The New Zealand Institute of Architects Canterbury branch honoured innovation and restoration at their local awards this year. The jury conferred 34 wins in 10 categories on 7 June at the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch. 

This year’s jury was led by Christchurch architect Melanda Slemint. She was joined by fellow Christchurch architects Charlie Nott and Duval O’Neill, Wellington Architect Mary Daish and Michael O’Sullivan who practices in both Auckland and Lyttelton.

“What really stood out is the way architects have been able to keep sight of the human scale, and the context within which the projects sit. Christchurch is undergoing a period of identity change, and some of the new projects speak eloquently about the quality of life we celebrate here,” Slemint noted.

“The world’s best cities have a fine-grained rhythm that creates interest and variation and prevents streets and public spaces from being overwhelming. As post-quake Christchurch continues to develop, it is heartening to see that the city’s architects are attuned to the needs of people.”

Slemint found it refreshing to find many smaller practices, women, young practitioners and out of town architects among the large firm winners of this year’s awards. She was excited by the diversity of winners and noted that architecture is, ultimately, a team effort. 

“The awards given out are a deserved acknowledgement of a very successful run of high quality new Canterbury buildings,” she said.

See a full list of winners with jury comments below:

Housing Awards

The Family Bach by Cymon Allfrey Architects

The jury said this project was a “refreshing and honest little getaway” and that it “doesn’t take itself too seriously”. They noted, “An array of vernacular forms cleverly frames outdoor space, while offering privacy from the subdivision beyond and for inter-generational gatherings. Construction techniques, which are clearly expressed, hark back to the A-Frame; exposed timber interiors add warmth and vibrancy, while the exterior dark-stained cedar and steel roofing bring compositional consistency and embed the forms into the landscape. ‘The Folly’, a tower containing a woodstore and elevated bunkrooms, and yellow accents provide some contrast.”

Black Rock House by Sheppard & Rout Architects

“This house has a bunker-like appearance evocative of the old gun emplacements located around the harbour,” the jury said. “On entering, however, the feel of the house is completely different; what is offered are expansive views of the harbour, and a sense of lightness and airiness.”

Gaining its name not only from its location but also from the use of rock excavated from the Black Rock headland itself as cladding, the jury noted that this house is extremely well connected to its place. “It is a house that is well grounded, both literally and figuratively, into its site,” they said.

Rhodes House, ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ by PRau

The jury said of this project, “A Carlo Scarpa drawing is full to the edges, with no opportunity for insertion; so too is this home. The devil may be in the details, but in this case the detailing has enabled the basics to work. For the client family, the overall composition works on many levels, from the stair that compresses the entry through to the dark steel room that allows the mind to escape. The exterior cladding enlivens the house’s suburban context and transforms the relationship between landscape and architecture.”

Akaroa, Maison Rue Jolie by PAC, Paterson Architecture Collective and Glamuzina Architects

Described by the judges as “an exquisite response to the French-inspired vernacular context that defines Akaroa”, this house used several clever moves to create a home that is contextual but “far from literal in respecting its surroundings”.

“A single level gable serving as a boatshed is a restrained cue to a composition of gables that is full of surprise, delight, and colour. Internal volumes are linked to the immediate outdoor spaces and harbour views beyond, and are assured in scale. Deft touches of colour subtly reinforce the link to the wider vernacular context. The clever use of skylights, moveable timber screens, and interior vertical timber panelling creates a beautiful play of light, and imbues the house with an appropriately maritime feel.”

Mount Pleasant House by Borrmeister Architect

“A confident rebuild” is how the jury described this house, and they noted it was one positive outcome from the earthquakes. The black cedar and steel exterior is juxtaposed with the light and airy feel of the interior. 

“In response to the site, expansive views to both sea and valley are framed and focused, and sunlight, bright and dappled, is admitted to all rooms; the wind is tamed by well-connected courtyards. The social program gives teenagers some independence, while offering plenty of family gathering and private spaces.”

Enberg House by Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects

“This simple yet sophisticated house is one of the last works of one of New Zealand’s best architects, David Mitchell, and is an expression of a higher level of architectural achievement. On a small footprint, the house has a spatial complexity that enables a generous distribution of texture and vibrancy; it has wonderful colours and clever built-in furniture, and views are handled with trademark Mitchell mastery,” the judges commented.

Ellis House by Sheppard & Rout Architects

This house is another earthquake rebuild that features a “light, airy, contemporary form”. The new build replaced a “Georgian-style brick home while meeting the mandatory requirement to maintain a similar size and footprint.”

The jury noted, “Views and connections to the saved garden are lovely, and internal spaces are clear yet flexible, with privacy and transparency skilfully balanced.” 

