A boatshed in Whangārei that was converted into a Māori education and exhibition centre has won a leading award for public architecture.
Hihiaua Cultural Centre. Photo: Supplied
The Hihiaua Cultural Centre designed by Moller Architects has won the John Scott Award for Public Architecture at the 2020 New Zealand Architecture Awards.
Twenty-seven projects, from the Tutukaka Coast in Northland to Lake Hayes in Central Otago have been recognised in New Zealand's leading construction industry awards programme announced this evening.
The Hihiaua Cultural Centre beside the Hātea River was made up of the Whare Toi which accommodated arts and craft activities, and Whare Waka, home to a collection of waka.
The Ted McCoy Award for Education was won by Western Springs College Ngā Puna O Waiōrea, Auckland.
The project, designed by Jasmax, involved the near complete rebuild on remediated land, of a state co-educational secondary school, and the construction of a Māori immersion kura.
Nelson Airport's new terminal designed by Studio of Pacific Architecture received the Sir Miles Warren Award for Commercial Architecture.
Nelson Airport's new terminal designed by Studio of Pacific Architecture. Photo: Supplied
The terminal's "striking roof form and innovative structure" signalled the building's status as a gateway to the region, and showcased local timber manufacturing technology.
A Lyttelton state house re-design, Toto Whare, won the Sir Ian Athfield Award for Housing.
The design by Bull O'Sullivan Architecture was re-constructed by its builder-owner, and was recognised for its "lived in, and loved up" appeal.
Lyttelton state house re-design, Toto Whare. Photo: Supplied
The awards jury visited 46 shortlisted projects over nine days in September.
A timber supply company's showroom, an ecosanctuary welcome shelter and a tiny pavilion were each awarded in the Small Project category.
The jury said the Abodo Showcase Cardrona designed by Assembly Architects, looked like a small house, but functioned well as "a beautifully crafted display" of the best qualities of its timber product.
Longbush Ecosanctuary Welcome Shelter in Gisborne, designed by Pac Studio was built by volunteers from donated materials.
The jury said the small collection of structures which served as an education centre was special and timeless.
Pac Studio also designed what the jury said was the most charming project in the 2020 awards.
The Point Wells Cricket Club pavilion near Matakana was "small, but perfectly formed".
The 1968 Wellington landmark building Jellicoe Towers on The Terrace was one of two buildings to be named for their enduring architecture - a category that acknowledged buildings of at least 25 years of age.
Architect Allan Wild (1927 - 2019) had created an apartment building with generous spaces that provided residents with daylight and outstanding views.
The second winner was the 1963 St James' Church in Hastings, designed by Len Hoogerbrug (1927 - 2019). The building's dramatic steep roof gave it a "soaring Gothic quality".
Auckland architect and jury convenor Michael Thomson, said many of the projects they visited seemed particularly relevant in a year in which "we've all had time to consider what's important in our own lives, what matters in our communities, and what is special about our country".
