completely ruined (Gabel, 2024). The impact of the January 2023 floods led to uncertainties in implementing the central government’s new rules on housing intensification. The future of housing development in New Zealand will need to address stormwater flooding issues and other effects of climate change. Housing intensification within Auckland is necessary, but is causing increasing volumes of surface water runoff and pressure on existing stormwater systems due to the increased amounts of impervious surfaces. The main question this thesis explores is how architectural design of residential developments can impact downstream properties during major flood events.
This thesis explores mitigation strategies to minimise the adverse effects of pluvial flooding on downstream properties as well as fluvial flooding. The research examines innovative design strategies to integrate stormwater bioretention devices into residential housing. By incorporating water management systems into architectural design, a water-sensitive housing model can be followed for future housing development in Auckland.
