Controversial copper house scores again
There is something about THAT house in Cass Bay – the sculptural copper one that turned heads and caused plenty of controversy in the last series of Grand Designs NZ.
It is still turning heads; this time it is the awards jury from Te Ka¯ hui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Canterbury Awards that has been wowed by the design skill of architect Michael O’Sullivan, of Bull O’Sullivan Architecture. The project has received one of nine housing awards.
The Green Family Home, as it is known, curls into its site, reflecting the volcanic topography of Banks Peninsula, while its contoured roofline drops towards the water beyond. The awards jury said the intimate entranceway draws one into a voluminous, light-filled, openplan living space that is warmed by the colours of its timber lining. ‘‘The architect’s’ input extends to custom joinery and in-built furniture, evidencing the level of trust in their relationship with the clients.
‘‘This successful collaboration between the architect, client and builder has resulted in a unique family home that is simultaneously practical, fun and with space for contemplation.’’
Bull O’Sullivan Architecture also received a housing multi unit award and a Resene colour award for Gustorob – an extended multigenerational family home with grandparents at one end and toddlers at the other. Gus is one of the toddlers and Rob is the grandfather who built the home.
Another familiar copper-clad house has received an NZIA Canterbury Housing Award – Concrete Copper Home by South Architects has already won the 2021 Master Builders Supreme House of the Year and 2021 TIDA Architectdesigned Home of the Year.
The NZIA jury describes the house as a ‘‘masterclass of form, light and surprise’’. ‘‘The client wanted the home to be gezellig, a Dutch word that can describe a space as cosy and fun, or signifies a general togetherness that gives a warm feeling. This house is gezellig and much more, with its restrained palette of copper, timber and concrete, all meticulously detailed.’’
South Architects also received a housing award for Driftwood Home, a beachfront home on Sumner Esplanade. And Three Sixty Architecture is another firm to receive two housing awards.
In the housing, alterations and additions category, Beach Barn by C Nott Architects was one of two winners and also the recipient of a Resene colour award.
In the public architecture category, Ravenscar House by Patterson Associates shone as the new home for the collection of philanthropists Jim and Dr Susan Wakefield, whose Scarborough Hill home was destroyed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.
Instead of rebuilding in situ, they worked with local government and iwi and commissioned the House Museum in the city centre, honouring their intention to gift their home and art collection to the people of O¯ tautahi Christchurch.
Two surf life-saving clubs won public architecture awards – New Brighton Surf Lifesaving & Bathing Club by South by Southeast and Snøhetta in association, and South Brighton Surf Life Saving Club Rebuild by Sheppard & Rout Architects. The jury said: ‘‘It was great to see the passion and drive of the people involved has been rewarded.’’