Winners revealed: Canterbury Architecture Awards 2025

Thirty-one architectural initiatives throughout the Canterbury area obtained a Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Native Award at an occasion at Christchurch City Corridor on 14 Might.

Within the Small Mission Structure class, the Wainui Church Conversion by Warren and Mahoney and Objects in affiliation received an award for an adaptive reuse undertaking that confirmed the potential of a former home of worship in rural Banks Peninsula by using wealthy materials selections and intelligent particulars throughout a compact floorplan.

In the meantime Te Whare Whakatere – Ashburton Library and Civic Centre by Athfield Architects received a Public Structure Award for together with a state-of-the-art library, Council workplaces, Emergency Operations Centre, public occasion areas, and built-in facilities in a single constructing. The power makes use of artesian heating and power methods to assist its long-term resilience and create a constructing that judges discovered “unified that means, objective and place.”

“In judging initiatives this 12 months, we noticed a recurring sample of sturdy collaboration between architects and purchasers, resulting in distinctive initiatives that skilfully addressed challenges like topography, finances, and timeline,” says jury convenor and architect Jorgen Andersen from Arthouse Architects. “Thoughtfully crafted, progressive, and refined options throughout all scales demonstrated the important function architects play in profitable initiatives.”

On the largest finish of the size and over 11,000m2, the Christchurch Recent Distribution Centre by JWA Architects received a Business Structure Award, which the judges cited for answering the purchasers’ necessities for a big, extraordinarily environment friendly distribution centre servicing your entire South Island with a lot of considerate architectural interventions at a human scale.

Additional afield at Lake Pearson, Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy Group received two awards within the Hospitality and Inside Structure classes for seamlessly mixing design with the majestic landscapes of the Southern Alps to create an inside that judges discovered “evokes a way of class whereas honouring the essence of farming heritage” in a hospitality venue that additionally displays a dedication to visitor expertise and sustainability.

Craig Home (1998) by Thom Craig and Tabak Home (1984) by Sheppard & Rout Architects obtained Enduring Structure Awards this 12 months.

Purple pine villa by Cloth, Heathcote Valley Home by Pac Studio, and 36 OGB by AW Architects additionally received Resene Color Awards.

Andersen was joined on the jury by Ben Lloyd of Lloyd Hartley, Jessica Glen of Jessica Glen Architects, Nic Owen of Nic Owen Architects, and lay juror Sarah Rowlands.

The successful initiatives are:

Housing

Clements Home by Athfield ArchitectsClements Home by Athfield Architects is the end result of a decades-long client-architect relationship and was one in all Sir Ian Athfield’s ultimate sketches. The design employs a minimal and refined materials palette of rendered wall, galvanised metal, and kahikatea.

These supplies are confidently utilised from the big scale by to the detailing, with each component of the home fastidiously thought-about. The planning permits the couple to dwell inside a predominant residing and bed room wing, and to increase the home for prolonged household right into a visitor wing accessed through a bridge. The home is playful, that includes kinetic sculptures and backyard follies with parts like double-storey sash home windows and a fireman’s pole. The landscaping presents beneficiant out of doors residing areas that join the constructing’s wings within the picturesque panorama.

Purple pine villa by FabricRed pine villa by Cloth is hanging on its leafy, suburban avenue, but the low picket fence, slim entrance yard and hipped roof sit appropriately within the context. This cleverly deliberate undertaking permits future improvement to the rear of the big part and likewise permits the home to doubtlessly be moved on its PLT flooring. Regardless of finances constraints, the detailing, influenced by Japanese design, is intelligent and considerate. Ochre, purple sliding screens present privateness to out of doors residing area, there’s an absence of gutters, polycarbonate panelling and Shou Sugi Ban timber are used as cladding, and the structural framing is well known. The home is superbly composed and a delight from all angles. Purple Pine Villa is exemplar of how high quality design can handle suburban densification whereas preserving the character of the avenue.

