Recognition of wood’s structural and decorative possibilities. By Michael Smith
Each year Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) celebrates a number of exceptional architectural projects via awards ceremonies held in its eight constituent branches.
Timber Trader News looks at some of the outstanding winners which emerged from the regions over a seven-week period in May and June.
One of the standouts from Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay is the Hawke’s Bay Fire Station (Public Architecture category) by RTA Studio (Napier). The architects noted that the Importance Level 4 building replaces an ageing facility with a resilient, future-ready, post-disaster hub. “Raised floor levels mitigate flood and tsunami risk, and a backup generator ensures operational readiness.
“Mass timber construction [CLT, glulam and LVL] and low-carbon concrete significantly reduce embodied carbon, while exposed timber interiors celebrate structure and minimise applied finishes.”
The judges were keen to emphasise that the project achieves clarity through a simple form that responds directly to its landscape and purpose. “A tilted roofline and restrained materials give it a calm, confident presence – while inside, the balance between large appliance areas and smaller human-scaled spaces is carefully handled.”
TĀWHAKI NUI-A-HEMA
Meanwhile, the jury in the Nelson region commented that a noticeable trend this year was “the intelligent use of engineered timber elements and building systems”. And no more so than with the winner of the Education category, Tāwhaki Nui-a-Hema/ Motueka High School Maths and Horticulture Block by Arthouse Architects and Sheppard & Rout Architects.
It was inspired by the legend of Tāwhaki, a prominent figure in Māori mythology.
The project demonstrates a cost-effective, repeatable, modular solution for new school buildings – and, according to the architects, is “a possible way forward for school projects if carbon reduction becomes mandatory”.
Further, the jury citation talked of a building model that allows standard and specialist teaching spaces to be arranged in a linear layout, while providing flexibility for use across many school campuses in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“In this case, it supports a horticulture programme, with practical interior spaces that connect directly to greenhouses and gardens. Upstairs, warm, light-filled classrooms support whole-class learning alongside smaller focused spaces beneath a generous light shelf.
“Carefully chosen materials celebrate the exposed structure, encouraging curiosity about how the building is made and how it functions.”
THE PAVILION
Of note in the Waikato & Bay of Plenty region is Pacific Lakes Village – The Pavilion, by Peddle Thorp – a winner in the Commercial Architecture category.
This purpose-built communal facility is the focal point of a retirement community in Papamoa – “a flexible and welcoming space for dining, wellness and social activities” that provides a strong sense of place and identity.
“A clear sense of pride is shown in how often the building is used and in people’s willingness to share it with visiting friends and family.”
The Pavilion features a highly visible glulam structure, and some wonderfully decorative and prominent finishes such as fluted timber panelling and a detailed timber ceiling in the entranceway.
In addition, the jury noted that “although the building is large, the spaces feel comfortable and easy to use. Smaller rooms branch off the main area, allowing for a range of different uses and experiences.”
Above: Garden House features “pine plywood linings, recycled hardwood cladding, and the reuse of leftover materials”.
Above: Garden House: “a calm and carefully designed retreat”.
DEEP SOUTH
The Southern region was especially strong in the Housing category, with 11 projects in the greater Wānaka/Queenstown area gaining recognition.
Jury convenor and architect Andrea O’Connor (Oakley Gray Architects) said the quality of work was “exceptionally high, showcasing meticulous attention to detail, technical precision, and thoughtful design. This response underscores the intricate relationship between architecture and individual experience, illustrating how our surroundings shape our perceptions and interactions with daily life.”
Emerging as a standout in the Housing category was Garden House by Sarah Ritchie (Wānaka) – “a calm and carefully designed retreat that transforms a small site through thoughtful retention, layering, and efficient use of space”.
This compact 111-square-metre home for a family of four reflects kaitiakitanga (guardianship) by reducing material use and supporting long-term adaptability.
The jury recognised a clear whakapapa (material lineage) demonstrated by pine plywood linings, recycled hardwood cladding, and the reuse of leftover materials for joinery and garden structures.
“High insulation, timber joinery, and triple glazing support an efficient pūnaha pūngao (energy system)” – while “gardens and greenhouse spaces are closely connected to daily life, strengthening the mauri (life force) of the home.”
Garden House was one of three in the Southern region to receive a Resene Colour Award. The judges appreciated the use of “a dark and moody palette that quietly recedes into the background, allowing views through each opening to become the focus.
“Black is the dominant tone, but it is carefully handled through layered materials such as plywood, plaster, and mural surfaces, preventing the interior from feeling heavy or monolithic.”
Above: The Mill includes “a full life cycle carbon assessment, which shows a strong commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship)”.
THE MILL
Also impressive in the south is The Mill by Warren and Mahoney – a low-carbon, mass- timber structure, and one of two winners in the Interior Architecture category.
This sports performance hub in Queenstown features a carefully designed interior environment that improves the experience of training, recovery, and wellbeing.
Jury members were impressed with the clear spatial organisation that “leads users naturally from entry and warm-up areas through to weights, cardio, and recovery spaces, with mountain views helping to anchor the experience. A restrained material palette and integrated signage support focus and accessibility.”
The Mill’s exposed LVL timber structure “is highlighted through lighting, creating a strong sense of whakapapa (structural lineage) and clarity throughout the spaces”.
Furthermore, the project includes a full life cycle carbon assessment, which shows a strong commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
Above: The low-carbon, mass timber structure features a restrained material palette.
DALLINGTON BRIDGE
In Canterbury, the sole winner in the region’s Planning and Urban Design category is Dallington Bridge by Isthmus.
According to the Christchurch City Council it is “the fourth and final walking bridge to be constructed as part of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor’s (OARC) Regeneration Plan” – and completes the first phase of the City to Sea Pathway, an 11-kilometre-long shared-use path.
Sitting comfortably within its natural setting, the low-profile glulam timber structure was developed through collaboration with local engineering students and a strong partnership with the Council.
The judges’ appraisal noted how the project weaves Māori narratives into the design and construction process, giving the bridge a strong cultural connection.
They added that the structure is “clad in textured timber rounds that bring warmth and craftsmanship to the project, while carefully selected materials support safety, durability, and environmental performance. More than just a crossing, the bridge creates a place where people are encouraged to pause and connect.”
ARATOI
One of three winners in the Wellington region’s Enduring category is Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History (2001) by Studio Pacific Architecture.
The architects said the purpose-built museum and art gallery complex in Masterton was “clad in weathered timber to reflect its role as a container for our taonga” (anything considered to be of value).
The judges acknowledged the project’s innovative use of engineered laminated timber – the beginning of “an important architectural exploration that has influenced practice in New Zealand for many years”.
“Strong and simple detailing gives the building a timeless identity, while the arrangement of gallery, community, and hospitality spaces creates a rich and engaging public experience.
“Well loved and continually evolving, Aratoi remains an important cultural hub for the Masterton community.”
Thanks to Kevin Ptak, Manager Marketing and Communications at NZIA, for his help in compiling this material.
