The event attracted architectural designers from the central South Island as branch members from the Canterbury and Westland regions came together to celebrate their achievements at the annual event. Architectural designers were invited to submit entries in any one of seven categories.
Jason Higham of Higham Architecture was awarded the Residential New Home up to 250sq Design Award sponsored by Gerard Roofs, for a home on a relatively small but challenging site in the suburb of Redcliffs. Located just a few blocks from the sea, the well crafted, unassuming home has a light and airy bach quality and is cleverly integrated with the landscape plan. Judges commented that the ‘sensitive house wisely follows a low key design approach in response to its unpretentious neighbourhood.’
Darren O’Neil of O’Neil Architecture Ltd was awarded the Residential New Home over 250sq Design Award sponsored by James Hardie, for a contemporary home he designed in Merivale. The clients’ brief called for an elegant and timeless home, offering privacy from the busy street. O’Neil’s solution is a multi layered form with low pitched roof lines. Although conventional in its construction, the home is quite different from its neighbours and designed to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Marcus Stufkens of Stufkens and Chambers Ltd won the Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling Design Award sponsored by Elephant Plaster Board, for four townhouses designed for a site in Bishop Street. Judges were impressed by the bold street frontage and strong box elements of the up-market units. Spacious and well ventilated interiors and extensive use of glazing maximise the north facing aspect of the site.
Renowned Christchurch architectural designer Bruce Banbury of Banbury Architects won the Residential Alterations and Additions Design Award for a renovation project that transformed an old Freemasons Lodge in Mt Somers from a utilitarian hall structure into a superb gentlemen’s retreat. Extensive wood panelling and sumptuous interior fittings combine for an impressive luxury lodge that externally and internally is faithful to the heritage status of the original building.
An addition to the Loburn School Library ‘designed to enhance the learning and teaching experience’ secured two regional awards for designers Craig South and Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects Ltd. The project was successful in the Commercial Interior Design Award category and also won the sponsors Resene Colour in Design Award. Judges commented that the addition ‘built on the language of the existing buildings, culminating in a positive and vibrant space’. The electric blue and grey interior contrasts sharply with white and orange feature walls and counters to provide a multi functional and exciting interior space. Bulkheads, tiered platform seats, geometric forms and varied colours are used to create zones within the library accommodating a variety of user groups.
For Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects Ltd the presentation night was a three strike success. His entry for the Commercial Industrial Design Award – a four level distribution centre on an unusual shaped industrial site bordered by busy arterial roads – took out the competition. Given the difficulties of the industrial and environmental field, judges considered the ‘great depth of design and convincing architectural presence sets the standard for the area’.
Architectural Designers New Zealand Inc (ADNZ) was formed in 1996 to represent, promote and develop the skills and services of its members, who are all specialists in design and construction. The annual ADNZ/Resene awards event is open to ADNZ members and provides an opportunity for architectural designers throughout the country to showcase their work and compare and celebrate their creative excellence with their peers and colleagues. The awards presentation in Christchurch is one of six regional events to be held during July.
Regional category winners’ projects will be submitted for the National Awards that will be presented at the ADNZ/Resene Design Awards Gala Dinner at the Rutherford Hotel in Nelson on October 15.
Judges this year included renowned Wellington architect Ian Athfield and his colleagues Peter Bosley from Auckland and Ross Maguire from Christchurch. In assessing the merits of projects entered, judges consider all aspects of planning, materials and form and the context of the project within the environment. This year, for the first time, sustainability is part of the standard judging criteria.