Resene Color Award Quotation:Color is used minimally and successfully to create an simply learn tectonic type. The black Shou Sugi Ban cladding and galvanised metal roof is paired in opposition to the structural parts picked out in a deep scoria purple. Inside color is used sparingly however successfully, with a yolk-yellow lounge nook in opposition to rimu cladding, and deep inexperienced rest room in opposition to polycarbonate screens.

Builders Blocks by Johnstone Callaghan ArchitectsA distinctive, daring and thought-provoking design eschewing the standard inner-city improvement inside a really conventional Christchurch suburb.

Working in shut collaboration with the builder-client, this dwelling actively engages with the road and neighbouring church website with various heights, volumes and supplies offering dynamic elevations from all angles.

Articulated by a lot of distinct horizontal datums in a hanging purple brick, the refined detailing and builders’ craftsmanship is on full show.

Intelligent planning round a collection of inner courtyards creates a lot of intimate material-rich areas on the bottom ground. With visitor bedrooms above, the constructing is then topped by a pleasant gin bar permitting views over the neighbourhood and completely positioned for that sundown drink.

Low Slung by Johnstone Callaghan ArchitectsThe temporary was to rebuild an earthquake-damaged home right into a sustainable, high-quality dwelling with mid-century influences. On an extended, slim website, low-slung gable varieties stretch down the part, maximising daylight, facet yards, and backyard areas.

Landscaping is integral, with curated plantings providing inexperienced views from all rooms and connecting indoors with open air. Sturdy, low-maintenance supplies like brick and huge tray metallic roofing function in a impartial, elevated palette. Although modest from the road, the purposeful entry results in a spacious, finely detailed inside. Inside areas play on mid-century aesthetics with architectural timber trims and particulars including heat and tactility. These sincere supplies replicate the shopper’s love of the Christchurch fashion, mixed in a contemporary dwelling for in the present day.

Lighthouse by Johnstone Callaghan ArchitectsIn a fascinating response to each website and shopper wants, this new bach elegantly embraces its steep Akaroa location whereas echoing the essence of Californian modernism. The design thoughtfully separates residing and sleeping areas with a breezeway, permitting for adaptability and enhanced connection to nature, soaking in northern gentle and southern views. The strategically chosen supplies, prioritising low upkeep, harmonise with the coastal local weather whereas creating an inviting aesthetic. This undertaking transcends its preliminary temporary, evolving right into a major residence that helps the purchasers’ evolving life-style and inventive pursuits, all whereas addressing vital geotechnical challenges.

Bühler Residence by Makers of ArchitectureThis house is clearly a results of a long-term, trusting relationship between architect and shopper.

Designed to a restricted finances on a difficult part, the structure works deftly with the contours of the positioning, offering a delicate, thought-about path of circulation to and thru the home and beneficiant pockets of residing area all through.

The spectacular views from the principle residing and bed room areas are counterposed with intimate courtyards which have been fastidiously designed to shelter from the prevailing climate circumstances on the website.

A intelligent design that gives a sustainable, value efficient and versatile dwelling for a younger household.

Redcliffs Home, Te Rae Kura by MAPThis thoughtfully composed house is anchored to its website by using excavated volcanic rock. The restrained materials palette and purposeful planning end in a sequence of linked, elegant areas. Upon arrival, the view is deliberately hid, then revealed by a central stair that separates residing, sleeping, and repair areas. A collection of mounted and sliding screens handle gentle, privateness, and photo voltaic achieve with finesse. Outside terraces and courtyards prolong the inside into the panorama, making a seamless dialogue between inside and outside, and a residing expertise formed by materials integrity and spatial readability.

Kapua Farm Home by MAPA fashionable dwelling for a younger farming household on a finances, Kapua Farm Home was created although a collaborative effort of household and associates.

Embracing passive design rules, the design is anchored by a recycled brick bed room wing on the rear of the positioning. A curved brick entry opens as much as a heat, birch ply kitchen and residing space projecting out to views of the panorama beneath a low-slung zinc roof. Interiors are whimsical and private.

Native macrocarpa decking wraps the house, providing a number of out of doors zones that reply to the circumstances.

