IN PICTURES: Auckland’s best architecture named

At a ceremony last night the winners of the New Zealand Institute of Architecture’s Auckland Architecture Awards 09/10 were announced, with kudos going to the best of sustainable buildings, the most impressive commercial projects and best refurbishment of a heritage building.

Rich lister Michael Friedlander’s Samson Corporation building Ironbank on Karangahape Rd was recognised for design work by RTA Studio.

Judging panel convenor architect Mario Madayag said it was of an international standard, and was particularly keen on its “completely 007 car park” which works on an automatic stacking system.

“Ironbank is great on every level,” said Mr Madayag. “This is what New Zealand is capable of and this is what we should be doing.”

Jasmax-designed NZI Centre swept up awards, being reconised in sustainable, commercial and interior architecture categories as a “mature, multi-faceted response to a corporate commitment to sustainability”.

The heritage category was won by Hotel DeBrett, work which was done by Mitchinson Simiona Limited and Gascoigne Associates.

Peddle Thorp Architects work on the Stamford Residences won an award for multiple housing, as did Gerrad Hall’s two unit Herne Bay Hall Houses.

Yellow’s Treehouse in the Pohuehue redwood forest received the award for small projects, due to its unique enchanting organic nature.

Late architect and Waitemate City Councillor Bill Haresnape’ s Titirangi property won an award for enduring award. “Described by the jury as “this jewel lost in the Titirangi bush”, the house, built between 1955 and 1958, was inspired by Californian designers of the era – a style rarely seen in contemporary domestic architecture in New Zealand,” the New Zealand Institute of Architects said.

The Matakana Village Complex by Noel Lane Architects was awarded for its urban design qualities as “a timeless urban design scheme that delivers through sensitive built form and a landscaping strategy with a strong sense of place and identity”.

The Nelson Architecture Awards ceremony takes place tonight.