The five strong finalists, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Woods Bagot, Warren and Mahoney, Cox Architecture, Elenberg Fraser, are competing for a new high-rise tower in central Auckland, New Zealand. 

The finalists have unveiled their design schemes to create an "iconic" tower of Auckland, which will consist of a new hotel and apartment building to be developed at 65 Federal Street near the Sky Tower. 

Organized by Melbourne-based property development company ICD Property, after the company acquired a piece of land at 65 – 71 Federal Street, ICD started to run an international design competition with some of the world’s most highly acclaimed architects.

The company asked each design team to complete two versions of their projects, one version of the projects will be following current city Unitary Plan rules and other version will be designed according to more open planning parameters.

Launched in July 2018, the $200m Auckland tower competition aims to contribute to the city development and the future of Auckland's skyline. According to Michael Mai, ICD managing director, the proposed designs will bring an international standard of high-rise living to Auckland as well as contributing to the city’s future growth and development.

"As ICD's first international project outside of Australia, we chose Auckland because we see a strong future in continuing to work here. The city has many positive and unique aspects - from its multicultural make up through to the stunning scenery and landscape," said Michael Mai.

See the five finalists' designs below:

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)

Zaha Hadid Architects' proposal. Image courtesy of ZHA

Zaha Hadid Architects' proposal. Image courtesy of ZHA

Warren and Mahoney

Warren and Mahoney's proposal. Image courtesy of Warren and Mahoney

Warren and Mahoney's proposal. Image courtesy of Warren and Mahoney

Cox Architecture

Cox Architecture's proposal. Image courtesy of Cox Architecture

Woods Bagot

Woods Bagot's proposal. Image courtesy of Woods Bagot

Elenberg Fraser

Elenberg Fraser's proposal. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser

Elenberg Fraser's proposal. Image courtesy of Elenberg Fraser

ICD Property is planning to announce winner in October, and the company will take ownership of the site from Sky City in April 2019. Construction work on the project is expected to completed in 2022.

> via ICD Property