This dwelling speaks clearly to its pure surroundings within the North Canterbury panorama.

Heathcote Valley Home by Pac StudioFun, vibrant and richly textured.

Designed in collaboration with a younger household as their first dwelling, this home is playful, not too valuable and undeniably homely.

Rigorously positioned on the positioning, partaking each the quick panorama and higher context, the home actively embraces modifications in its surrounding surroundings offering a constructing that’s each pavilion and refuge.

The interiors have been thoughtfully crafted, incorporating the shopper’s occupation as a florist by devoted ledges, cabinets and surfaces and layering applicable supplies and hues all through, together with some delectable parts of whimsy.

A pleasant, discreet little dwelling that sits completely in its surroundings.

Resene Color Award Quotation:From the pastel inexperienced cladding and vivid yellow canopies reflecting the panorama, to the playful use of color all through its inside, this can be a delightfully cheerful little dwelling.

Curvature by Stufkens + Chambers ArchitectsThis progressive household dwelling masterfully integrates with its rural-urban fringe context, honouring each the panorama and the house owners’ life-style. Impressed by an impressive golden elm tree, the design options curved timber slats and perforated metallic screens that guarantee privateness whereas enhancing aesthetic and climatic management. With an open-plan coronary heart, strategic voids, and intimate nooks, the house fosters a robust connection to nature and encourages household engagement, together with interplay with distinctive beloved pets. Constructed utilizing a wealthy but resilient palette of supplies, this residence exemplifies considerate planning and design, balancing up to date residing with pure concord.

RHR Home by Three Sixty ArchitectureNestled inside Christchurch’s rugged Southshore spit, the RHR Home is an experimental household dwelling that redefines architectural rules, prioritising individuals, place, and emotion. Thoughtfully designed to mitigate the dangers of pure hazards, the home’s stacked ground plates and minimal, dematerialised aesthetic create a relaxed, retreat-like environment, whereas its materials palette of concrete, metal, and timber evokes the encompassing coastal surroundings. The arrival sequence, with its timber boardwalk and floating stair type, results in a kitchen-centric plan that seamlessly integrates indoor and out of doors residing areas, showcasing how ‘type follows perform’ in a resilient and emotionally evocative design.

Merino Jacket by Three Sixty ArchitectureA superbly easy and refined dwelling thoughtfully crafted inside a good finances.

Clearly articulated areas have been designed round a younger household and showcase the beautiful views whereas nonetheless offering small intimate areas for gathering, together with a pleasant out of doors courtyard incorporating an present Japanese maple tree.

This dwelling does all the massive strikes nicely, cleverly utilises normal building parts and permits for future adaptability with out compromising on the wellbeing of its inhabitants within the quick time period.

This house is a real exemplar of high quality design on a restricted finances.

Housing – Alterations & Additions

Storage & Visitor Suite by Peter Kent ArchitectThis finely resolved undertaking on Hackthorne Highway is the results of a longstanding client-architect relationship. Designed by Peter Kent, the freestanding construction gives garaging, artwork storage, backyard sheds, and superbly crafted visitor lodging. A restrained palette of timber, Oamaru stone, and galvanised metal references the present home whereas establishing its personal identification. Detailing is elegant and refined with its minimalism belying some advanced particulars. The planning and landscaping are nicely thought-about, offering a non-public area with views of the metropolis.

Inside Structure

36 OGB by AW ArchitectsA daring, but sympathetic refurbishment inside this wonderful outdated constructing.

The cautious reinstatement of heritage detailing is bravely complemented with a daring color palette and refined textures that end in a playful and distinctive inner-city condo.

Working in collaboration with the condo house owners, the architect has deftly included their aesthetic fashion and paintings right into a collection of distinctive and infrequently whimsical areas continually taking part in on one’s sense of depth and perspective whereas nonetheless offering all the mandatory amenity for up to date residing.

This design packs so much into 75m2.

