The Canterbury/Westland Awards were judged in 11 categories covering residential, commercial and interior projects, and included several new categories.

Judging the competition this year was Darryl Church from Darryl Church Architecture in Rotorua, Supreme Award Winner in the 2006 ADNZ/Resene National Design Awards; David Nixon, managing editor of Homestyle Magazine; and Simon Wilson, landscaping architect and lighting designer from Thorn Lighting. Judges for the special awards categories were Henrietta Hiatt from Resene, Graeme Willocks from Gerard Roofs and Nick Gifford from James Hardie.

The judges examined a diverse range of entries and were impressed with the high standard of projects entered into the competition.

One winner and three finalists were placed in the New Residential Single Dwelling over 250sqm category. Sue Jackson from Jackson & Jackson took top honours for the Croftwood House, the first of the project’s four awards of the night.

The judges commented that it was a well-planned home with a well-executed design. The appropriateness of the materials and forms in relation to the immediate environment was also a highlight of the property.

Ray Hawthorne of 3 Architecture was a finalist in this category for the Mettrick House.

“This is a technically competent text-book execution of a classical design,” the judges commented. “The designer has skilfully adapted modern-day technology without compromise.”

Commended twice in this category was Darren O’Neil of O’Neil Architecture, firstly for the Smith House.

“Strong horizontal lines reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright are successfully executed on a prominent hillside corner site,” said the judges, describing the home as “classic architecture with a contemporary edge”.

Darren’s generously proportioned and balanced design of the Waiwetu Street residence was also commended.

In the New Residential Single Dwelling under 250sqm category, Paul Stanley-Joblin of Stanley-Joblin & Allfrey was voted the winner.

“Detailing, materials and form create a balanced aesthetic,” the judges said in praise of the project. “It is a well-considered small project with excellent site positioning for advantageous views, and with layouts that are uncomplicated and logical.”

Designers from 3 Architecture featured twice in the Residential Alterations and Additions Category – in the winner and runner-up positions. Taking the top prize was Dean Buckeridge for the Beer House, which was described as being subtly manipulated to produce a dramatic change. The judges said the decision to renovate was rewarded by the designer’s vision.

Terry Duff, also from 3 Architecture, was a finalist in this category for the Egnelius Home, which the judges described as “an inspired design”.

“A tired house was transformed into a modern home on a tight budget; great vision by the designer,” they said.

Also commended in the Residential Alterations and Additions category was Cymon Allfrey of Stanley-Joblin & Allfrey for the French House. Its sympathetic alterations enhanced the original house and of particular interest to the judges was the creation of new spaces, such as the entranceway.

Cymon Allfrey took the stage again in the following category, winning the Residential Interiors Award for the design of the master bathroom in the Shaw House.

“A sleek, minimal aesthetic that retains high functionality; masterfully executed,” praised the judges.

The Croftwood House won its designer, Sue Jackson of Jackson & Jackson, another award – this time as the runner-up in the Residential Interiors Category.

“The interiors maintain continuity from the exterior with simple and balanced planning creating comfortable interior spaces,” the judges said.

Designer Steve Ainsley was also commended as a finalist in this category. The judges deemed his kitchen design a competent interpretation of a traditional design incorporating modern materials and technology.

In the Commercial Design category, an office design took top marks for the Commercial Interiors Award. The Stanley-Joblin & Allfrey Offices were designed in-house by Cymon Allfrey and were rewarded for their simple space planning and logical flow.

“The restrained use of materials and colour creates a dynamic without being distracting,” commented the judges.

Another office project took the runner-up position – G & A Nelson Ltd Offices designed by Dean Buckeridge and Ray Hawthorne of 3 Architecture, which features a complementary mesh between new and old.

“Original elements of the historic building are successfully incorporated into the new design,” the judges said, also making reference to the art, which was used successfully to create atmosphere in large spaces.

Alan Cowie and John Ayers from Alan Cowie Design were also commended as finalists for the Liquidity Bar & Restaurant.

“A cavern of space is reduced by a rich tapestry of materials, lighting and colours that break the space down and assault your senses,” praised the judges.

The First Time Entrant Award is presented for outstanding design by a newcomer to the design programme. This year, in the Christchurch and Westland Regional Design Awards, the judges chose Ray Hawthorne of 3 Architecture as the winner for the Mettrick House, earning the project its second award of the night.

“This is a technically competent text-book execution of a classical design,” the judges said upon announcing it the winner. “The designer has skilfully adapted modern-day technology without compromise.”

A category that featured for the first time this year in the ADNZ/Resene Design Regional Awards was the Gerard Roofs Design Award. It recognises the aesthetic appeal and function a roof plays in design. Taking home the prize was Darren O’Neil of O’Neil Architecture for the Smith House, which was earlier placed in the New Residential over 250sqm.

“The use of wide Euro Tray material is appropriate to the low slung roof forms. The layering of roof lines creates distinctive horizontal emphasis, which is integral to the style of architecture,” the judges said.

The other new category is the James Hardie Distinctive Design Award. It rewards the use of James Hardie products in an innovative residential or commercial application. In the Christchurch and Westland regional awards, Sue Jackson of Jackson & Jackson took the honours with the Croftwood House. The judges awarded it the top prize, saying “its choice and application of materials were appropriate for the forms and context of the home”.

The same home won its designer her fourth award of the night, the prestigious Resene Colour Award. The home was described by judges as being a true family home.

“The interesting use of exterior materials and colour are well balanced and sympathetic with the landscaping,” they said. “And the transition from the outside to the interior through a spacious entry with the same colour makes for an uncomplicated arrival.”

In the Special Projects category, Cymon Allfrey of Stanley-Joblin & Allfrey was rewarded for his work on the Idris Road Pool Shed. The judges commented that it had a quirky and intriguing design, with cohesive use of copper, stone and timber.

Bob Burnett of Bob Burnett Architecture won the 3D Visuals Award for his project at Wairarapa Tce. The judges remarked that the “highly detailed renderings conveyed a genuine sense of photo-realism.”