Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2025 i Architecture NZ

IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, GET out of, not just the kitchen, but the house. In June, The New Zealand Herald reported how a tenant did just that – managing to break their year-long lease just a month after moving in, following a complaint to the Tenancy Tribunal about excessive heat in their sixth-floor one-bedroom apartment. The Tribunal heard evidence of a day in March this year when the temperature inside the east-facing unit reached a dangerously hot 43.6°C before midday. The next day, it reached 38.5°C before 9am, even with the living room window open and after the air conditioning had been running. The tenant claimed the windows in the apartment did not open wide enough to allow sufficient draught. The landlord suggested the tenants “had not been using…

When St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Parnell was consecrated on 25 August 1898, it was described as “second to no building of the kind in the colony, and in point of design, completeness and beauty reaches a high level mark not yet approached in the diocese”. This was a tribute that came too late for the architect, Benjamin Mountfort, who had died earlier that year on 15 March, just two days after his 73rd birthday. St Mary’s was his last, and certainly his largest, timber church and, arguably, one of the finest timber Gothic churches in the world. Within New Zealand, it is larger and more unified in design than Frederick Thatcher’s Old St Paul’s in Wellington and more organically conceived as a timber structure than is William Fitzjohn Crisp’s St…

Though I originally pushed back on the idea of narrating this article, I quickly realised that I hold a unique insight into our studio’s evolution – in many ways, I’ve been witness to the fascinating trajectory of the practice. I guess this makes me the ideal candidate. Joining Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE) as a cleanshaven and enthusiastic architectural graduate in 2011, I’ve watched as a close-knit Wellington and Palmerston North studio of 24 turned into a humming team of 130+ across six locations within Aotearoa. Of course, that’s just part of the story – our origins stretch back 50 years earlier. While I happen to be the voice behind this piece, we see ourselves as a design collective, with many others contributing behind the scenes. I want to pay homage…

84 category — Supreme Award 84 category — Residential project — Palimpsest House design — Monk Mackenzie 86 category — Workplace over 1000m2 project — UDC Finance design — STACK Interiors 88 category — Workplace up to 1000m2 project — Motion Sickness Studio design — Wonder 90 category — Hospitality project — Quinn Bar design — Izzard Design 92 category — Civic project — Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery design — Warren and Mahoney 94 category — Education project — AUT Tukutuku design — Jasmax 96 category — Retail project — VidaSpace Christchurch Showroom design — VidaSpace in association with Warren and Mahoney 98 category — Residential Kitchen project — The High Life design — Rogan Nash Architects 100 category — Healthcare and Wellness project — Hana Parnell design — Pennant & Triumph 102 category — Emerging Design Professional designer — Matt Reid 104 category — Community Impact project — Harbour Hospice North…

Winner — Workplace over 1000m2 Design — STACK Interiors Jury comment — In a standout example of workplace design done right, the designers have combined strategic spatial planning, a clear narrative, innovative materials and high-level execution to create a distinctly local work environment that is sharp, intelligent and restrained in all the right ways. The concept of organising the floor layout and spatial zoning around a typical Aotearoa farm is both creative and meaningful, reflecting a strong connection to the whenua and acknowledging the client’s commitment to New Zealand. Clever detailing — such as the sophisticated-yet-simple reference to the classic barn door — paired with a warm colour palette, tan upholstery, timber joinery and lush interior greenery, creates a sleek, welcoming office with depth and meaning in its design. client — UDC…

Winner — Civic Design — Warren and Mahoney Jury comment — Originally conceived in 1999, this restoration and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery has been profoundly shaped by the decades-long journey towards realisation. Time, setbacks and evolving dialogue with mana whenua have enriched the design, grounding it more deeply in the cultural and environmental context of Whanganui, and clearly reflecting an understanding of, and respect for, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, mātauranga Māori and bicultural frameworks. From the play of light on the awa (river) emerging as a guiding motif to the striking waka staircase at the entrance to the thoughtfully curated gallery spaces, this is a compelling example of culturally responsive, collaborative design, resulting in a deeply respectful, atmospheric space that honours place, history and people. client —…

