Canterbury’s wondrous award-winning architecture
Dreaming of what the best of the best in local architecture might look like? We have the scoop. Across Canterbury, 31 projects were deemed winners in the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards – an endless cascade of luxury living inspiration.
In judging projects this year, we observed a recurring pattern of strong collaboration between architects and clients, leading to exceptional projects that skilfully addressed challenges like topography, budget, and timeline,” says jury convenor and architect Jorgen Andersen from Arthouse Architects.
Joining Jorgen on the jury of the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards was Ben Lloyd (Lloyd Hartley), Jessica Glen (Jessica Glen Architects), Nic Owen (Nic Owen Architects) and lay juror Sarah Rowlands.
Organised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, local awards are held nationwide to celebrate and promote the best architecture of that year. Here we look at some of the stand-out Canterbury homes and buildings from this year’s awards:
Three Sixty Architecture’s Merino Jacket cleverly utilises standard construction elements and allows for future adaptability without compromising on the wellbeing of its inhabitants in the short term, reads the judges citation. Clearly articulated spaces have been designed around a young family and showcase the stunning views while still providing small intimate areas for gathering.
Thoughtful design flows through from project to project, RHR House by Three Sixty Architecture, nestled within Christchurch’s rugged Southshore Spit and featured on Metropol’s cover, redefines architectural principles, prioritising people, place, and emotion. Design elements consider and mitigate the risks of natural hazards, while the dematerialised aesthetic creates a calming atmosphere and a concrete, steel and timber palette evokes the home’s coastal environment.
Celebrated for its thoughtful composition, Redcliffs House, Te Rae Kura by MAP Architects is anchored to its site through the use of excavated volcanic rock. Intentionally concealed on arrival, the view then reveals itself through a central staircase separating living, sleeping, and service areas. The restrained material palette and purposeful planning results in elegant living spaces that lead to seamless indoor outdoor flow – a slice of holiday-like paradise in Redcliffs.
Award categories span across commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, housing, housing – alterations and additions, interior, public, small project, and enduring architecture. A breadth of beautiful spaces represent the extent of Canterbury’s creative architectural minds, and a desire to bring vibrancy to the region.
The restoration of Christchurch’s Old Municipal Chambers, a Category 1 heritage building on the corner of Worcester St and Oxford Tce, exemplifies exceptional conservation practice and engineering innovation by Three Sixty Architecture. Ambitiously revitalising
Samuel Hurst Seager’s 1887 Queen Anne Revival masterpiece, the team involved strengthened it to 67% of the New Building Standard while meticulously preserving its historical integrity. This landmark restoration safeguards a vital piece of New Zealand’s architectural heritage, playing a crucial role in Christchurch’s cultural and urban regeneration, symbolising the city’s resilience and commitment to its historical legacy.
From Wilkie + Bruce Architects, the Chapel of the Upper Room on University of Canterbury’s Ilam campus presents excellent renovation and strengthening talent. Designed in the 1960s by Sir Miles Warren, this building is a cherished part of the university and a celebrated example of mid-century Australasian chapel architecture.
Wilkie + Bruce Architects carefully restored and preserved original materials from the 2010-2011 earthquake-damaged building, adding discreet seismic strengthening and modern additions. For the full list of award-winning projects, visit nzia.co.nz
Go ahead – browse some of the winners and discover inspiration for your next home or architectural project. From Canterbury’s best architectural minds, these homes exhibit the epitome of luxury living. What appear as homes you might fall in love with on holiday are simply nestled in the streets that surround us.
