Mahurangi designers standout in awards

Presented to architectural designers in both residential and commercial sectors, the awards identify stand-out designs categorised as new homes, interiors, alterations and additions and industrial design.

This year seven regional awards were given to six winning Auckland/Northland designers. The award winners are Bernie Kose of BK Design Warkworth, Joseph Long of LTD Architectural, Peter Were of Peter Were Architecture/Interiors, Phil Mason of Phil Mason Consultants, David Maurice of LTD Architectural and Mark McLeay of Creative Arch.

Architectural Designers NZ chief executive Astrid Andersen said that this year’s recipients stood out due to their clever thinking when approaching complex design issues and the use of extreme creative flair.

“Our winning designers have proved with their thoughtful and fresh designs that anything is possible, even in the unique Auckland landscape which demands innovation and excellence.”

The national awards will be announced on October 30.

Award winners

Kose Family House by Bernie Kose, of BK Design

Location: Bluegum Drive, Warkworth
Award: Residential Compact New Home up to 150m2
Description: A small family home that will not only provide the owners with a functional space to raise their young family, but also the privilege of a modern design that lends itself to its surroundings, while not costing the earth. The home is energy efficient and relatively maintenance free.
Judges’ comments: A three bedroom starter home which was built on a tight budget on a bush clad suburban site in greater Auckland. There is a thoughtful use of everyday materials, which is exaggerated slightly to give a sense of generosity.

Omaha House by Joseph Long, of LTD Architectural

Location: Mangatawhiri Road, Omaha
Award: Residential New Home between 150m2 and 300m2
Description: This home combines the elegance and sophistication of contemporary living with the practicality of a beach lifestyle.  There is a natural flow internally, with a harmonious balance of entertaining zones and private reflective areas.  The home is finished in a simple palette of colours –  black on white, set against the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Judge’s comments: A strong street presence is established by exploring the problem of a front yard garage for its design potential.

Takatu Woolshed by Peter Were, of Peter Were Architecture/Interiors

Location: Takatu Road, Matakana
Award: Residential New Home over 300m2
Description: A derelict Matakana woolshed was transformed into a beautiful home with stunning views of Omaha Beach, Little Barrier Island and the Gulf. The old shed dictated the scale and geometry of this new two-wing house, while also providing the designer with salvaged materials and original woolshed fixtures for cladding and interior features.
Judge’s comments: Great utilisation of an existing building that informs the use of a familiar, agricultural architectural type. The sense of familiarity is carried through into the interior spaces through utilities and appointments.

Hodgson Holiday Home by Mark McLeay of Creative Arch

Location: Ridge Road, Scotts Landing
Award: Resene Colour in Design Award
Description: Located on a large rural site at Scotts Landing, the house sits in a West facing steep slope overlooking stunning views across Ngaio Bay and Mahurangi Harbour. The house has been designed as upper and lower wings forming a T shape. Clad in dark stained plywood and battens with a dark roof cladding, the house sits well in the existing landscape.
Judge’s comments: Brave in black – this dramatic exterior sits in beautiful contrast with the gentle, light and inviting surfaces of the interior.

Makatana Village Pub by Peter Were, of Peter Were Architecture/Interiors

Location: Matakana Valley Road, Matakana
Award: Commercial Interior
Description: The old pub was a mixture of ad-hoc services, odd rooms and taxidermy. New owners wisely chose to save some of the taxidermy, and replace and refresh everything else. The pub refurbishment features a completely rebuilt commercial kitchen and bathroom facilities, a dining room and a re-energized garden bar.
Judge’s comments: The designer has brought out a strong sense of what it is to be a pub both in this community and as a destination, through a bold and unusual combination of materials.