Three projects from Otago were recognised with 2025 New Zealand Architecture Awards in Christchurch last night.
The George St retail quarter by Jasmax was a winner in the planning and urban design category while two properties in the Queenstown Lakes District — Kaka Pod by Rafe Maclean Architects and Openfield House by Keshaw McArthur in association with Matheson Whiteley — were winners in the housing category.
The jury, led by Craig Moller of Moller Architects, described the George St project as a successful reinvigoration of Dunedin’s urban environment. Creating a shared space spread over four blocks of George St, it successfully blended pedestrian and vehicular movements to enhance the user experience for both as well as supporting the retail environment of the central city.
Kaka Pod was the second stage of a two-part holiday home in Wanaka. The triangular, 60sqm home sits in an established native garden, with curved corners softening its presence on the site and its relationship with an earlier dwelling. Openings are carefully placed to frame views and skylights bring in an abundance of natural light while maintaining privacy.
Meanwhile, Openfield House at Arrow Junction was described as an "assured composition of stacked platonic forms" that held its ground against the "vast scale of the landscape and the volatility of the environment".
"Inside, geometric rigour is expressed through a nine-square grid," the jury said.
"Sliding screens play against robust concrete elements to animate the interior while the main suite, carved into the roof void, is crowned by an oculus that gathers light and telescopes the view."
The projects were chosen from a shortlist of 61 that had won regional awards earlier this year, the New Zealand Institute of Architects said in a statement.
