The three-storey 6,000m² Remarkables Base Building, built by Arrow International (NZ) and designed by Michael Wyatt Architect, won the Supreme Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards held in Auckland on Friday 12 May.

As well as the Supreme Award, the Remarkables Base Building also took out the ‘PlaceMakers Tourism and Leisure Category Award’, a Gold Award and the Value Award for top property over $15 million.

Awards spokesperson Greg Pritchard says the team behind the Remarkables Base Building embodies the pinnacle of what the awards represent – the end-to-end teamwork and collaboration that goes into creating New Zealand’s top commercial buildings.

“What a fantastic project to acknowledge in our fifth year of the awards. This year we’ve had a huge number of entries (close to 80), all of a very high standard. While this has made judging a challenge, this year’s winning projects represent the very best in the commercial sector across all aspects of the project.”

Full list of category winners and jury citations below:

Supreme Award, PlaceMakers Tourism and Leisure Project Award and Value Award Over $5 million:

The Remarkables Base Building, Queenstown (entered by Arrow International (NZ)) – Gold

This was a project like no other in New Zealand with numerous challenges for the total project team of 55 subcontractors and up to 130 personnel on site. This 6,000m², three-storey project delivered one month ahead of the forecasted nine month project time operated at times 24/7 and pulled in sub-trades from all over New Zealand. Situated in a mountain range with winds up to 150km per hour, 1600m above sea level – access can only be described as challenging. Preplanning across the total project was essential.

Along with the precast concrete panel sizes and weights, truck types and delivery scheduling, all needed to be considered and planned. This is a complex building that needs to handle 3,500 people per day during the ski season – it includes restaurants, kitchens, a sophisticated mechanical plant, ski collection stations, shops, open dining spaces, and rest rooms. It features large open spaces, with full height double glass windows, capturing the spectacular mountain views. The judges were impressed with the high standard of workmanship in such extreme climatic conditions, from high winds to snow – ‘a true team effort’, from start to finish.

Construction Marketing Services Education Project Award:

St Andrew’s College Centennial Chapel, Christchurch (entered by Armitage Williams Construction) – Gold

Upon entering through the main door of this building, the judges were immediately struck with a sense that this is a special place. Finely detailed and crafted, and incorporating the original bell, bricks, gargoyles and leadlights from the chapel destroyed in the earthquakes, the building embodies the values, history and aspirations of the College. Procured through a design competition, the layout is a brave departure from traditional axial geometry. A great team effort has been instrumental in producing a noteworthy building and a proud identity for the College.

NALCO Health Project Award:

Burwood Hospital, Christchurch (entered by Leighs Cockram JV) – Gold

This was an extremely successful collaboration between the two main contractors and the designers. Acute attention to detail is evident in the planning and finishing, resulting in a world-class healthcare facility which will serve the people of Canterbury and beyond well into the future. From the state of the art façade to the industrial architecture in the boiler house, contrasting with the softer, comfortable ambiance of the public and ward areas, all combine to give an overwhelming visual experience.

Industrial Project Award:

Red Stag Sawmill, Rotorua (entered by Hawkins Construction) – Gold

Reportedly the biggest mill of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, this addition presented several unique challenges to the close-knit engineering, construction, and management team. The milling equipment is located on enormous concrete plinths within a large-span building envelope subjected to continuous vibration forces. A series of laminated timber portals and bracing ties were cut and assembled on site to support the envelope, which is lined internally with dust-proof plywood sheets glued framing. Clever logistics have helped deliver this impressive production facility.

Heritage/Restoration Project Award:

Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch (entered by Naylor Love Construction) – Gold

To call this a restoration would altogether understate the extent of the project – seismic damage to this Christchurch landmark was so great that it was largely rebuilt from the ground up with all the ornate detail faithfully replicated. The opportunity was taken however to improve sightlines in the theatre with subtle tweaks to the geometry, and to add extra lobby and service facilities in a way that makes them indistinguishable from original features.

Winstone Wallboards Residential Project Award:

Queens Residences, Auckland (entered by Scarbro Construction) – Silver

This 28 storey residential apartment complex of 274 apartments in Auckland CBD is on a difficult narrow inner city site with adjoining multi-level buildings requiring access to be maintained at all times. The contract was for a completely finished building with all apartments fitted out ready for occupation. It was completed on time, within budget and to a high quality standard. Delivery of materials had to be meticulously planned due to limited access during working hours and traffic congestion. It is a credit to Scarbro that this project was completed with minimum complaints from neighbours in adjacent buildings.

Retail Project Award:

Tantalus Winery, Brewery and Restaurant (entered by WG de Gruchy Construction) – Gold

Take a high end residential builder with a total commitment to quality, an extremely ambitious design emphasising one-off, handmade details, and a setting in the rolling vineyards of Waiheke Island. Include an adequate budget and sufficient time, and the results are truly spectacular.

Civic Project Award and Allied Concrete Value Award $5–$15 million:

The Suter Art Gallery Redevelopment, Nelson (entered by Scott Construction) – Gold

A challenging project in many ways: seismic upgrade of sensitive heritage buildings, new building adjoining existing buildings of differing levels, a fixed budget, numerous stakeholders, and an extremely tight construction site incorporating protected trees. The team met these challenges with highly innovative responses and the whole building has been superbly finished inside and out.

James Hardie Commercial Project Award:

The Aurora Centre, Wellington (entered by LT McGuinness) – Gold

Seismic strengthening and comprehensive refurbishment of this large Wellington office building included the simultaneous demolition of a multi-storey annex and construction of a larger structure in its place. The project was undertaken in multiple stages while maintaining access through the building to an adjacent carpark. Careful planning and programming were critical to its success in meeting deadlines and keeping workers and the public safe.

Value Award Under $2 million: 

Mangatawa Tari, Tauranga (entered by Form Building & Developments) – Gold and Special Award

The new administration building for Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Incorporation takes its inspiration from a local legend – a baby whale and its parents became stranded in Tauranga harbour, and were turned to stone after drinking from a magic spring, and formed local hills. This legend drove a design in the shape of a whale tail, with a tall sweeping wall of glass facing the spectacular view across the Bay of Plenty. The project took the legend to heart, never allowing practical considerations to water down the concept. The result is a striking building which is a great source of pride to the community it serves.

Value Award $2–$5 million:

Cathedral Grammar Junior School, Christchurch (entered by Contract Construction / Andrew Barrie Lab JV) – Gold

The design of this showpiece of timber architecture and craftsmanship aimed to create a “garden school”. It is characterised by the extensive use of timber giving the spaces warmth and character. The timber structure is complex as the structural elements are also the finished linings, ceilings etc. 3D modelling ensured the interlocking timber components all fitted when assembled on site after being manufactured in Auckland and transported to Christchurch.

For more information and to see the regional winners, see here.

The New Zealand Commercial Project Awards is owned by Registered Master Builders Association and is supported by a national sponsor family of PlaceMakers, James Hardie, GIB, Altus, Allied Concrete and Construction Marketing Services.