Winners revealed: Southern Architecture Awards 2025

The Roxburgh Pool by Hierarchy Group was a winner within the Public Structure class for seamlessly mixing practicality, sustainability, and sculptural design into the riverside facility for a small neighborhood in Central Otago. Jurors famous how the straightforward geometry of the altering pavilion complemented the rugged Teviot Valley panorama, whereas the golden hue of the faceted display screen served as a year-round reminder of autumn colors. 

On a bigger scale, the George Road, Dunedin Retail Quarter by Jasmax gained the Planning & City Design class for a mission that started as an infrastructure improve however turned an bold initiative to revitalise the town’s retail quarter. Working in collaboration with Kāi Tahu, the mission aimed to make mana whenua historical past and narratives seen inside the retail quarter, providing a extra genuine illustration of Dunedin’s cultural historical past past its broadly recognised colonial structure.

“The jury was notably impressed this yr with tasks that demonstrated innovation, whether or not that was new methods of working or use of latest applied sciences,” says jury convenor and architect Mark Mawdsley. “The brand new sustainability judging standards added this yr helped us uncover tasks with high-performance constructing envelopes, use of electrical energy applied sciences, and an emphasis on sourcing low-carbon or native supplies. The perfect of the high-performance properties we noticed have been round ten instances extra power environment friendly than a typical house constructed to code.”

The jury awarded 11 properties within the Housing class this yr, with an emphasis on tasks that related to the panorama and took benefit of the pure magnificence the area is thought for. From rural Lawrence to the highest of the Crown Vary, the variety of winners on this class reinforces the renown of Otago as a perfect canvas for architects to precise their design creativity and artistry.

In Industrial Structure, the improve to the O’Connells constructing by McAuliffe Stevens was recognised for injecting power into the retail panorama of central Queenstown. Along with seismic strengthening, vibrant inside updates and new visible connections at floor stage are complemented by the façade and canopies that reference the encircling jagged panorama.

Mawdsley was joined on the jury by Geoff Lentz (Paua Architects), Tim Ross (Architype) and lay juror Sarah McCallum (Otago Polytechnic Faculty of Structure).

The winners obtained their awards at an occasion on the Cargo Collective Brew Corridor on 13 June.

HousingRoger’s Home by Anna-Marie Chin Architects (Wānaka)

Located on a lakefront web site in Wānaka, Roger’s Home takes inspiration from mid-century design. Anna-Marie Chin Architects utilise easy geometric kinds and expressed timber construction to create a house that demonstrates a crisp aesthetic and welcoming spatial qualities. The architects have responded to web site constraints in duality; an outside house, sheltered by the constructing type inside the web site, permits for an uncluttered view of the lake; and the inner transom home windows permit inside areas to borrow daylight whereas bettering the legibility of mid-century influences. An outsized entry door, dappled mild filtering by way of screens, and exterior cladding that extends by way of the inside house show well-considered particulars that elevate the expertise of this house.

Curio by Ben Hudson Architects (Queenstown)

This meticulously crafted house gives a refined and deeply private architectural response to web site and suburban context. Organised by two gabled kinds that separate private and non-private areas, the design thoughtfully navigates a sloping part whereas sustaining a modest rural vernacular presence. Internally, the house consists of gallery-like areas that remember the homeowners’ ardour for artwork, with a palette of heat timber, concrete, and white finishes enhancing the curated environment. Immaculate detailing and a high-performance thermal envelope underscore the mission’s dedication to each consolation and craftsmanship.

Penrith Peaks by Condon Scott Architects (Wānaka)

The daring and expressive type of Penrith Peaks skilfully contrasts sturdy horizontal strains with a comfortable curve, and transparency with closed recessive components. The dwelling presents as a refined object in its suburban setting and the design gestures are effectively executed. Cautious association of each inside and exterior house in response to the location constraints permits a continuing visible reference to the panorama. A mixture of crafted particulars, expressed supplies, and refined textures create a way of pleasure when shifting by way of the home.

Scout by Intuitive Architects (Wānaka)

Adopting a vernacular aesthetic and easy type, this exemplary dwelling on a modestly sized web site has been cleverly crafted to recede into its suburban context. The architect’s collaboration with an inside designer shopper is obvious within the impressed selections of supplies and refined detailing. Double-height residing areas distinction low-height areas, and the skilful manipulation of quantity accommodates a mezzanine, recessed balcony, and rooms that overlook adverse house. The inside of the home is simple, as within the blond wooden panelling with out jambs or expressed jointing, which delivers a stage of sophistication that transcends the modest materials.

Openfield Home by Keshaw McArthur and Matheson Whiteley in affiliation (Arrow Junction)

Conceived as a pyramidal type on the Crown Vary terrace, this house sits in deep dialog with the huge surrounds. Sq. in plan, the grid of areas dissolve into one another by way of sliding pocket doorways, simply because the façade dissolves itself by the use of a system of sliding doorways and screens. A big round window punctures the corrugated roof within the upstairs bed room, the first supply of sunshine. The architects have executed the idea to a excessive stage of element all through; the dialogue between type, construction, materiality and objects inside the steady discipline is each rigorous and restrained, with the panorama and climate providing dynamic modifications in mild and environment.