Conical Hill House by Sheppard & Rout Architects

The jury praised this build as “an exemplar of small house design” noting that the design would suit an everyday home just as well a it does a holiday escape. “Elements such as opening internal shutters from an upper level bedroom to the living space below, and chamfered doorways that reflect the roof line provide moments of joy for family members and their guests. Views to the landscape and trees beyond are beautifully framed through careful positioning of picture windows,” they said.

Housing Multi Unit Award

Dublin Street Townhouses by Colab Architecture

The jury was impressed with the architects’ move to bring the garages of these three new townhouses closer to the street which opened up more space for living areas. They said, “The efficient planning is enhanced by a dynamic sectional quality to the houses.”

“Thoughtfully designed, built-in joinery units add to the enjoyment of habitation, as does the skilful connection of interiors to outdoor areas, which will enhance everyday living.”

Interior Architecture Awards 

Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct by Warren and Mahoney Architects, Opus Architecture and Cox Architecture

“Walking around the inside of this building is an overwhelming and even intimidating experience that establishes very swiftly the reason for the building’s existence. There are the appropriate and obligatory gestures to the Crown and the law, but more importantly the building expresses a strong acknowledgement of the indigenous people of this country. Opulence and a high level of material specification are evident on every corner. The interior is rich, complex and highly crafted – just like the law,” the jury noted.

Christchurch NZ Office Fitout by Sheppard & Rout Architects

This office for the tourism sector of Christchurch and Canterbury showed “strategic planning, appropriate use of colour and considered material selections”, the judges said. The jury was impressed by the designers’ ability to capture impressive view of the city and port hills and praised the design details as “understated but clever”.

“The colours of the carpet…reflect not only the Canterbury landscapes, but also define and organise the interior into different activities. Light timber is used for office demarcation, and the usual commercial products are eschewed. Warmth and texture characterise this interior.”

Christchurch Boys’ High School, New Hall by Jasmax

The jury commented about the interior of this project, “The restraint and elegance of the selected palette highlights the deeply patterned blond timber. This, in turn, reflects and contrasts with the traditional rich timber panelling in one of Christchurch’s most historic schools.”

Cathedral Grammar Junior School by Andrew Barrie Lab and Tezuka Architects

Provocative and beautiful colours and the aromas of different timbers create a warm character for the interior of this school, according to the judges. Removable walls create multi-use spaces and ease of movement. The jury noted, “It is critical that a school has the reassuring qualities of a good family home, and the environment of this school is warm, comfortable and nurturing. The interior is honest, strong and, most importantly, provocative.”

Chapman Tripp by Warren and Mahoney Architects

The jury commended the simple and elegant materiality of this project noting that the light timber and white walls complement the art displayed. Gorgeous views, two exterior terraces, staff breakout rooms and flexible spaces make this workspace a delight to be in, the judges say.

“The simple idea of dividing a long, narrow interior with a spine wall imparts a clear sense of order. This wall also offers a welcoming gesture by creating a stepped series of panels where art is hung and built-in seating provided.”

Heritage Awards

Glandovey Road by Warren and Mahoney Architects

A large part of the comprehensive repair of this 80 year old Helmore and Cotterill home was the process of jacking up and relocating the primary structural to allow access to the subfloor. The judges commended the architects for their respect of the original detailing in creating this elegantly designed home.

“Sensitive alterations and extensions to the primary plan have allowed for a conservatory, new service buildings, glasshouse and garage that complement the original building and create seamless transitions from old to new,” the jury said.

The Arts Centre of Christchurch, EA Chemistry Building by Warren and Mahoney Architects

“Designed by Colin Hammond, the EA building is one of several Gothic Revival Buildings that combine to form the Arts Centre, a unique and important part of the cultural and historical heritage of Christchurch, even more so in the post-earthquake city. Accessibility has been introduced to all levels and spaces reconfigured to allow the School of Music to operate effectively in this historic building. Every detail has been carefully considered in this sympathetic restoration which has breathed life back into the building,” the jury said. 

St Bartholomew’s Church by Dave Pearson Architects

This building is the oldest surviving timber church in the South Island and the jury praised the architects for their “authentic restoration and structural strengthening” of it saying it was a project of “complete integrity”.

“The original detailing and materiality has been replicated where possible, the belfry’s original fish-scale pattern cladding has been reinstated and the stained glass windows and organ artfully restored. This project is a wonderful example of a community acting with passion and energy to protect and preserve a historic gem.”

