The Commercial Project Awards were held on the 28th of May. Organised by the Registered Master Builders Association, the Awards acknowledge all of the people and teams behind commercial projects in Aotearoa, with an emphasis on quality of work and craftsmanship and excellent building processes and practices.

• Unispace won the Supreme Under $10 million for its commercial fit out of the Arup offices
• Canam Commercial won the Supreme Over $10 million Award for the Whangārei Civic Centre

Supreme Award under $10 million

Unispace won five awards for Arup including the Supreme, National, Gold, Value and Environmental and Sustainability Awards. With an aim to be New Zealand’s most sustainable workplace, Arup followed the Living Building Challenge, a certification from the International Living Futures Institute which earned the Environmental and Sustainability Award given to one project.

“Arup’s Auckland workplace has set the benchmark for responsible and value-led corporate environments. The project has been an ongoing success, recognised for its innovation — receiving 10 awards across multiple design and construction awards programs. We’re especially proud of the Value Award, as it demonstrates that you can achieve sustainable aspirations within a reasonable project value, which is especially critical in today’s economic climate,” says Darcy Utting, Senior Principal, Design, Unispace.

Jury comment:

“A standout success, the Arup fitout could be considered a Supreme Winner based on the quality of its heritage engagement alone. In addition, the office meets the requirements of the Living Building Challenge — an Australasian first and a highly impressive achievement. There has been thoughtful engagement with Te Ao Maori throughout this project, including collaboration with a Māori cultural advisor, which can be seen throughout the design. The Unispace team worked effectively with Arup to identify programme, budget, material procurement, and subcontractor involvement early in the process. The result is something that all parties can be incredibly proud of.”

Supreme Award over $10 million

Whangārei Civic Centre by Canam Commercial won the Supreme, National, Gold and Value Awards. The Centre also picked up a 2024 Auckland Architecture Award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects for its architectural design delivered by TEAM Architects.

Master Builders Association said a stand out feature of the project was “its substantial contribution to local employment. Over 80% of the workforce were residents from the local area, with women representing 20 percent of the onsite staff, and apprentices or trainees accounting for another 20 percent, making a lasting and positive impact on the local community.”

Jury comment:

“The Whangārei Civic Centre project embodies the essence of the Commercial Project Awards. With thorough attention to detail and team collaboration, it was well worthy of the Supreme Award over $10 million. Positioned at a key intersection in Whangārei, it is a central hub for the community and local government activities. The architecture of the building extends an open invitation to all through the bold colours and elements. The innovative model of procurement allowed for exceptional collaboration within the team to develop a special, joyful, and highly functional facility. It has been built with passion and purpose to provide a great asset and enduring legacy to the Northland community”

To view all of the 2024 New Zealand Commervial Projects Awards winners click here.