David Maurice's award-winning back-country house near Puhoi.
An Auckland architectural designer who worked on the renovation of a traditional Ponsonby villa in a row of old homes has picked up a top design award for his work.
Allan McIntosh of Buildology won a colour design prize in the Resene Architectural Design Awards for the Auckland and Northland region and he was commended in the residential interiors category.
He worked on the O'Neill St property with its owners.
See also: Villa restored to suit modern lifestyles
Judges said the villa was built around the 1900s and needed work.
"The existing layout was tight and maze-like, with all the north facing sun wasted on non-living area rooms. A late addition lean-to was opened up and an open plan living space designed in line with Auckland Council's special character zoning overlay.
"[This is] a villa worthy of heritage retention. Restoration has attempted to respect some of the original character, via architrave retention and showcasing original floorboards. Further improvements have been made by evening out of ceiling heights, allowing more light into the living areas and re-use of existing bricks as a feature wall.
"The neutral palette flows effortlessly throughout to create a fresh and inviting space. It is clearly evident that precise consideration has been taken to piece together all of the stunning elements. The consistent smoky tones contrast with each other to create a beautiful and harmonious home," the citation said.
Other projects to take awards included a secluded bach and the overhaul of a mock Tudor residence. Properties which won are at Puhoi, Mairangi Bay, Epsom, Hillsborough, Waimauku and on Waiheke Island.
Full list of winners here:
This article has been amended since it was first published. It originally referred to Allan McIntosh being an architect, not an architectural designer.
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