Ten projects received awards at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Western region awards on Friday 24 May at the Refectory, Massey University.
BOON was honoured to pick up three of those awards in the Housing, Public Architecture and Small Project Architecture categories.
Jury convenor, Monika Puri of 242am Architects, said while many of the winning projects were faced with restrictive budgets, the outcomes were excellent and included culturally enriching architecture that inspired community spirit and in some cases, provided a lifeline to communities.
BOON’s featured awards were;
The jury said; An example of small-project architecture with a big impact. Ngāti Maru’s only marae heightened the need to achieve a lot with a little. The first steps of a larger marae development, this addition reaches out and stands proudly to greet the many manuhiri and tangata whenua that journey to Tarata. A gentle intervention with a touch of innovation that respectfully replicates the central placement of the original pou, deepening the mahau without darkening the kūwaha, and ensuring those that rest beneath its shelter are still able to connect with the surrounding landscape.
The jury said; The design sets a new standard for modern wharekai, meeting the weight of history and lofty aspirations of the future, fulfilling its own role with style and without dominating the surrounding whare. Smartly incorporating materials and features from the original wharekai, the new rotating fins and façade lighting add an element of wow factor for approaching manuhiri. Inside, timber portals and plywood wall-and-ceiling linings provide a sense of warmth. Ringawera and kaimahi are not forgotten — a highly resolved layout ensures functionality and the south façade treatment respects their mahi. A truly considerate design process means Ko Tamawāhine can host for generations to come, helping continue Te Whiti’s instruction — E tū tama wahine i te wā o te kore.
The jury said; This sophisticated family home maximises a difficult inner-city hillside site adjacent to Te Henui Awa. The three-level home is expertly planned to address the northwest light, views to the awa and clever connections between interior and exterior living spaces. The sleek exterior forms are well modulated at each level to reduce the scale of the development, achieve privacy between spaces and connect with the awa (river) edge.
This project also picked up a Resene Colour Award
This well-crafted exterior contrasts with the rich colour and texture of the interior, which is a joy to experience at each level as you travel through the spaces.