Local Award Winners

A number of architects were recently recognised in the NZIA Local Awards.

Lloyd House by Atelierworkshop (Cecile Bonnifait and William Giesen), which is pictured, received this citation from the judges in the Wellington Awards:

Despite contemporary demands for privacy and individual space within an extended family, this project maintains a faithfulness to the ethereal concept of the bach. A collection of simple details, and hardy and inexpensive materials, fortify the simple building form created through clever and efficient stacking and sliding of spaces. An immediate and intimate relationship from building to bush is generated by cutting the form to accommodate established trees as well as openings to unexpected exterior decks. Evoking the enclosed verandahs of old, the northern sun-space buffers the building from the prevailing winds whilst allowing considerable versatility of use.

Also in Wellington, Studio of Pacific Architecture’s Chevening Apartment Building with Lianne Cox as design architect, took the Heritage Award.

Judges say: Contemporary structural and services components have been integrated into a substantially strengthened and upgraded 1929 building without compromising the integrity of the existing fabric. A highly commendable interest in ensuring the longevity of the building has been complemented by a considerable sensitivity to original planning, detailing and materiality. The interior has been carefully and painstakingly restored in a project which is an exemplary solution to a pressing problem, and a truly delightful collaboration between architect and client.

Rangimarie by Architecture FCA, designed by Fiona Christeller with Nigel Oxley won a Wellington Award.

Judges say: Built on family land from materials accumulated over three decades, this house is evidently an on-going labour of love. Taking cues from existing site geometries, the house has an intriguing spatial quality with hidden bedrooms and stairs in forced perspective. Living spaces sitting at the uppermost level, aligned with tree tops and bird life, are perfectly positioned to collect light and air movement from all directions. The building is carefully composed in a way that appears effortless – the architects have encouraged generous connections to the landscape and context – and it houses occupants and visitors alike in surroundings of light and peacefulness.

Louise and Justin Wright of Assemby Architects' took an award in Wellington for their Wellington Zoo Building, and also for their work in association with Cheshire, for the Britomart Showcases.

Judges say of the Wellington Zoo project: Three diverse built forms, along with the surrounding landscape, a playground, and a strategic location define a scheme which is a very practical ensemble of public architecture focusing on learning, food, rest, families, and corporate hospitality at Wellington Zoo. In this elegant product of a highly innovative collaboration between architect, engineer, and fabricator the clear highlight is the translucent, barrel-vaulted ‘Kamalas’ events pavilion. Structure and component design demonstrate a genuine understanding of and honesty in the use of materials; this is a great 'value' project to add to the client’s growing collection of architectural gems.

And of the Britomart Showcases: Temporary in nature but substantial in scale these sophisticated structures perform their retail function while also making a valuable contribution to the Britomart streetscape. Cleverly designed for economical assembly and disassembly, the buildings, with their Meccano-like perforated steel skins express a joy in construction. Lit up at night, they cast some welcome illumination onto the Britomart footpaths.

Scarlet Architects (Jane Aimer and Lindley Naismith) won an award for their Pahi House in the Auckland Awards.

Judges say: The architects have produced a knockout design for a featherweight house. Discrete and modest, simple and sufficient, the house can legitimately be placed in the lineage of the Kiwi bach. Respectful of its context, and at one with its environment, the house relaxes into its site on a bush trail running down to the Kaipara Harbour.

in the Nelson/Marlborough region, Min Hall, of Arthouse Architecture won in the residential category for 'House in the Trees'.