The judges awarded Isabella Muirhead of Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning, as winner for her project Common Ground. Her design addressed Hiwiroa Station, a family farm north of Gisborne severely damaged by weather events, and proposed a significant built response underpinned by sustainable use and re-use, and by enriching community.

Judges Kevin O’Brien (principal at BVN, Australia) and Judith Taylor (president of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects) said Muirhead’s work was “incredibly sophisticated in thinking, demonstration, execution and presentation… a massive undertaking philosophically and it was beautifully held together by the premise of weaving, which also serves as a guide”.

Victoria Carran of Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka Unitec, School of Architecture, was awarded Highly Commended for Of This Place and Grayson Croucher of Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning, was also awarded Highly Commended for his project Moving Mountains.

Muirhead’s work will appear in the March/April issue of Architecture NZ.