Hilltop home and renovation the stars of Nelson awards
If you ever wanted to know how to maximise a great view without providing too much architectural distraction, then the main award winner in the Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) awards for the Nelson-Marlborough region is a perfect example.
Atawhai House, designed by Tony Karsten of Karsten Architectural Design, has won the Resene Colour in Design Award and received a commended men- tion in the residential new home between 150m2 and 300m2 category of the Nelson/ Marlborough ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards.
The four-bedroom family home sits high above the Nelson Haven, on a steep site that takes full advantage of the impressive views to the north, south and west, without standing out.
The long, low form of the house and its ash-coloured cedar cladding, which blends well with the surrounding vegetation, help to ensure it looks settled in the landscape.
The award judges praised the use of the ash-stained cedar, and the way the floors flow out into the landscape to create a connection with the ocean. They also appreciated the siting and detailing of the house. ‘‘Dug into a low bank, it has extensive views overlooking the Nelson Harbour, with all-day sun.’’
The only other winner in the awards announced last night was a commended in the residential alterations and additions category for Nelson project Turama Orangery and House Alterations, by David Todd of David Todd Ltd.
Todd’s design brief for the 1920s Californian bungalow was to ‘‘contemporise the home without betraying its heritage’’.
A large double garage, a tiled deck, and an orangery as a stand-alone building were stipulated additions that provided indoor-outdoor living, allowing the owners to enjoy the view of Haulashore Island, the harbour and western ranges.
The modernisation of the interior included opening up the existing lounge to the views, and improving the kitchen.
The judges said the ‘‘large-scale renovation has been well executed, with inkeeping detailing throughout the property and across all buildings’’.
ADNZ CEO Astrid Andersen said the thoughtfulness behind the winning designs was ‘‘true testament to a generation of architects who are restless in their determination to challenge the status quo and shape the future of architecture with designs characterised by sustainability, innovation and more inspired living’’.
Regional awards are being held across the country through to mid-August in the leadup to the national awards, which will be announced on October 26.