BUILDING WINNERS

AFFILIATION WITH a national body is an astute way to ensure you receive professional support and advice. In many instances it is also a great way of gaining recognition for the work you do, through a sponsored awards programme.

For members of Architectural Designers New Zealand (Inc), the annual awards are just one of the benefits of membership, says national president Fraser Gillies.

"ADNZ was established in 1966 and is the only professional body solely representing self-employed architectural designers."

This year, long-standing ADNZ national sponsor, Resene, was naming rights sponsor of the annual awards, which were announced at the recent ADNZ national conference.

Supreme winner was Darryl Church of Darryl Church Architecture, for his Lake Rotoiti bach design. Strong lineal forms and a contemporary interpretation of a wharenui were stand-out features for the judges.

Other applications of note are the floating plywood ceiling with concealed lighting, and a portion of glass flooring that allows light from a roof skylight to penetrate into the lower floor bunkroom.

Outside, the intention was to integrate the bach with the sloping site so as not to dominate the landscape. The pared-back design with exposed rafters, ridge beams and support posts, is evocative of a wharenui.

Chocolate-coloured corrugate, neutral weatherboards, natural plaster and cedar highlights serve to provide a variety of colours and textures.

Members of ADNZ which has nine regional branches throughout the country are specialists in architectural design and construction, and can initiate and complete a building project from conception through to final certification. To be eligible for ADNZ membership, designers must hold recognised professional qualifications, undertake compulsory professional development and have their skills assessed to ensure they meet the requirements of the ADNZ competency standards. Members are also bound by the ADNZ code of ethics.

Gillies says the awards are a highlight of the ADNZ year, and are designed to boost design standards, encourage innovation and are an opportunity for members to showcase talents.

For details, contact ADNZ, phone (03) 343 3080, fax (03) 343 3084. Website: www.adnz.org.nz.

New Single Dwelling (up to 250m²) Award Steve Humpherson, Sorted Architecture, Wanaka Jessup Lynch residence, Wanaka

Designed for two restaurateurs and their family, the home is situated on a suburban Wanaka block overlooking the Clutha River. Because of its location, the site came with a strict height covenant that resulted in the garage and wine cellar being sunken below the guest bedroom.

The main floor of the house is raised 900mm above the ground to allow views of the river and adjacent reserve. Privacy from the street is ensured through a wrap-around design that encompasses a walled courtyard.

Judges comments point to the well-detailed features, the management of materials, and the architecturally interesting design achieved through the balance of disparate forms.

New Single Dwelling (over 250m²) Award Mike Sowman, Mike Sowman Design, Dunedin Cates residence, Wanaka

Good craftsmanship and a competent use of materials that reflect the essence of Central Otago, were the judges comments in choosing this Wanaka home as the category winner.

Comprising a stand-alone garage and loft with three bedrooms, and a four-bedroom house, the buildings' exteriors are made from local schist. Hardwood lintels, exposed rafters, tongue and groove soffits, and cedar fascias and joinery all contribute to the aged homestead feel of the property and help to convey a feeling of permanence.

Residential Multi-unit Award

Paul Stanley-Joblin; Stanley Joblin + Allfrey, Christchurch 70 Office Rd

With a brief calling for security and privacy while allowing for a range of formal and informal uses, Stanley-Joblin's design incorporated a series of low- and high-volume spaces.

Situated in the centre of the site, the low-volume spaces of the duplex were positioned to limit the over-shading of the courtyard areas, while the garages serve to divide the public frontage from the private space of the main residences.

In choosing the Stanley-Joblin design, the judges commented on its good control of architectural elements, assisted by contrasting colours, interesting volumes and agreeable axiality.

Commercial/Industrial Award

Graham Sawell, Pyramidz Architecture, Warkworth The Great Hage Co offices, Reparoa

Agricultural products manufacturer The Great Hage Co was looking for an office block to augment the existing factory space. The new office area needed to incorporate spaces for administration staff, sales reps, a meeting room, a docket room for truck drivers and a waiting area for visitors.

Given the rural aspect of the site and the purpose of the company, Sawell's design makes full use of the natural environment by giving the work spaces direct access to outdoor courtyards. Aesthetically, the building is reminiscent of a fixed-wing top-dressing plane, which the judges say gives the building a sense of lightness. The judges also commented on the careful detailing of the exterior flow through to the interior spaces, adding that it looked like "a great place to work".

Commercial Interiors Award

Trevor Jones, Trevor Jones Design, Tauranga Boffa Miskell offices, Tauranga

Jones' response to the brief to provide a stylish, quality work environment was to take a subtle approach and allow the interiors to guide visitors through a series of pathways.

Defined by different patterns of floor tile and emphasised by reflected light, the pathways first direct visitors to the reception area and from there to meeting rooms. Accent colour also defines areas and acts as a counterpoint to the understated flooring materials. When choosing the design, the judges said it was innovative, with a light-handed but colourful interior landscape.

Further award winners:

Residential Additions and Alterations Award & Resene Colour Award Harris Bach, Lake Rotoiti: Darryl Church, Darryl Church Architecture, Rotorua

Residential Interiors Award & Bathrooms Award Albert town house, Wanaka: Gary Todd, Gary Todd Design, Dunedin

Kitchens Award Croftwood kitchen, Christchurch: Sue Jackson, Jackson + Jackson Architectural Design, Christchurch

First Time Entrant Award Dalefield Rd, Queenstown: Bruce Taylor, Southern Designs Ltd, Christchurch

Special Projects Award Blackbarn utility building, Tauranga: John Little, Ambienti, Tauranga

Practice Award

Bruce Banbury, Banbury Architecture, Christchurch

Executive Award Chateau Tongariro alterations, National Park: Barry Nix, Barrakuda Design, Palmerston North

People's Choice Award Westray House, Kaikoura: Bob Jackson, Jackson + Jackson Architectural Design, Christchurch

Story by: Trendsideas