Portacom duo, bach are winners
Not every architecture award-winner is a high-end, big-spend build. Sometimes, it is the simplicity of a humble bach that catches the eye of awards judges.
And so it is for the Te Ka¯ hui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Awards announced yesterday.
Housing Awards winners include the off-grid Mahanga Bach by Edwards White Architects. The bach was built to a low budget on a site where the family of four formerly camped. And it has been designed so friends and family can still use the yard for tenting, while the building acts as a meeting place to share meals.
The awards jury described it as ‘‘a marvellous, contemporary example of the traditional New Zealand bach, in which maximum enjoyment of place is derived from a modest budget’’.
‘‘The building is an adept architectural response to the need for more permanent provision of service and shelter than the tents previously used on the site. Black corrugated cladding, timber interiors and exposed trusses provide a humble quality to the living areas that are balanced evenly between interior and exterior.’’
Another bach that caught the jury’s eye is Portacom Lodge – a humble holiday home at Wainui Beach in Gisborne, made
from two prefabricated Portacom cabins.
Designed by Malcolm Walker Architects, the bach is described by the jury as a ‘‘refreshingly simple project that fashions a wonderful holiday setting from ruggedly prefabricated structures enriched with bespoke elements’’.
‘‘The robust cabins are contrasted by more delicate pergola and roof structures that define exterior spaces. A sheltered
northern court is warm and inviting, even when tested by vigorous coastal winds. It is a joy to experience how well this encampment responds to its site with both strength and subtlety.’’
The bach won a Small Project Architecture Award.
Two other Housing Awards went to two new country houses by Clarkson Architects – Glen-Barra and Black Barn
J&D House.
Glen-Barra is a large home expressed as a collection of single-storey wings and pavilions, carefully arranged together with a tennis court and swimming pool.
Black Barn is a semi-rural home on a compact site, comprising four linked boxes.
The jury said: ‘‘Subtle changes of angle create interior spaces that are connected to exterior spaces, while also capturing
generous amounts of sunshine and expansive views beyond. A restrained palette of simple materials has been carefully detailed to create understated and eloquent interiors.’’
The sole Public Architecture Award went to Gisborne Airport, by Tennent Brown Architects and Architects 44 in association. It is described as the ‘‘greenest airport terminal in New Zealand’’.