A restored heritage mansion is among the seven projects from the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions that were recognised in the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Local Awards for 2021.

Held in Napier, the awards ceremony was adjudicated by convenor Evan Mayo of Architecture Bureau, along with Aaron Sills of Sills van Bohemen, Richard Daniels of WSP Architecture and Andrew Caldwell of Ankh Photography.

In total, seven projects received an award from across five categories; heritage, housing, interior architecture, public architecture and small project architecture.

See the full line-up of winners below with jury citations.

Heritage

Mt Vernon Station Homestead by Ann Galloway Architect

In response to a brief that included restoring this country house to its former glory and adding some modern convenience, this extensive restoration project has touched every part of its 900m² homestead. From the restored roof lantern down to the full basement, every part of this project was a labour of love for the architect, and it shows. Great care has been taken to ensure that the modernised service spaces don’t just complement the original building, but enhance the character of the house, and ensure that its story, from construction in 1882 through the Napier earthquake in 1931 and decline through the latter part of last century, is told for another 140 years. 

Housing

Glen-Barra by Clarkson Architects

This expansive home is expressed as a collection of single-storey wings and pavilions, carefully arranged together with a tennis court, swimming pool and landscaping. The house provides a series of memorable spaces and outdoor areas of varying scale and orientation. This creates a versatile home that is comfortable for a couple or smaller groups, and that can effortlessly accommodate visits from extended family, and larger social gatherings. The material palette is restrained and elegant, with precast concrete used strategically to provide architectural clarity and rhythm to the long elevations. Selected spaces feature higher ceilings, bolder colour and pattern to emphasise their distinct identity and to enliven the interior design.

Black Barn J & D House by Clarkson Architects

This semi-rural home cleverly responds to a compact site constrained by mature vegetation and its topography. Comprising a series of four boxes, the design of this home has been thoughtfully manipulated by the architect. Subtle changes of angle create interior spaces that are connected to exterior spaces, while also capturing generous amounts of sunshine and expansive views beyond. A restrained palette of simple materials has been carefully detailed to create understated and eloquent interiors.

Mahanga Bach by Edwards White Architects

This is a marvellous, contemporary example of the traditional New Zealand bach, in which maximum enjoyment of place is derived from a modest budget. The building is an adept architectural response to the need for more permanent provision of service and shelter than the tents previously used on the site. Black corrugated cladding, timber interiors and exposed trusses provide a humble quality to the living areas that are balanced evenly between interior and exterior. Thoughtful detailing of standard building components and custom plywood fixtures and fittings reveal the hand of an adroit architect.

Interior Architecture

Eastland Port Offices by Architects 44

This refurbishment of a former Gisborne port building successfully responds to the client’s brief for a combined corporate office. Along with a clearly planned relocation of the building’s entry, the architect has intentionally created an internal typology using the raw materials that flow through the port to reinforce the client’s brand, while also providing clearly articulated junctions between old and new.

Public Architecture

Gisborne Airport by Tennent Brown Architects and Architects 44 in association

The new terminal building at Gisborne Airport is a success on many levels. Tairāwhiti people express pride in how the building represents their community and creates a positive first impression for visitors. Spatial planning and circulation between land and air is clearly resolved, and the design allows for future growth and enhanced security screening, should these be required in future. The simple, elegant building form is enhanced with cultural references that are meaningful and embedded in their context. These include a CNC-carved tahuhu running the length of the spine of the main space, which is both beautiful and a functional part of the building services reticulation. The architect’s deep commitment to sustainability has resulted in an economical but carefully configured form to maximise passive temperature control measures, and a material palette that minimises energy and carbon impacts.

Small Project Architecture

Portacom Lodge by Malcolm Walker Architects

This refreshingly simple project fashions a wonderful holiday setting from ruggedly prefabricated structures enriched with bespoke elements. Two Portacom cabins bestowed with beguiling interiors are separated by a sheltered link and overlook the sweep of Wainui Beach. The robust cabins are contrasted by more delicate pergola and roof structures that define exterior spaces. A sheltered northern court is warm and inviting, even when tested by vigorous coastal winds. It is a joy to experience how well this encampment responds to its site with both strength and subtlety.

The NZIA Local Awards 2021 programme is supported by Resene and APL.