Manukard Gård by Mason & Wales Architects (Queenstown)

Manukard Gård is a beneficiant and opulent residence with a resolute expression of pure supplies and conventional aesthetic. The success of the connection between structure and the environs is twofold; the siting, type, and materiality permits this substantial new building to quietly contribute to the expansive Wakatipu panorama, whereas the inside areas have interaction with monumental vistas. Mason & Wales, in collaboration with Cassells Inexperienced Interiors, have composed a casual collection of areas that permit for gathering, wellness, and retreat, all with a concentrate on class and consolation.

Kaka Pod by Rafe Maclean Architects (Wānaka)

This sixty-square-metre double-height vacation home is a cavernous house, generated by a triangular plan and curved corners. One voluminous house of 4 ranges inside the pod journey down the location, traversing current web site companies and boundary setbacks to nestle the pod amid bushes and the bush-clad web site. Positioned reverse an current home which shares the identical architectural DNA, complementary sheathing and refined color be certain that they’re subtle into the native planting. Ladder entry, roof mild and joinery are skilfully detailed in a modest palate of supplies, deferring to the facility of the one house with alcoves. This can be a beguiling retreat for a vacation journey.

Brick Home by Rafe Maclean Architects (Wānaka)

Brick Home is a wealthy and architecturally refined response to an excellent Wānaka web site and an exacting shopper temporary.  The home is characterised by the cautious steadiness of contrasting qualities; mild and darkish, texture and smoothness, daylight and shading. Revolutionary spatial planning mixed with technically imaginative building detailing has resulted in a house which expertly balances world-class power effectivity with excellent architectural authenticity.

Kārearea Home by RTA Studio

Kārearea Home manipulates linear plan and type to create a dynamic architectural expression. Inside areas are refined and complex, the general type creating intriguing variations within the quantity of inside areas. Prolonged stone partitions strengthen the visible connection between enclosed house and the broader panorama. A minimal aesthetic elevates the restrained palette of pure supplies, the masonry a refreshing mixture of native schist and river stone. Detailing and joinery all through the house has been thoughtfully detailed and expertly crafted.

Beacon Level Home by RTA Studio (Wānaka)

In a location typically certain by makes an attempt to seize expansive mountain views, Beacon Level Home supplies a refreshing distinction by nestling itself into the established panorama. The connection with a former dwelling on the location constructed by the shopper’s father is obvious within the new kinds, which seem deceivingly modest from the road however broaden inwards to hug a central terrace.  Materiality has been approached with restraint, with the black-stained exterior timber contrasting the heat of the inside palette.

Glenayr Farm Home by Vaughn McQuarrie (Lawrence) 

A easy shed-like construction embedded on the crest of a rolling hills panorama. A functioning farmhouse, together with studio and shed, are organized beneath a single roof construction. Minimal separation and partitions between areas makes them really feel extra like alcoves radiating into the panorama. Emblematic of the simplicity is the intelligent dissolving of thresholds, just like the sunken tub which feels integral with the pasture. Equally, the entrance threshold of the home has no deck or paving to intercede with grass. The sliding door body is suspended previous the slab edge to supply the sill because the step. This home celebrates a detailed collaboration not solely with its purchasers, however with the native tradesmen/craftsmen. What higher accolade for this home than the manifest pleasure of the purchasers.

Housing – Alterations and Additions

Climate Watcher by ahha (Dunedin)

Having lovingly and impeccably restored an current double bay villa, this designer/shopper has created a residing space extension to the rear of the restoration. Flawless transitioning is achieved in an thrilling trendy residing house, brimming with revolutionary and bespoke element. The curvilinear is expertly conscripted in locations such because the curved wall to type a sculptural field window jamb as an expression of steady view. Astonishingly the shopper not solely designed this mission however was largely liable for constructing the meticulously constructed joinery. The mission demonstrates an aspirational but pragmatic method to lowering environmental influence.

Housing – Multi Unit

The Village by Arête Architects (Queenstown)

The Village reimagines a typical suburban web site with two separate dwellings designed particularly for multi-generational residing. Demonstrating a collaborative method between the architect and shopper, the mission sought to minimise building waste and reused supplies salvaged from the previous cottage. The temporary additionally required that current cottage was retained on web site whereas the primary of the brand new dwellings was constructed, a major constraint that the architect resolved within the design of the mission. Every dwelling, another modest in scale than the opposite, has been organized in order that chosen areas overlap and allow interplay between occupants. The composition of supplies efficiently balances sustainability aspirations, sturdiness aims, and the need for a heat aesthetic.

