The ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards were held recently in Wellington. They are in place to recognise the incredible hard work that ADNZ members contribute to Aotearoa’s built environment, to our communities and to the building and design industry every day. They give us the opportunity to see what is changing for the better in home design and how our buildings now reflect a much more holistic design approach. The awards are judged by a powerhouse panel, made up of leading industry experts from around the country, allowing us all an opportunity to celebrate the success of NZ designers and showcase the amazing talent and skill that is available in this country.
Keryn Davis, CEO of Architectural Designers New Zealand, said this year the winning projects were diverse, interesting, dynamic and ultimately demonstrate the depth of skill and experience amongst industry professionals.
Excitingly, Essence Architectural Design were among the winners on the night for our client’s project – Waimea Coastal Studio which won the regional award for residential alterations and additions.
The brief for this project was for a simple, relaxed space as an addition to the family bach in Waikanae. We designed a contemporary studio with a light, airy, peaceful vibe and the ultimate coastal getaway from city-life. Supporting the need for a sustainable approach, we worked closely with the builder to design a highly insulated prefabricated panel system, which was able to be built offsite during Lockdown 1. A private courtyard cleverly joins the studio with the bach making for an ultimate outdoor entertainment space.
The ADNZ Judges said the nonchalant and unassuming exterior of this evocative Kiwi bach belies the sophistication of the interior scheme within. “The studio contains beautifully executed joinery with seamless plywood lining and integrated storage solutions that are fitting for the beach location. Glazed bifolding doors open up to flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for family use and enjoyment. The result is both sympathetic to the original bach, while utilising the garage footprint to its best functional end.”
Essence Architectural Design also took home a second win on the night- the Judges Commendation home interiors Award for our Waimea Kitchen renovation project
Originally built in the 1940s, the character cottage has provided its owners a peaceful sanctuary away from city life. Once inside, you immediately have the sense of warmth and welcome in this light airy family space – the ultimate zen surrounding for anyone wanting to unwind and relax. The client requested the existing space to be opened up yet not lose the charm of the original interiors and most importantly expressed a desire to retain the rimu timber panelling and windows.
A key feature of the new kitchen is the stainless-steel and formica benches which complete a contemporary look while referencing the original era of the home. The natural wooden floors and the use of white on the walls and cabinetry throughout, exude warmth and light – all providing the perfect complement to the rimu wood. Judges commented on the appropriately sized contextual response to the beachside bach typology – “Excellent timber wall-lining and window element reuse, combined with hard-wearing working surfaces, completes this robust and sympathetic interior renovation.”
The ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards are held annually by Architectural Designers New Zealand. ADNZ is a professional membership organisation for architectural designers and architects of New Zealand. The awards celebrate projects located across New Zealand, recognising excellence in residential and commercial design.