Resene Color Award Quotation:A deep and moody color palette with refined textures, detailing and lighting is boldly offset with bursts of highlighter pink and metallic surfaces. This can be a courageous and impressive design with color on the forefront.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy GroupLocated inside the historic Craigieburn Valley, Sugarloaf exemplifies harmonious design, seamlessly mixing with the majestic landscapes of the Southern Alps. This exceptional inside evokes a way of class whereas honouring the essence of farming heritage.

Emphasising pure supplies comparable to ebony-stained cedar and uncooked stone, Sugarloaf skilfully frames breathtaking vistas. The considerate association of areas fosters intimacy inside the expansive interiors, enhanced by beautiful particulars such because the suspended hearth and outsized doorways.

Sugarloaf stands as a exceptional reflection of architectural excellence, providing visitors a memorable eating expertise in a surprising high-country retreat.

Anthem Companions by TSArchitectsNot your typical accountant’s workplace.

Shifting from a shiny workplace tower to a nondescript warehouse, the transformation of this constructing was a chance for the structure to replicate and improve the corporate’s model and identification.

A easy, pared-back terracotta entrance gives a small glimpse to the road of the area inside which is stuffed with richly textured supplies, deep tones and refined detailing.

A full inner refurbishment, weaving collectively subtle furnishing with finely completed industrial supplies gives a novel and enchanting workplace area for each staff and purchasers.

Public Structure

Te Whare Whakatere – Ashburton Library and Civic Centre by Athfield ArchitectsA benchmark for up to date civic structure in Aotearoa, Te Whare Whakatere unites cultural expression, practical excellence, and sustainability in a single cohesive type. Designed to serve Ashburton’s rising wants, the constructing features a state-of-the-art library, Council workplaces, Emergency Operations Centre, public occasion areas, and built-in facilities. It welcomes and displays its group by collaboration with mana whenua. Materials references to the area’s farming identification — mass timber, pivot-inspired trusses, and silo-like mesh—anchor it firmly in place. Historic Pioneer Corridor is thoughtfully restored inside the kids’s library, whereas artesian heating and power methods assist long-term resilience. A civic constructing of that means, objective and place.

Hillmorton Hospital Specialist Psychological Well being Companies by KleinTe Huarahi Hou, that means ‘a brand new journey’, centralises psychological well being care at Hillmorton Hospital, with two new buildings for youth, maternal, consuming dysfunction, and high-needs providers. The design prioritises wellbeing, with light-filled interiors, out of doors courtyards and therapeutic, homely areas impressed by Te Ao Māori.

Session with customers assist form environments that steadiness dignity, autonomy, and scientific care. Sturdy supplies like concrete, plywood, and timber create a home, protected environment whereas assembly strict scientific requirements. Offset mono-pitched roofs reference Christchurch’s residential historical past and soften institutional character.

The undertaking achieved New Zealand’s first five-star Inexperienced Star Constructing ranking for healthcare and units a brand new normal for sustainable, inclusive psychological well being design. It’s an exemplar for future developments throughout New Zealand.

Small Mission Structure

Glandovey Studio by PRauThis second stage of labor to RC Ballantyne Home introduces a refined standalone construction encompassing an artist’s studio, workplace, garaging, and storage. Sited on newly acquired land linking the property to Waimairi Stream, the design echoes the unique home whereas forging sturdy visible and bodily ties to the panorama. Drawing inspiration from the Christchurch College, the constructing’s articulated concrete block partitions and folded roof create a dynamic interaction of construction, gentle, and shadow. Rigorously framed river views, seamless indoor-outdoor connections, and sculpted thresholds enrich this expressive, functionally numerous addition with sculptural readability and contextual sensitivity.

Wainui Church Conversion by Warren and Mahoney Architects and Objects in associationWainui Church is an exemplary adaptive reuse undertaking, mixing preservation with clearly articulated up to date interventions. The detailing is intelligent, with effective angles bordering the present home windows to abut the brand new cladding, and the brand new roof insulation pulled again off the façade to take care of the fineness of the fascia. A brand new west-facing opening with a sliding display screen is the one suggestion of what’s inside. Right here, a metal mezzanine hovers off the present construction, with a sculptural spiral stair to the first bed room. The footprint is compact however features a kitchen, tv room, with the youngsters’s room, and loo tucked within the sacristy. Wealthy and vibrant materials selections are used all through. The undertaking is a testomony to the potential of adaptive reuse and extends the lifetime of a particular constructing.

