BOON a ‘leading light’ in regional architecture
A Taranaki architecture firm has been highlighted as an industry leader after scooping a raft of awards.
BOON (formerly Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects) received the recognition at the Western Architecture Awards, which were announced at an event at Heritage House, Whanganui, on Friday night.
The firm received five awards for the North Taranaki Sport and Recreation Centre, Waitara, in the commercial architecture category, the New Plymouth Telephone Exchange in the enduring architecture section, Leuthart House and L + D House in the housing category and the Taranaki Base Hospital’s Intensive Psychiatric Care (IPC) unit in the small project section.
Whanganui architect Sophie Ross, the convener of the award’s jury, said the judges were impressed not just by the diversity of architecture encountered, but also by the quality and inventiveness.
‘‘A special mention must go to the New Plymouth practice BOON, which won five awards this year, and as such can be considered a leading light in the practice of architecture in the region,’’ Ross said.
The jury acknowledged the architects maximised a tight budget, worked with community members, local contractors and suppliers to produce a valuable community asset in designing the recreation centre.
‘‘By successfully incorporating a range of different uses and employing innovative and sustainable materials in the design, the architects have provided a facility that celebrates, engages with and is meaningful to the local community.’’
Leuthart House won praise for the sophistication of its siting.
‘‘The variety of outdoor living spaces, and the manner in which the external envelope has been manipulated to accentuate views, constitute an outstanding celebration of the location.’’
The IPC unit was described as a small but challenging project by the jury.
‘‘The architects have achieved a practical and positive result for the staff and users.
‘‘Cleverly planned for connectivity, and with a generous amount of shared space, the design has created a space that feels safe and secure, while also comfortable and calm.’’
Taranaki firms Jackson Architects received an award for its work on the Te Henui Chapel while Gibbons Architects won for its design of Hamblyn House.
The awards are part of the peer-reviewed New Zealand Architecture Awards programme run by the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the programme sets the benchmark for the country’s buildings and recognises the contribution of architects to their towns and communities.
All winning projects are eligible for consideration in the 2018 New Zealand Architecture Awards, which will be announced in November.