Verandahs Print


Desi​gn Checklist

  1. Functional and aesthetically pleasing verandahs or street canopies are provided where beneficial


Overview


On most commercial streets in Auckland​ there is a longstanding pattern of verandahs projecting from buildings, providing weather protection to pedestrians and contributing to the local urban character.

Verandahs or canopies can reinforce the rhythm of multiple retail frontages, add to the architectural articulation of the buildings and allow opportunities for integrated signage to create a comfortable and visually rich pedestrian environment. This in turn attracts more people to use the street and brings associated economic benefits to local businesses.

Verandahs provide weather protection for building frontages and entrances, sun protection for window displays, and protection from the elements for pedestrians.

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Better Design Practice

Consider the local context and provide a verandah where there is, or is intended to be, continuous street front verandahs.

Individual gaps in an otherwise continuously sheltered footpath can adversely affect the attraction of the whole street block to pedestrians.​

Carefully consider the height and depth of verandahs.

Align with neighbouring verandahs where possible, but keep above minimum heights to allow for any planned lighting and signage, and to minimise potential damage from vandalism. Do not place canopies so high that they provide inadequate weather protection. Keep back from road kerbs to avoid damage from high-sided vehicles that “lean in” because of street cambers.​

Consider integrating well designed and robust signage into the verandah design.

Provision of well integrated signage in the edge or underside of a street verandah may improve building aesthetics while also avoiding clutter from piecemeal signage and sandwich boards.​

Consider the incorporation of lighting into the verandah.

This might be both public space lighting for pedestrians as well as architectural lighting of the building facades themselves.​
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