Enduring Architecture Awards

University of Canterbury School of Music (1974) by Thomas Associates, Charles Thomas

The jury cited of this building, “Charles Thomas, working closely with Guy Powell of Powell Fenwick, used the methodology of in-situ-cast tilt panels, at the time a completely new methodology for the Ministry of Works. The design added texture to the panels – a roped aggregate finish to the primary structural panels, and an uneven board finish to the secondary skin panels – that were floated through the roof to give the building scale. There has been no change to original building in 44 years, which is a fine testament to this enduring building.”

The Wool Exchange (1964) by Warren and Mahoney Architects

This building that originally housed the auction of wool goods was converted into a religious meeting place. The auctioneers’ podium was made in to a lectern for preaching and the square plan that once housed hectic auctions is now used by a Chinese religious congregation. 

The jury said, “The skylight and stairs are exciting architectural moves in an otherwise stolid structure built for endurance like a tight-head prop. In a post-earthquake city, this building has reinforced to the public the message that architecture can endure adversity.”

Education Awards

Cathedral Grammar Junior School by Andrew Barrie Lab and Tezuka Architects

The judges commended the architects of this building for the “immense patience and diligence coupled with serious architectural skill” need to complete this project. They noted, “Any building that allows children to play on its roof is a winner.” 

“Proportion and composition have been impeccably resolved to a high level of accuracy; structure and spaces are in full harmony. Students at this school have a close relationship with their teachers and seem to thrive. Colour, texture and even the smell of the timbers are all inspirational.”

University of Canterbury College of Engineering by Warren and Mahoney Architects

“Separate engineering facilities are now connected to form one cohesive College of Engineering through the design of a new central linking core. This new hub is the strength of this project: the primary elevation is carefully composed, the entry to the college provides an interesting spatial experience, and the hub provides for a wide variety of activities. The atrium is enclosed by a trussed ceiling that is a clear, and appropriate, expression of structural engineering,” the jury said.

Christchurch Boys’ High School, New Hall by Jasmax

Also a winner of an Interior Architecture Award, the judges praised this building saying, “The clever insertion of a contemporary building within the traditional school fabric has given Christchurch Boys’ High School a new heart.”

The new hall seats all 1300 students at the school and is a multi-use space. The jury noted, “Both Māori and European influences are expressed in the fabric and patterning of the hall, consistent with the design purpose of bringing people together. ”

Commercial Architecture Awards

Te Kei by Athfield Architects

The judges described this key move in the Ara Institute of Canterbury Master Plan as “a gateway building that frames a new North Green, welcoming students and public as part of a wider urban design gesture.”

“The composition of two major forms with a central atrium clearly invites interaction by way of a large interconnecting canopy, public in scale, while the materiality is tactile and at a very human scale. Internal planning is clearly non-hierarchical, respectful of the individual, colourful and with a clear focus on public and internal incidental interaction.”

King Edward Barracks by Warren and Mahoney Architects

“A fearless sense of adventure and invention is expressed by the skin of this building, that is lyrical and sensuous, and complementary to both the plan and the commercial character of the building. The building acknowledges the river and courtyard like a parent loves a good daughter or son. The Right Honourable R. J. Seddon, Premier and Minister of Defence, would be proud of the fact that 113 years on, his stone still holds centre stage in this fine new building,” the jury commented.

Public Architecture Awards

The Piano – Centre for Music and the Arts by Wilkie + Bruce Registered Architects

This project was the last by the late Alun Wilkie and the building’s Māori name, Te Pīpīwharauroa (Piano), is apt, according to the jury. 

“Pīpīwharauroa are colourful birds, historically harbingers of spring. The Māori name is appropriate as the building, which had a long gestation as a passionate post-quake project, signals a new beginning for the music and arts in Canterbury.”

“From the street, the auditorium and foyer are expressed in curved copper and rhythmic columns, arranged separately from but in harmony with the modulation of the adjacent administration and teaching building.”

Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine McAuley Centre by Hamish Shaw Architects

“The memory of landscapes and references to the journey from Ireland to the West coast of New Zealand undertaken by the Sisters of Mercy inform the key conceptual moves made in the design for this sacred and meditative space. A sanctuary garden at the centre of the building creates an outdoor space within the interior that is the focus of a new kind of contemplation and prayer, rich in symbolism and informed by the bi-cultural teaching history of the Sisters.”

The jury noted of this project, “The building’s pleated corten cladding references the memory of Catherine McAuley and her protective shawl and provides an exterior that changes in colour and depth, giving a strong sculptural presence to the building.” 

Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct by Warren and Mahoney Architects, Opus Architecture and Cox Architecture

The Justice and Emergency Services Precinct is a Christchurch rebuild ‘anchor project’ that the jury described as a “building without local precedent” that “encompasses many public functions necessary for society to work well.”

