The ADNZ | Resene Architectural Design Awards are held annually, with more than 149 entries received this year. The awards recognise creative and well-designed residential, commercial, alterations and multi-use projects from across New Zealand. 

Below, we showcase a selection of regional winners that were announced in a series of events throughout June and July. The national awards will be held on Friday 28 October.

AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND REGIONAL AWARD

Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling Architectural Design Award

Thompson Park Apartments, Mt Wellington by Mark McLeay of Creative Arch

This development is located in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington, on the site of an old Mercury Energy building. The initial brief for the new apartments was to re-use the existing structure and build 90 units. However, through the design process and further investigation, it was concluded that it would be uneconomical to retain the existing structure.

Aesthetically, adaptive re-use was followed as a point of difference from other apartment developments in Auckland City, and it became imperative that this part of the brief remained unchanged. Although it was more cost effective to build new, sustainable practice and design considerations determined the lower two floors of structure could be retained, and it was possible to increase the scope to include 104 apartments including one and two-bedroom options.

Judges’ Comments: This is a credible solution to a complex pressing problem and a step in the evolution of urban living in New Zealand.

WAIKATO REGIONAL AWARD

Residential Compact New Home up to 150m2 Architectural Design Award and Resene Colour in Design Award

Crow’s Nest, Raglan by Tane Cox of Red Architecture

Designed for a sea-side site at Whale Bay in Raglan, the brief was for a surfer’s stay. Design ideas included the owner’s need to check the surf from an elevated position and the ability to relocate the building to allow for future development on the site. With this in mind, Tane focused not on the experiences and comforts of day to day living but on the need for a look-out platform which would also provide shelter and amenities.

Judges’ Comments: A strikingly simple scheme consisting of two pavilions on a deck. Careful detailing of everyday architectural elements makes all the difference. This is a model that has value and implications beyond the beach house and into the discussion of affordable housing.

TARANAKI, WHANGANUI AND MANAWATU REGIONAL AWARD

Residential New Home over 300sqm Architectural Design Award

May Residence, New Plymouth by Tony Biesiek of Imagine Building Design

The brief was for a large multilevel home for an owner/builder. The client required three large bedrooms, a large office for his building business, spacious living areas and generous outdoor living space. The desire was for a tall and dramatic entry with attention to detail which would enable the owner to demonstrate his building skills to his clientele.

Judges’ Comments: A cantilevered deck and eave make a strong claim on the site for this lake side house. The space between deck and eave provides a social anchor which compliments a second established in the kitchen.

BAY OF PLENTY REGIONAL AWARD

Commercial/Industrial Architectural Design Award

Tanatana Marae, Waimana by Aladina Harunani of APA Architects & Project Managers

In Tuhoe tradition, the deceased are not mourned in the wharenui meeting house, but in a special wharemate. Tanatana has struggled for many years to carry out the service for tangi without a dedicated wharemate. The brief for Tanatana Marae called for a sleeping space for immediate family members alongside the body, and additional space for extended family members.

Judge’s Comments: The project courageously accepts the challenges presented by the wharemate typology and marae protocols. A compelling architectural whole embodies the resolution of a raft of principles and processes.

WELLINGTON / WAIRARAPA REGIONAL AWARD

Residential New Home between 150m2 and 300m2 Architectural Design Award and Colour in Design Award

Taylors Road, Otaki by Ben Gilpin of Gil-plans Architecture

A warm, light, contemporary and vibrant farm house, the design is open plan with a mono-pitch roof. It is sympathetic to the natural landscape, with black stained cedar, teal Titan board, cedar battens and crisp white fascia featuring throughout the design.

Judges’ Comments: At first glance this is a simple ‘object in the landscape’ type of project. However on approach, a level of complexity is revealed through stepping levels and shifting wall planes articulated in strong hues and timber highlights.

NELSON / MARLBOROUGH REGIONAL AWARD

Resene Colour in Design Award

Morice and Fowler, Marlborough by Ben Solomon of Nomolos

This renovation required a new master suite, garage, laundry, new entry, swimming pool and barbecue area. In addition, the original entry was converted to a study and the carport to a wine cellar. A mural across the length of the swimming pool artistically represents the owners in a semi-fictitious and timeless world with a range of extinct birds, each with its own personal and fascinating story.

Resene Judges’ Comments: An outstanding and vibrant beauty! We admire how the Golden Gleditsia has been embraced alongside the radiant and enticing interior colour palette. Wow!

CANTERBURY / WESTLAND REGIONAL AWARD

Residential Interiors Architectural Design Award and a Commended in the Residential New Home between 150-300sqm category

Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch by Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects 

Located in a central city cul-de-sac in Christchurch, overlooking Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct, the brief was to create a home for a retired structural engineer who had a strong connection to concrete – both for its structural properties and the thermal mass benefits. 

Judges’ Comments: The project presents wonderful spaces to occupy. The furnishings, the surfaces and the lighting creates a great stage for the owner’s artwork.

OTAGO / SOUTHLAND REGIONAL AWARD

Highly Commended in the residential compact new home category

Waipahi Abode by Nathan Taylor of Taylored Spaces

A small retreat for a fly fishing enthusiast on rural church grounds with expansive views to neighbouring farmland. The single level, thermally efficient abode is a modern contrast to the existing church and sits boldly on the landscape.

Judges’ Comments: A wonderfully moody setting for a getaway. Well set up for outdoor activities, the consideration given to materials and simple technologies presents the occupants with a (thermally) comfortable base to explore from.