Branch members from the Auckland and Northland regions came together to celebrate their achievements at the annual event. Architectural designers were invited to submit entries in any one of seven categories.
Bryce Ardern, a Waiheke Island based architectural designer of Ardern Unique Design and Build was awarded the Residential New Home up to 250sq Design Award sponsored by Gerard Roofs, for a home that judges recognised for its ‘strong commitment to sustainable design and materials selection that sets a quality standard for this section of the market’. Prior to qualifying as an architectural designer, Ardern spent more than 20 years in the construction industry and that practical experience is evident in his design and building practices.
Graham Sawell, Director of Pyramidz Architecture, Warkworth, was awarded the Residential New Home over 250sq Design Award sponsored by James Hardie, for a contemporary home he designed for a rural site with panoramic views over the ocean. Three separate barn like structures around a central pavilion provide the desired work, family and guest accommodation spaces stipulated in the design brief. Designed to provide protection from the prevailing winds, judges were impressed by the cedar and plaster structure’s relationship to the spectacular landscape. Sawell is a regular ADNZ Design Awards winner. Since joining the association in1988 he has won 38 regional and 30 National awards including three Supreme Awards. In 2008 his company won Best Practice Award.
Jim Cornes of Auckland company JC Design Ltd won the Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling Design Award sponsored by Elephant Plaster Board, for an apartment conversion on a prime waterfront site. Despite significant difficulties with the construction of the townhouses, Cornes was able to convert the complex into what judges termed ‘a clean and respectable member of the neighbourhood’.
A studio apartment, cleverly wedged in between existing commercial buildings, and elevated to maximise the limited space, earned Mark McLeay, managing director of Creative Arch Ltd the Residential Alterations and Additions Design Award. A circular external staircase, irregular shaped windows, an a-symmetric roof line and innovative use of materials prompted judges to comment that the building was ‘an unexpected celebration of the residual space and a witty contribution to a gritty context.’
Phil Shaw, an Auckland based architectural designer and principal of ICL Consulting Ltd was awarded the Commercial Industrial Design Award for his Stihl showroom design. Shaw established his consulting practice in 2005 and has won several design awards for commercial, industrial and residential projects in the past four years. His work reflects a high degree of innovation and originality and the Stihl shop is an example of form and functionality combined in a contemporary and robust workspace.
Shaw’s work impressed judges enough to secure two design awards this year. In addition to winning the award for his Stihl showroom, Phil Shaw won the Commercial Interior Design Award category. His makeover on a tired and very ordinary commercial building transformed the premises into a spacious and contemporary work space, whilst retaining and enhancing many elements and features of the original building. Red brick walls, wooden floorboards, concrete pillars and chunky wooden beams have been restored, revealed and highlighted to create an appealing and attractive work environment.
Mark Callander of Creative Arch Ltd was awarded the sponsors Resene Colour in Design Award for his work on extending and renovating a 1940s bungalow on a bush clad site in Titirangi. Callander lives in Titirangi and is passionate about the native bush and wildlife. The warm red and grey palette of the exterior cladding on the renovated weatherboard cottage appealed to the judges for its relationship to the unique environment, whilst the predominantly warm white interior provided a light and airy interior ambience.
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 Auckland 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.