Enduring Structure

Craig Home (1998) by Thom CraigThom Craig Home stands as a daring and enduring contribution to New Zealand’s architectural panorama. Over twenty years since its building, the home continues to resonate with its radical reinterpretation of the suburban dwelling. Eschewing conventional spatial hierarchies, it presents adaptable zones outlined by motion, gentle, and notion. The hanging black exterior, hid structural parts, and nuanced detailing communicate to a timeless minimalism grounded in place. Its design skilfully addresses flexibility, lowered materials expression, and the mixing of artwork and structure. Thom Craig Home stays a uncommon and influential instance of putting up with residential structure that continues to encourage architects, provoke dialogue, and provide a related mannequin of how houses may be reimagined for up to date life.

Tabak Home (1984) by Sheppard & RoutOverlooking Governors Bay with views to Quail Island, this thoughtfully composed 1984 dwelling efficiently retains its relevance as a hanging piece of structure. Although understated from the street, the modest entry connects strongly outlined circulation paths with residing areas each inside and outside. Dynamic uncovered construction is thoughtfully built-in permitting thought-about and playful apertures, whereas the steadiness of white partitions and pure timber exude a way of tranquil concord. The delineation of the first type into 4 steeply gabled modules reduces the size and helps this dwelling stay settled into its environment.

Business Structure

Sumner Publish Workplace by AW ArchitectsThis seaside heritage constructing has been thoughtfully remodeled right into a vibrant hospitality venue, preserving its architectural integrity whereas introducing new life and group objective. A recent purple brick extension enhances the unique construction, providing social areas at floor stage and new tenancies above. A recessed unfavourable element separates but unites outdated and new. Sturdy supplies—together with uncovered precast concrete and a light-weight metal body—guarantee low upkeep, seismic resilience, and structural effectivity. Sustainable selections scale back waste and environmental impression. An adjoining courtyard has been reactivated for public use. The undertaking demonstrates how adaptive reuse can honour heritage whereas enriching group life.

Christchurch Recent Distribution Centre by JWA ArchitectsAt a scale that’s tough to understand, not to mention doc, this improvement is an inspiring response to an in any other case prosaic architectural temporary.

Constructed over 11,000m2, the undertaking has managed to ship a collection of buildings that reply the purchasers’ necessities for a big, extraordinarily environment friendly distribution centre servicing your entire South Island and a lot of considerate architectural interventions at a human scale.

The coordination of many specialised consultants and stakeholders right into a undertaking that has been so clearly articulated and capable of comprise a lot of moments of actual architectural refinement is really admirable.

Lexus of Christchurch by Warren and Mahoney Architects The Lexus of Christchurch showroom exemplifies progressive city design inside the South Body precinct, addressing each metropolis planning challenges and model aspirations.

The event integrates a refined shopper lounge, expansive automobile shows, and practical industrial workspace, all whereas embracing the Japanese ethos of ‘Omotenashi.’ The hanging façade, impressed by Japanese craftsmanship, creates visible curiosity and enhances public connectivity by the Te Ara Pū Hā laneway. Prioritising sustainability, the undertaking incorporates energy-efficient applied sciences and versatile design for future adaptability, setting a brand new normal for inner-city automotive retail whereas enriching Christchurch’s city material.

Schooling

Higher West Sports activities Centre by ArchitectusLocated inside an iconic architectural campus, this constructing reveals an applicable stage of respect to the present constructed context with out being overly deferential.

A hanging jap façade with its concrete ribs paying homage to the principle campus buildings sits above a base of purple brick, in flip reflecting the walled enclosure of the sports activities subject.

