Meet Big River Panels - Sponsor of the Interior Awards 2025
We invited Big River Panels to reflect on their 8 years of supporting the Interior Awards by selecting a few standout projects from their time as sponsors.

Kā Uri, Awanui by Glamuzina Architects Civic Award Winner 2023
Lacie Dufty: Kā Uri, Awanui stands out for its thoughtful integration of cultural heritage and contemporary design. The project transforms industrial sheds into vibrant spaces that honour Ngāti Kuri traditions, featuring areas for kauri workshops, waka carving, and exhibitions. The interiors are elegant and simple, allowing natural light to highlight the craftsmanship displayed within. This design preserves cultural narratives and fosters community engagement and education.

Saint Andrews College Centennial Chapel by Architectus. Civic Award Winner 2017
Kelly Morris: Centennial Chapel is a project that has always impressed me.It features a beautiful ceiling, for which we supplied the panels, and is an exceptional space that is even more awe-inspiring in person. What makes it even more special is the story behind its design and the careful retention and preservation of the original building materials.

Te Whare Hononga by Tennent Brown Architects. Civic Winner 2024
Ross Millin: Te Whare Hononga is one of my favourite projects, not only because our company supplied the exterior cladding and I was personally involved, but because it beautifully blends modern materials with a respect for the past. The design highlights how contemporary resources can honour history, creating a space that bridges the old and new in a meaningful and impactful way. It’s a perfect example of thoughtful, modern design.

Big River Panels were asked to select a product from their portfolio that the design industry should know more about. The team selected The Firesafe Decorply Acoustic Panels
Firesafe Décorply is a lightweight, dimensionally stable plywood panel for decorative wall and ceiling applications. Available in 12 finishes, it can come in plain panels or machined with any of our wide range of acoustic perforation patterns. With a Group 1s fire rating, it’s perfect for interior linings in large commercial spaces. Pre-finished, ready to install, Firesafe Décorply combines safety, style, and performance, making it a versatile solution for any space.