Winner — Residential Kitchen Design — Rogan Nash Architects Jury comment — Planned around a love of entertaining, this apartment kitchen celebrates the clients’ passion for British vintage design. The layout negotiates the challenges of working in an existing building through clever problem-solving and refined spatial thinking, while also considering the ways in which the space can function for both the couple and a crowd. A rich, layered palette of materials, including various stones, brass and leather in British racing green (naturally), channels the clients’ quirky eclecticism, injecting warmth and vibrance in all the right places. The result is a confident, character-filled kitchen that punches well above its weight. clients — Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes design — Rogan Nash Architects rogannash.com design team — Eva Nash, Kate Rogan photography — Simon…

Winner — Community Impact Design — Klein Architects Jury comment — This thoughtful re-imagining of a palliative care unit reorganises its layout to reflect contemporary models of care, placing dignity, comfort and connection at the forefront. Inclusive whānau spaces enable families to come together at what can be the most difficult time of their lives and provide accommodation for those wanting to be close to their loved ones. Throughout, a palette of natural materials and warm hues modernises the environment while fostering a calm, compassionate setting for patients, their families and staff alike. client — Harbour Hospice North Shore harbourhospice.org.nz design — Klein Architects klein.co.nz design team — Joseph Gibbon, Neesha Morar, Nicholas Wedde, Dean Shanud, Rachael Rush photography — Mark Scowen…

By Nicholas Olsberg Lund Humphries, 2024 In December 1849, the Canterbury Association, while planning its idealistic settlement in the South Island of New Zealand, asked William Butterfield to design a model school and master’s house for use in the new colony. At that date, Butterfield was already established as a prominent Gothic Revival architect, although the projects for which he would later become celebrated, the Ecclesiologists’ model city church, All Saints, Margaret Street, London, the chapel and associated school buildings for Rugby, and Keble College, Oxford, were all in the future. Butterfield’s work in the 1840s was focused on rural churches and parochial schools, funded by philanthropic landowners, who wished to address both the spiritual and educational needs of their tenants. These projects included compact, economical school rooms that could…

WE STOOD ON THE ROAD, BACK some 50 metres and silent in the still, warm air as the pub burned; a quiet conflagration that defied the few hoses the volunteer brigade could bring to bear. The silence was as if we were at a wake, each of us bound up in our memories of days and nights in that big lounge bar, the one with the wall-sized photo of the Māori All Blacks and the three Going brothers in full flight – local heroes from just up the road. We reminisced in subdued voices, sharing stories of Hello Sailor and The Exponents in the big tent out the back and buying underpriced red wine from the little hatch that served as the bottle store, the staff more familiar with the correct…

In late March, a proposal for a commercial development on a high-profile site in Auckland central was generating some emotional reactions across the motu, as reflected on my social media feed. “Insanity” is how Resource Management Act (RMA) Reform Minister Chris Bishop termed Auckland Council independent hearing commissioners’ rejection of plans for a new $100-million office building near the $5.5 billion-plus publicly funded City Rail Link (CRL). Wow, I thought, what were they proposing, a nuclear plant? Digging deeper turned up some facts that were missing from the public discourse. If we are serious about building a world-class city, we need critical public discourse. The city becomes a concrete manifestation of that discourse. Without it, we are destined to repeat old patterns. 538 K’ ROAD: THE FACTS1 2021: Consent granted…

Awards — Convenor’s thoughts Five years as convenor brings with it an inevitable degree of familiarity, at least with regards to our annual call for entries, the difficult decisions to be made over short-listing, an intense 48 hours of livestreamed judging and, ultimately, the weighty task of selecting the award-winners. But the real joy of the process is in the discovery – of beautiful projects, new designers, resourceful and innovative thinking, and the passion and soul so evident in the work. Not to mention the obvious and very positive impact these projects have on so many lives. Danish architect and urban designer Jan Gehl famously noted that “first we shape cities, then they shape us”. The same can be said of interior spaces – they have the power to shape our…

