An epic house more than 10 years in the making, a utilitarian boat shed, and a public building that revitalises Blenheim’s town centre are among the 2024 winners of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Awards.
“Projects in this year’s awards have weathered unprecedented conditions including extreme weather events, supply chain issues, spiralling costs and Covid,” says Euan MacKellar, convenor of the jury that selected the nine winners. “Despite the unforeseen challenges, architects managed to hold onto key concepts, maintain good design and foster strong relationships with their clients and builders — a credit to the profession.”
The Lookout, a home that stands out in the Tasman landscape like a piece of contemporary sculpture, thanks to its rusty red exterior and Brutalist form, is a fine example of the region’s award-worthy projects. Designed by Parsonson Architects, the building is bold, dramatic and meticulously detailed. Similarly, Longbeach Bay Boatshed by Arthouse Architects, a winner in the Small Project Architecture category, is striking in its modernity. A “very strong and well-proportioned form with a minimal material palette takes inspiration from the existing home and its triple gable,” said the jury. “While its primary function is boatshed, multi-use is its mantra. It’s a kitchen, bar, dining hall and wind break.”
In the Public Architecture category, Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery | Te Kahu o Waipuna will be the sole winner. Designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects, the civic building is reinvigorating Blenheim’s High Street with its bronzed exterior and flexible interior layout. It will also receive a Resene Colour Award.
A jury of four judges — Matt Gutsell of Sheppard & Rout Architects, Magdalena Garbarczyk of Fineline Architecture, architect Helena Alexander from Alexander Romagnoli, and lay juror landscape architect, Heidi Stewart — assessed this year’s projects, along with convenor Euan MacKellar.
View all the winners and read citations here.
Commercial Architecture
Waimea Nurseries Fieldwork by Irving Smith Architects
Nelson Orthodontics Richmond Practice by redbox architects
Housing
Anakiwa House by Arthouse Architects
Two Gables by First Light Studio
House with Hat by Irving Smith Architects
The Lookout by Parsonson Architects
Public Architecture
Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery | Te Kahu o Waipuna by Warren and Mahoney Architects
Small Project Architecture
Longbeach Bay Boatshed by Arthouse Architects
The Studio by Johnstone Callaghan Architects
