24 May 2008

Waitakere wins two more architecture awards

Waitakere Central – the city’s new sustainable civic centre and the new Colin McCahon artists’ residence in Titirangi - have both won the national award in their category at the 2008 New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) awards, in Auckland.

Renowned for its architectural design and sustainability features, including an award-winning green roof, Waitakere Central has now received 16 awards for excellence since its completion in 2006. It was designed by Architectus Auckland in association with Athfield Architects Ltd.

The NZIA says the project’s careful integration of administrative and civic wings, with a busy public transport interchange, makes for “a humming building which actively brings the council together with its local community”.

Mayor Bob Harvey says Waitakere Central shows that sustainable design makes good sense. “ It is the only way to go and I am proud that Waitakere City has been acknowledged in this way, for its architectural vision.”.

The two-bedroom house and studio that comprises the Colin McCahon artists’ residence,was designed by Pete Bossley Architects. It stands next to the historic McCahon House in Otitori Bay Road.

Judges praised the architects for their work on what was regarded as a very difficult building site.

“Faced with a site covered in untouchable kauri forest and the need to accommodate an existing building of almost legendary status, the architect does well to dodge both here. The result is a light and playful structure weaving through the tree trunks and floating above the original McCahon House like a thought made real,” they said.

The McCahon artists’ residency aims to give outstanding artists the opportunity to develop their work through a supportive programme, while living in the environment that impacted so profoundly on the work of Colin McCahon.

Waitakere City Council purchased the historic cottage and the adjoining land for the building of the artists’ residency in 1999.

For more information on McCahon House and the artists’ residency, visit www.mccahonhouse.org.nz

ENDS

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