Winner — Workplace up to 1000m2 Design — Wonder Jury comment — Conceived as an engine room for creativity and collaboration, this headquarters for a leading creative agency channels the company’s distinctive creative voice into a richly cinematic interior. Soft hues and layered spaces set the scene, while the interplay of slick finishes and vintage pieces reflects a culture that values both polish and personality. A palette of soft blues and rosy oranges, paired with rose-tinted glazing, evokes a sense of nostalgia that feels both fresh and familiar, while a seamless shift from focused work to vibrant social settings reflects the spirited, youthful nature of the studio and the ingenuity of the design team. client — Sam Stuchbury, Hilary Ngan Kee, Alex McManus motionsickness.co.nz design — Wonder wonder.group design team —…

Winner — Education Design — Jasmax Jury comment — Designed to be the new heart of AUT’s North Shore campus, Tukutuku’s interior enhances the architectural vision by introducing welcoming, flexible spaces that support both focused study and social interaction. The use of simple, adaptable furniture in the atrium creates inviting pockets that break down the scale and offer comfort within the expansive space. This thoughtful layering of materiality, scale and function ensures the interior feels human, purposeful and deeply connected to its users. The colour palette complements and celebrates the natural timber structure, reinforcing the building’s sustainable and environmentally conscious design ethos, and the overall atmosphere radiates warmth and comfort, creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for students and staff. client — Auckland University of Technology (AUT) aut.ac.nz design — Jasmax…

Winner — Healthcare and Wellness Design — Pennant & Triumph Jury comment — A masterclass in calm, considered design, Hana Parnell quietly conceals all the essential functional services of a wellness space, wrapping guests in a sense of ease from the moment they enter. Heritage elements are thoughtfully integrated within a refined interior that prioritises the customer experience at every turn, while gentle curves, indirect lighting, natural materials and acoustic privacy create an immersive environment, which feels both luxurious and restorative. From the exposed timber columns to the discreet retail and welcome areas, every detail has been considered to support a cohesive and deeply relaxing journey for visitors. The result is a beautiful space that offers comfort, clarity and retreat. client — Sara Higgins hana.nz design — Pennant & Triumph pennantandtriumph.com design…

Finalists — Residential Sandtrap design — Lloyd Hartley lloydhartley.com client — Jenny and Norm Thompson design team — Mike Hartley, Ben Lloyd photography — David Straight Matuku Moana design — Studio Brick Architects studiobrick.nz client — Jeremy and Anna Brick design team — Jeremy Brick, Anna Brick photography — David Straight S.K.I. House Wānaka design — Roberts Gray Architects robertsgray.co client — Sarah and Philip Gray design team — Jimmy Gray, Elspeth Gray, Nick Roberts photography — Sam Hartnett Finalists — Workplace over 1000m2 Meridian Energy Wellington design — Unispace unispace.com client — Meridian Energy meridianenergy.co.nz design team — Daniel Grinter, Darcy Utting, Rachel McPherson-Parker, Nick Wong photography — Unispace, Lawrence Anderson Russell McVeagh Wellington design — Unispace, in association with Emma Hofmann unispace.com emmahofmann.co.nz client — Russell McVeagh russellmcveagh.com design team…

READER, I’VE BEEN THINKING a lot about raupō houses lately. Specifically, hybrid architecture – the kind that used raupō as both structure and signal. So, yes… raupō houses, I guess. Not in a nostalgic or artefact-ofthe-past sense. More in that way your brain just starts, initially and gently, to sort-of obsess when you really pause to think – and, then, the noticing becomes a loop and it is full-blown Googling at 2am. I saw an image online recently: a black-and- white photograph, the architecture oblique, walls bundled with dried raupō, a gabled roof, a structure holding memory in its fibres – and I couldn’t stop… thinking. It’s a way of thinking that feels rare in a century defined by the internet’s churn. Hybrid buildings are just so completely of place that…

Opening a city’s architecture to the general public is both an act of generosity and a demonstration of urban porosity, which is fast becoming historical practice. Recent generations take the proliferation of security barriers, regulatory signage and surveillance for granted, while many of us remember churches, urban yards and campuses being open 24/7, including the ability to move through public institutions without scrutiny. This was predicated on selforganising citizens, mindful of spatial protocols and responsible for their own embodied navigation of the city and its sites of communal gathering. It was, therefore, heartening to attend the fifth iteration of Open Christchurch (2–4 May) where 51 public sites opened their doors, gates and stories to an ever-increasing audience. This demonstrated the public’s appetitite for contemporary and heritage architecture while enabling a…

