Architectural winners

An astounding brick house, a courageous convention centre and a variety of petite architectural innovations were named this year’s best in the Canterbury Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards.

Among the 31 winners is the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Some unusual residences also took out awards, including Apartment 41 (a retail site and home), Dorset St Flats (a mid-century townhouses refurbishment), Biv (a small home in Punakaiki), Z House (a quirky, bespoke home).

Other winners included an addition to St Mark’s Anglican Church, and a tiny home called The Cowshed.
Seven projects won Resene Colour Awards, including Z House, The Observatory Hotel, and the Triptych home.

“Being part of the NZIA jury was a real privilege. These projects were all of a high calibre and the passion shown by each of the architects, and their clients, was truly inspiring,” says convenor Craig South of South Architects.

“The different approaches architects have had here to sustainability were really interesting and we also enjoyed seeing architects experimenting on their own projects to resolve and then showcase a particular solution. Each diverse entry clearly showcased the immense benefits of engaging with architects, irrespective of a project’s type or budget.”

South was joined by four other judges: Architects Lisa Webb of LWA/studio in Auckland, Ekin Sakin from Christchurch City Council, Dennis Chippindale of co-studio, and lay juror Phil Paterson, structural engineer.