Nelson House by Clarkson Architects and Tukituki House by Parsonson Architects were the two successful entries. Both houses also received a Resene Colour Award.

On the jury, convenor Richard Daniels of WSP Architecture was joined by Ben Jagersma of First Light Studio, Sara Heuser of Architecture HDT, Helene Van Wyk of Architects 44 and Alex Laurie of Architects 44 (graduate). 

Daniels said both houses were unique in their own way, but both had a high standard of quality and detail in their design and finish.

The jury’s only wish is if there had been more entries to this year’s awards.

“We know our region’s architects are all super busy, so once that work is completed we look forward to seeing more projects entered into the 2023 awards across a range of award categories.”

Housing

Tukituki House by Parsonson Architects

Set on a rural lifestyle block beneath Te Mata Peak, this low-slung house gently follows the contours of the land, under a long, single roof pitch. Stepped floor levels are deftly managed to help define a well-considered sequence of living, family and bedroom spaces and views of the dramatic ridgeline are carefully framed, treasuring this whenua. Grounded in the outstanding landscape of the Tukituki Valley, the clients’ love of environment, gardening and family life are well catered for with a variety of sheltered outdoor spaces. A home that is rich and bold, yet warm and comfortable, this is a place for family to enjoy one another and their beautiful surroundings.

Resene Colour Award winner

A complex, subtle and successful use of colour inspired by Mid-century modernism makes every space in this home feel distinct, yet part of a coordinated whole. Far from being safe or predictable, its palette feels natural and effortless; timber and stone materials integrate well with polished concrete floors and paint finishes. To cleverly compensate for the varied light levels on exterior and interior walls, the architect has used different tones on either side of corridors. Externally, high-contrast darks and whites define volumes and organise openings into larger compositions.

Nelson House by Clarkson Architects

Four gabled forms, subtly organised in a pinwheel pattern, create this single storey home, with each distinct but interconnected wing loosely centred around its entrance. Generous in size, the house can accommodate a collection of precious heirlooms from the clients’ former residence and frequent visits from their large extended family. Sumptuous interiors subtly nod to the historic, allowing antique furniture to seamlessly integrate with the house’s crisp modernity. Designed to maximise expansive views over Hawke’s Bay and with numerous outdoor spaces that allow for both sun and shelter throughout the day, the architect has created a home perfectly suited to the client’s love of family and hospitality.

Resene Colour Award winner 

A relaxed yet sophisticated colour palette balances variety with consistency throughout this large home. A carefully graded sequence of wall colours adds complexity and definition as one progresses through an enfilade of living spaces. In contrast, a wonderful blue emphatically highlights the formal living room at this journey’s end. Externally, the soft greys of cedar cladding and iron roofing contribute to the comfortable way this home nestles into its site.

The NZIA Local Architecture Awards 2022 programme is supported by Resene and APL.