Architecture graduates celebrate success in 2024 national and international awards
Last week, nine Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington graduates were announced as winners in the New Zealand Architecture Awards and two in the Australian Pattern Book Design Competition.
2024 New Zealand Architecture Awards winners
Organised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, The New Zealand Architecture Awards recognise outstanding architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand each year. Convenor of the National Awards this year was Te Herenga Waka Bachelor of Architecture graduate Caroline Robertson who gave a wonderful speech in Te Reo.
Gonville Pool House by Patchwork Architecture
Ben Mitchell-Anyon and Sally Ogle, Bachelor of Architecture graduates
A different take on the adaptive reuse of a public building, a new whare is integrated into the well-loved and architecturally cheerful Gonville Pool. This approach maintains the original characterful street presence, while providing a well-planned, considerately sited new house that artfully uses the defunct pool to bring a productive garden into the centre of the programme. An artist’s residency retrofit into the changing rooms adds to the local community’s artistic stripe. The former public pool’s infrastructure is visibly integrated into the landscaping of this fun and lively project.
St Hilda’s Church Renovation by First Light Studio
Bronwyn Phillipps, Guy Marriage and Ben Jagersma, Master of Architecture graduates
This delightful transformation of a small community church shows what can be done with a big imagination and a collaborative spirit. St Hilda’s was built in 1910 as a timber structure with an aspirational brick front to the street. When faced with earthquake-strengthening the brick façade, the congregation and First Light Studio undertook the brave move to demolish it and extend and open the church to the street with a glazed, laminated-timber arched bay window. St Hilda’s feels utterly contemporary and welcoming by day and night, thanks to a beautifully designed, folded patterned metal screen that modulates privacy and light with a magical effect inside and out.
Wānaka S.K.I House by Roberts Gray Architects Ltd.
Jimmy Gray and Nick Roberts, Master of Architecture (Professional) graduates
The private house has become a contentious category in architecture as we grapple with issues of sustainability, density, and housing security. In response, Roberts Gray has approached this building type with propositions that extend architectural thinking. There is evident speculation about how stubborn vernaculars might be challenged and a suggestion of fresh approaches to materiality, massing, privacy and transparency and balance of built form to landscape. This meticulously detailed and experientially beautiful house reveals impressive technical ability and a finely wrought aesthetic judgement. Importantly, it also demonstrates architectural thinking in this young practice that could lead to a better urbanism.
Te Tihi – Aurecon Auckland by Warren and Mahoney
Cultural liaisons lead in the team, Whare Timu, Bachelor of Architecture graduate
Te Tihi confidently positions itself within the cultural and physical landscape of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei. Extensive mana mapping has informed a highly effective collaboration with mana whenua, architect, and the client’s cultural strategy team He Rautaki Māori. Relaxed but agile planning, a natural palette with warm timber textures and abundant planting all contribute to a sense of sanctuary within a bustling workspace. The deconstructed waka taurapa (waka stern) central stair adorned with aukaha waka binding pattern references the engineering focus of this workplace and asserts the architecture’s aspiration to facilitate and navigate the convergence of relationships, community, and place. Through collaborative design and storytelling, Te Tihi fosters an environment grounded in respect for the land and people and is an accomplished example of culturally responsive interior architecture.
2024 F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship for Public Housing winner
Established in honour of F. Gordon Wilson, this fellowship aims to inspire architectural research addressing Aotearoa’s housing needs that remain unfulfilled.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly, a Master of Architecture (Professional) graduate and New Zealand architect based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia, has been awarded the 2024 F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship for Public Housing. He will conduct research on Bluefields, an urban infill housing model, to explore how it could transform the existing state housing stock in Aotearoa.
Read more.
Pattern Book Design Competition winners
Pattern Book Design Competition is an international competition to design terrace houses and mid-rise apartments for 21st century New South Wales in Australia. The competition is led by Government Architect NSW.
Spacecraft Architects—winner in the Mid-rise apartment category
Caroline Robertson and Tim Gittos, Bachelor of Architecture graduates
Spacecraft Architects’ design features spacious, open apartments with a strong connection to the outdoors. Wide-aspect apartments enhance the sense of space with various configurations on each floor. Roof overhangs help keep the building cool while providing shaded areas. There are gardens at ground level and social spaces on the rooftop, including laundry and kitchen gardens. The design fosters a neighbourhood feel with varying levels of privacy and shared spaces for social interaction.
Read more.
Awards and images are republished as a courtesy of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and The Government Architect NSW.
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