The New Zealand Institute of Architects Southern Architecture Awards were held on 7 June in Queenstown. Warren and Mahoney was delighted to receive awards for two projects in the housing and public architecture categories.
Celebrated for its 'universal design' and 'whole-of-life sustainability measures', the Wanaka Sports and Aquatic Facility was the only project to have been recognised in the Public Architecture category.
"This integrated sports and aquatic facility responds to the dramatic landscape with an exterior palette of blended metal and timber – cladding that also playfully enriches the building form. Generous and light-filled, the state-of-the-art interior is framed by elegant timber portals with carefully crafted connections. The accessible pools and changing rooms show universal design at its best and the whole-of-life sustainability measures allow for future growth and easy maintenance. Altogether, this is a positive and accomplished piece of social infrastructure in an expanding and thriving town" noted the jury, comprising Invercargill architect Roger Beattie, Queenstown architects Bronwen Kerr and Mark Gray and Auckland architect Megan Rule.
Hidden Hills House, located in Wanaka, was also recognised in the Housing category.
"Honest materials and forms inspired by tramping huts have been composed into a warm, compact and inviting holiday retreat. The central linking spine creates a delightful variety of circulation experiences, including spaces that offer solitude, companionship, reflection and rest. The siting of the house, within a clearing in the scrub, shows a successful negotiation between the desire for views and the need for retreat." - NZIA jury citation.
Congratulations to our clients, the Queenstown Lakes District Council and our client for Hidden Hills House, and the entire project teams.
