The Western branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects presented its local awards on Friday 10 May, honouring 11 projects from across the region.

This year’s jury was led by architect Ian Spiers; he was joined by fellow New Plymouth architect Scott Ferguson, designer Trudie Hudson and Wellington architect John Bannatyne. Spiers noted, “Our region has a number of architecturally significant homes that have lasted well and are still providing good service after many years of occupation.”

He continued by saying, “It has been satisfying to acknowledge these older buildings and also to visit heritage buildings that have been strengthened and repurposed for many more decades of use.”

Winners: Housing

Clark Residence by 242am Architects 

“There is much to like about this house built on a small rear site. 242am Architects has worked hard to meet the client’s ambition of saving as many existing native trees as possible, integrating seamlessly with the landscape, and leaving a small carbon footprint,” the jury said.

St Georges Guest House by Ardern Peters Architects

Designed to accommodate extended family and friends, this house “confidently starts an architectural dialogue with the existing house on the site and provides a well-used courtyard for welcome shelter from prevailing winds,” according to the jury.

McC House by Ardern Peters Architects

The jury noted that this home “references a ‘rural vernacular’ through simple forms and material selections”.

Winner: Housing – Alterations and Additions

Fenton Street Art Collective by Boon

A highlight for the jury, this project saw the restoration of a two-storey 1920s building in Stratford. “Today, it is a bustling, flexible and contemporary space that meets a range of new uses, including café, boutique distillery, writer’s den, office space and open-plan loft home,” judges noted.

Winners: Commercial Architecture

Powerco NOC by Boon

The judges said, “The campus-style workplace is designed to connect and engage staff in a comfortable and productive environment.”

McKee Mangahewa Operations Facility by Isthmus Group

“This building works hard to be more than just a workplace, with staff facilities, including the cafeteria, taking pole position in the plan to gain the best views and outdoor access,” the jury said.

Winners: Enduring Architecture

McCallum House by Don McCallum Architect

“Using a modest, modernist vernacular – steel framing, concrete block walls, and ample glazing – the architect established a house that sits easily in the landscape and enjoys a close connection to its surrounds,” the jury said of this 1965 home. 

Nga Tawa Diocesan School – Main Building by WF Higgins Architect

This 1925 building “has a strong and clear form,” the jury said. “The robust materials of the building’s construction have lasted well to provide generations of students with memorable, homely spaces.” 

Winners: Hospitality

Little Savanna by Architecture HDT

The jury lauded the architects for their skillful design of this space and called it a “local attention grabber”. 

Itch Wine Bar by Gibbons Architects

The jury said that this “carefully detailed bar within the recently restored White Hart Hotel responds consistently and creatively to the surrounding building with features that reference original elements”.

Winner: Small Project Architecture

AB Studio by Copeland Associates Architects

This Taihape project is a “delightful, cleverly designed, compact studio positioned on an elevated site to take advantage of views and light”, the jury commented. “The building footprint is small, but the sense of volume created through double-height space is impressive.”

All winners of the 2019 Western Architecture Awards are eligible to win the New Zealand Architecture Awards, which are announced in November.