Behind this elevation, the sports activities centre comprises a powerful assortment of amenities highlighted by a stunningly spacious, light-filled gymnasium.

Whereas splendid in scale and amenity, it’s the apparent care that has been put into the finer architectural particulars that units this constructing aside as an exemplar of its sort.

Penny Lane by South by SoutheastBorn from the tragedy of a Christmas Eve fireplace, Penny Lane Early Childhood Centre was reimagined and rebuilt in simply 10 months. South by Southeast have delivered a relaxed, light-filled surroundings with areas thoughtfully scaled for youngsters, from a comfy toddler room to a beneficiant, light-filled space for older tamariki. A well-considered panorama options productive gardens, established bushes, and a big, screened, all-weather out of doors play area. It’s a testomony to the architects and shopper how briskly this undertaking was circled to minimise the disruption of the households at Penny Lane, regardless of the complexities of smoke and water harm to the present construction. This undertaking reveals how high quality design can tremendously enhance environments for studying and switch a tragedy into an alternative.

Heritage

OMC Constructing – Previous Municipal Chambers by Three Sixty ArchitectureThe restoration of Christchurch’s Previous Municipal Chambers, a Class 1 heritage constructing, exemplifies distinctive conservation follow and engineering innovation. This bold undertaking has revitalized Samuel Hurst Seager’s 1887 Queen Anne Revival masterpiece, strengthening it to 67% of the New Constructing Commonplace whereas meticulously preserving its historic integrity. The group’s cautious method balanced fashionable seismic resilience with conventional craftsmanship, salvaging authentic supplies and faithfully reconstructing misplaced parts. Modern methods, together with 3D scanning for statue replication, seamlessly built-in new and outdated. This landmark restoration not solely safeguards an important piece of New Zealand’s architectural heritage but in addition performs an important function in Christchurch’s cultural and concrete regeneration, symbolizing town’s resilience and dedication to its historic legacy.

Chapel of the Higher Room – Renovations & Strengthening by Wilkie + Bruce ArchitectsDesigned within the Nineteen Sixties by Sir Miles Warren, the Chapel of the Higher Room is a key constructing on the College of Canterbury’s Ilam campus and a celebrated instance of mid-century Australasian chapel structure. That includes a copper-clad, M-shaped roof, béton brut concrete, and uncovered timber trusses, the chapel was broken within the 2010 – 2011 earthquakes and deemed earthquake-prone. Its meticulous restoration preserved authentic supplies and proportions whereas including discreet seismic strengthening, a brand new raft slab basis, and a contemporary glazed egress hyperlink. The undertaking eliminated later additions, revealing the unique undercroft and staircase, making certain this architectural treasure continues to serve future generations.

Hospitality

Sumner Publish Workplace by Nott ArchitectsThe 1938 Sumner Publish Workplace has been remodeled right into a vibrant, community-focused brew bar, mixing heritage with up to date design. The unique concrete construction now homes an open, light-filled bar and restaurant, anchored by a big timber bar, vibrant tiles, bespoke lighting, and an open pizza oven. A brand new rear addition accommodates kitchens and intimate seating. The design celebrates the constructing’s character whereas enhancing sustainability and performance. Sturdy, low-maintenance supplies, reeded glass, wealthy tones and heat timber particulars create a welcoming environment. Pure gentle and industrial parts improve the area, whereas 5% of beer income helps native causes — proving good design can provide again.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy GroupNestled amidst the breathtaking Southern Alps, Sugarloaf at Flockhill Station is a culinary and hospitality vacation spot that seamlessly blends with its dramatic pure setting. Showcasing a exceptional steadiness between the constructed type and its majestic environment, delivering a really immersive visitor expertise. The considered use of uncooked supplies — timber, stone, and metal —ensures a robust connection to the panorama, framed panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Its grand scale is tempered by intimate zones, reflecting a dedication to visitor expertise and sustainability. Sugarloaf is a surprising homage to Flockhill Station’s heritage, exemplifying architectural innovation in concord with nature.

The NZIA Structure Awards programme is supported by Resene and APL.