The winners of the 2007 ADNZ/Resene Nelson and Marlborough Regional Design Awards were announced at a function at the Kingsgate Hotel in Nelson on Wednesday 29 August.

Architectural Designers New Zealand Inc (ADNZ) was formed in 1966 to promote and develop the professional skills and services offered by its members, who are all specialists in building design and construction. Its annual award programme, the ADNZ/Resene Design Awards aims to celebrate architectural design excellence, boost design standards and acknowledge the creative influence of ADNZ members.

The Nelson and Marlborough Awards were judged in three residential categories by 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, landscape architect and lighting designer from Thorn Lighting. The judging panel was joined by Henrietta Hiatt from Resene, Graeme Willocks from Gerard Roofs and Nick Gifford from James Hardie.

The winner in the New Residential Single Dwelling over 250sqm category was Melanie Trolove from Trolove & Associates for the Marshall House, which the judges described as an appealing contemporary home.

‘Strong contrasts of colours and materials combine with the interior and exterior detailing, such as the lighting and courtyard water feature, to create an interesting contemporary house,’ they said.

The same project was awarded the top prize in the Residential Interiors category.

This time, the judges praised the interior spaces, ‘which reflect the lines and aesthetic of the exterior, creating a streamlined effect’.

In the Special Projects category, Dave McLeod of Architecture DM was recognised for his conceptual work of the Kermeen House.

‘A graphic and striking presentation of a bold design,’ the judges said, commenting that they were intrigued by the curved frontage and level of detail in the round windows.