Industrial Structure

O’Connells by McAuliffe Stevens (Queenstown)* 

This daring, assured improve to the present O’Connells constructing supplies an exuberant injection of power to the present retail panorama in central Queenstown. The mission concerned a posh regeneration of the Eighties purchasing centre to enhance seismic power, sturdiness, accessibility to the road, and operability for tenants. The brand new façade is extremely permeable alongside three frontages at floor stage, offering visible connection proper by way of to the central atrium and ground-level meals corridor. Contrasting this, the façade and canopies above reference the jagged panorama past. Inside detailing continues the narrative by way of a fastidiously articulated palette in widespread areas, and playful use of color within the bogs and stair areas. This can be a mission that’s each impressed by, and provides again to, its distinctive context.

Resene Color Award Quotation:

O’Connells celebrates color. The customer expertise is elevated by way of the surprising use of playful colors in inside areas. Vertical circulation is enhanced by a mess of paint colors, chosen to each complement and distinction over the degrees. The escalator, color drenched in vermillion crimson, is a vivid tackle wayfinding and vibrant tile finishes within the bogs energise in any other case purposeful areas.

Schooling

Trinity Catholic Faculty Music and Artwork Suites by McCoy and Wixon Architects (Dunedin)

This adaptive reuse of a historic constructing with a wealthy cultural historical past in arts training has generated an inspiring music and artwork facility for the Catholic Diocese and Trinity Faculty. Cautious upgrades of the historic constructing embrace seismic strengthening, improved compliance, and reinstatement of lacking timber window joinery. Difficult necessities for acoustic management inside the Nineteen Thirties timber construction have been navigated with each sensitivity and expression to realize mandatory isolation between studying areas, which additionally embrace a recording studio within the basement. The brand new carry and stairs lined in a heat timber is harking back to a crafted instrument. The mission has created trendy studying areas that foster scholar creativity inside a cultural and traditionally important context.

Heritage

The Lakes District Museum by Origin Heritage (Arrowtown)

The Lakes District Museum exemplifies sound conservation methodologies and demonstrates the collaborative efforts of the shopper, architect, engineer, and tradespeople. An revolutionary method to seismic strengthening, the catalyst for initiating the mission, ensured that the required structural interventions are discreet. The reinstated parapet revives the unique design intent of R.A. Lawson and considerably enhances the exterior look of the constructing. A reconfigured show house neatly incorporates a brand new carry that improves accessibility for the general museum facility. Restoration of the Lakes District Museum is a testomony to the experience and dedication of all concerned and has enhanced Arrowtown’s historic streetscape.

Planning & City Design

George Road, Dunedin Retail Quarter by Jasmax (Dunedin)

This revitalisation of inner-city Ōtepoti Dunedin, spurred by the necessity to substitute ageing underground infrastructure, is the biggest and arguably most important city mission inside the metropolis in current historical past, and the mission supply staff’s collaboration with Kāi Tahu companions has proved a sound instance of co-design in motion. The work was underpinned by a key objective of constructing seen of mana whenua historical past and narratives inside the retail quarter, thereby providing a extra genuine illustration of Dunedin’s cultural historical past past its broadly recognised colonial structure. This manifests all through the location within the weaving of narratives by way of bespoke paving, cultural markers, paintings, planting and bilingual signage, leading to a precinct that’s now universally accessible, inclusive, and speaks to Dunedin’s id.

Public Structure

Roxburgh Pool by Hierarchy Group (Roxburgh)

The Roxburgh Pool seamlessly blends practicality, sustainability, and sculptural design gestures. The ability includes three separate swimming pools, a altering pavilion, and a shade construction, and efficiently realises the objective of lowering working prices for the neighborhood. A shade construction utilises a semi-transparent photo voltaic panel array to create a comfortable, dappled mild beneath; an indication of infrastructure designed in a method that enhances the expertise of the place. Easy geometry of the altering pavilion fantastically enhances the rugged Teviot Valley panorama, whereas the golden hue of the faceted display screen serves as a year-round reminder of the autumn colors.

Te Kāika Wellbeing Hub by McCoy and Wixon Architects (Dunedin)

The results of a visionary temporary, Te Kāika Wellbeing Hub supplies a spot for a number of businesses to show an revolutionary collaborative method to caring for his or her neighborhood. The design combines the normal gable type of a wharenui with supplies typical of the encircling residential context to offer a way of consolation and familiarity. Spatial planning and use of sturdy supplies efficiently steadiness the aspiration for engagement and reference to the requirement to offer retreat house. A welcoming inside atmosphere has been created by a mixture of heat inside finishes, expressed construction that highlights the gabled roof type, and an openness between work and communal zones.

About Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of ArchitectsTe Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membership-based skilled organisation that represents greater than 90 % of registered architects in Aotearoa and promotes structure throughout the nation.

First established in 1905, the Institute at the moment has greater than 4,000 members. Roughly 50 % are registered architects working in New Zealand, with the steadiness of membership made up of New Zealand architects working abroad, architectural graduates, structure college students, lecturers of structure and retired architects.

Concerning the awardsThe Native Structure Awards is a peer-reviewed programme run by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects in affiliation with Resene and APL. Go to the web site for extra particulars.