The Green Family Home, designed by Michael O’Sullivan / Bull O’Sullivan Architecture, was part of the 2021 Open Christchurch festival. Photo: Sarah Rowlands 

The annual festival which takes people inside some of Christchurch's most interesting and historic buildings is calling for new structures to explore at next year's event.

Open Christchurch offers attendees the chance to explore and experience the city's architectural marvels first-hand, with special access to buildings not normally open to the public.

This year's festival was a huge success with multiple tours selling out, including, Sugarloaf Transmission Building, Nuli's Place and the Cartwright family home.

The festival, run by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and Citymaking, is now seeking nominations for buildings and spaces to feature in next year's event from April 30 to May 2.

Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday said anyone can put forward a nomination, including architecture lovers, building owners and tenants, design professionals, inquisitive neighbours and curious members of the public.

Halliday says this is an opportunity for people to help shape the Open Christchurch festival.

"We welcome nominations from anybody with a passion for architecture and the city.

"The nomination process is simple, it just requires permission from the building owner or occupier. Being nominated is not a commitment to participate in Open Christchurch 2027."

Te Pūtahi’s building council, which makes the final selection of buildings for the programme, will consider factors, such as but not limited to design excellence, rarity, contribution to the city’s history and sense of place, significance to Māori architecture and history, innovation, sustainability and heritage significance.