“Arranged loosely around a courtyard that resembles a playground for children in a caravan park, this is an imposing building of incredible complexity. Formally ordered to the last sun louvre, it has a palate of materials that suggests endurance. In court, it is perfectly permissible to seek clarification of any ruling. In this instance the ruling is good; this is a well-conceived and beautifully constructed project.”

St Andrew’s College Centennial Chapel by Architectus

This building is an “exemplary response to a challenging brief – to replace a damaged but much-loved school building”, the jury said. “The new chapel houses special spaces and treasured elements and is respectful of past Collegians.”

“Against a backdrop of so much lost heritage, St Andrew’s College Centennial Chapel celebrates the richness of memory that only time can shape, and resets it as part of a forty metre-long brick ‘Memorial Wall’.”

The jury commented, “The roof, a series of folded ridges and valleys, is a powerful sculptural element reminiscent of early church buildings yet contemporary in execution.”

Environment Canterbury Regional Council Building by Wilson & Hill Architects

The judges noted many elements of this project that made it special including “a clearly articulated programme skilfully crafted around Peter Scouler Park”. They added, “A subtle change in scale of the north-eastern wing respects the neighbouring heritage building to the east while addressing Tuam Street and enabling a level of transparency in the Council Chamber.”

“Exposure of the two-way concrete frame at ground level further reinforces a public scale. Solar treatment of the façades provides depth and rhythm to the blue and green glazing, and a subtle nod to flowing water. The interior planning and material treatment around a central atrium is confident and pleasantly restrained; timber panelling adds warmth and contrast to the exposed concrete frame. Geothermal heating and base isolation leave no doubt that this is a public building that embraces resilience.”

Planning and Urban Design Awards

Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre by Athfield Architect

This new facility was “influenced by the community but civic in scale”, according to the jury. The project replaced three pre-quake buildings. “The new library is precedent-setting for Christchurch, breaking down the traditional threshold to include adjacent public spaces, while inviting the community to their new living room,” they noted.

“Issues of scale have been addressed via form and materiality, with rust oxide-coloured concrete responding to the volcanic cliff backdrop and larch battens reflecting the weathered coastal environment. Building hard to the street corner references the volume of a demolished predecessor building; communal memory is further respected in the adaptive re-use of salvaged elements including a war memorial roll.”

The Crossing by Wilson & Hill Architects

This retail, office, and hospitality development takes up a one-hectare inner city block and includes 55 tenancies. The judges said, “The laneways are light-filled spaces of a sensitive scale, varying in width, and meeting at the semi-public, central courtyard with its focus building.”

“The grain is respectful of that of pre-quake Christchurch, and special mention must be made of the careful restoration of a heritage building and façade.”

Lintrathen Gardens by Sheppard & Rout Architects

“A high-end, community-minded housing development in Fendalton, this project models an alternative density for one of Christchurch’s more upmarket suburbs. Replacing a grand home after the earthquakes, 10 dwellings – eight townhouses grouped into three blocks and two standalone houses – share an established landscape and pedestrian lane accessing homes, river and street,” the jury said.

“Windows have been thoughtfully placed and screened to balance privacy with sunlight and views, while terraces walled for privacy and security allow views of the communal gardens beyond. The project’s scale and materials sit comfortably within the local residential context, while vehicle access via perimeter lanes preserves a garden focus and protects residents’ privacy.”

Small Project Architecture Awards

Carters Estate Tennis Pavilion by PRau

“A beautifully crafted and elegant structure at one level appears extra-terrestrial yet clearly acknowledges the terrestrial narrative of the post-war, concrete, modernist buildings of Canterbury. The external form-making is sculptural, providing an anchor to the community leisure activities of the subdivision, and acting as a sentinel to the boardwalk and pond it overlooks,” the jury said.

“A tapered viewing window belies the heavy parentage of the structure and is seductive in promoting engagement with a pond from the interior. The inverted detailing of the concrete shuttered walls with cedar shutters intact provides a tactility and warmth that contrasts with the strength of the concrete perimeter beams hovering above.”

Redcliffs Village Library by Young Architects

“The simple gable form of this library and translucent panels that glow at night create a street frontage that is friendly in scale and welcoming,” the jury said. The judges praised this project for responding to the needs of the building in a way that make sense and utilising natural light in an interesting way indoors. 

“Facing the street are large glazed doors that can be opened to a terraced deck promoting community engagement. The library is an excellent example of how a new building, even when modest in size, can enhance and celebrate the local environment at both a social and physical level.”

All winners of the 2018 Canterbury Architecture Awards are eligible for shortlisting in the New Zealand Architecture Awards, which will be decided later in the year and announced in November.