Two Waikato designers have been awarded top honours at the 2022 Waikato Regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards. Held recently in Hamilton, the awards celebrate the greatest architectural designs New Zealand has to offer. Awarding outstanding projects from across New Zealand in commercial and residential categories.
Designers Daniel Cullen of Cullen Keiser Architecture and Lee Turner of Turner Road Architecture both have award-winning projects located in Cambridge.
Daniel Cullen won the Regional Residential New Home over 300m2 Award for his work on ‘Amongst the Gully’. Located on a steep, bush site in rural Cambridge, the contemporary home was carefully designed to suit the steep contour of the land and placed to leave the native fauna undisturbed. Positioned for maximum solar gain, and to showcase the incredible views of the surrounding bush and farmland, the master bedroom and living areas cantilever over the gully into the tranquil bush. Entering the home, you are greeted by a harmony of plywood and masonry block. This connects you to the natural surrounds through the raw sustainable materials. Extensive glazing allows sun light, warmth and highlights the views.
‘Amongst the Gully’ by Cullen Keiser Architecture
ADNZ judges said the home has been successfully designed to suit the steep contour of the land and carefully placed.
“The house has been well positioned for maximum solar gain but also to tap into the incredible views of the surrounding native New Zealand bush and Waikato farmlands. The master bedroom and living areas have been cleverly cantilevered out over the gully, almost like you are floating amongst the gully vegetation,” the panel noted.
Lee Turner also won the Regional Residential New Home over 300m2 Award and the Regional Resene Colour in Design Award for his work on ‘Stepped Ridge House’.
A contemporary low-lying home, it steps down the natural contour of the ridge in the foothills of Maungakawa, providing expansive, panoramic views of the plains below. A low profile, multi-pod home, it has been built into the sloping ridge meaning minimal disruption to the skyline. It has been constructed with raw textures and a colour palette drawn from nature.
‘Stepped Ridge House’ by Turner Road Architecture
Judges said the generous, dramatic, and yet grounded home comfortably steps down the natural contours of the terrain revealing a series of spaces to inhabit and vantage points to indulge in.
“Raw materials and textures have been meticulously selected and detailed to flatter and not compete with the surrounding landscape. The house drinks up the views but respectfully sinks into the view for others. The low-profile roof emphasises the stepped design and relationship of spaces to the landscape. An elegant play on a sense of refuge and outlook,” the judging panel noted
Architectural Designers New Zealand CEO Keryn Davis says the way both designers embraced the native surrounds were a big part of the wow factor.
“These beautiful homes celebrate escapism and a raw, natural aesthetic that allows you to relax and be transported. It is fantastic to see our members taking cues from the whenua and making the most of our incredible landscapes. Well done to Lee and Daniel.”
Architectural Designers New Zealand is a leading professional body for architectural designers and architects in New Zealand. Entries are received from members throughout the country. The winners are announced through a series of regional award events in July through to August. The National Awards will be held on Friday 28 October at Te Pae in Christchurch.