What led you to a career in interior design? My journey was a natural evolution of my creative and corporate career. After working in marketing and events, I pivoted to interior design to extend my creativity and love of interiors. This personal passion soon turned into a thriving business, with early residential projects growing into large-scale commercial work and, ultimately, my own design retail store. About three years ago, I started specialising in commercial interior design and I now offer a multifaceted, end-to-end service that goes beyond interiors. My work spans brand development, visual identity, marketing strategy, social media, launch campaigns and interior design. It’s a holistic approach, designed to help clients not only shape beautiful, intentional spaces but also successfully launch or relaunch their businesses with confidence and clarity.…

Winner — Supreme Winner — Residential Design — Monk Mackenzie Jury comment — Approached through a forest of pines and set in the dunes where trees give way to sand, Palimpsest House carries the potency of its setting into every interior detail. The contrast between dark, rough pine bark and fine, pale sand informs a restrained yet sensorial material palette that includes textured concrete, stained timber, limestone and bespoke metal details. Consistent with the architectural intent, the interiors are meticulously detailed and reductive in approach — choreographing light, movement and touch to create a quietly immersive experience, deeply rooted in place. An exceptional study in refinement, the result is a calm, poetic, beautifully resolved interior, pure in expression yet complex beneath the surface. design — Monk Mackenzie monkmackenzie.com design team — Hamish Monk,…

Winner — Hospitality Design — Izzard Design Jury comment — A compact-yet-striking hospitality project, Quinn Bar delivers originality and delight. Bold use of lighting and reflection creates a sense of escapism with a subtle futuristic edge, while deco-inspired detailing pays tasteful homage to the building’s heritage. A great deal of thought has gone into the design, from the sculptural seating, which weaves through the space adding softness and form, to the custom stainless-steel wall lining surprising with its shimmer, to the digitally controlled, adaptable lighting adding atmosphere to the interior. Quinn Bar is an underground gem with personality to burn — immersive, expressive and unforgettable. client — Ofir Yudilevich quinnbar.com design — Izzard Design izzard.co.nz design team — Paul Izzard, Kate Dalton photography — Jono Parker…

Winner — Retail Design — VidaSpace in association with Warren and Mahoney Jury comment — Redefining the retail environment by grounding the experience in the essence of its product, this showroom is designed to engage the senses — immersive, tactile and full of quiet discovery. With a minimalist elegance and a narrative that feels authentic and material-led, the designers have adeptly shifted the focus from transaction to connection. Timber is celebrated through rich layering and refined detailing, with elements such as the sculptural desk and striking spliced log playing with weight and lightness, adding a sense of craftsmanship and intrigue. The result is a sensory space that invites genuine connection, elevating material selection to memorable storytelling. client — VidaSpace vidaspace.co.nz design — VidaSpace in association with Warren and Mahoney wam.studio design…

Winner — Emerging Design Professional Design practice — Warren and Mahoney Jury comment — Quietly confident and deeply attuned to detail, this emerging designer is already shaping workplace environments at scale, leading projects that elevate everyday experiences for government and corporate clients alike. With a practice grounded on a love of sketching and an appreciation for collaboration, Matt brings clarity, care and imagination to each project. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to design excellence, with projects that are deeply considerate of client and end-user needs. His progression from graduate to project lead reflects a clear growth in capability, underpinned by professional dedication and a drive to deliver meaningful, well-resolved outcomes. designer — Matt Reid current design practice — Warren and Mahoney wam.studio project involvement — Bowen Generator, Microsoft, Precinct Suites photography…

Supported by Our southernmost and westernmost city, Invercargill sits on a river bank at the centre of the fertile Southland Plains. The city’s original coat of arms tells us all we need to know about what underwrote its prosperity; it features a plough, a sheaf of corn, a bale of wool and a ship to carry those goods overseas. The region was a site of early interaction between Māori and Europeans – notably, whalers and missionaries. Early development in the area centred on the port at Bluff but Invercargill saw a growth spurt following the discovery of gold to the north in Central Otago in the 1860s. A boom in agricultural exports in the 1880s encouraged the growth of farming in the region. The resulting flow of wealth allowed architects,…