"The visual strength and positioning of the structure oozes confidence and control with all sightlines open for the surf-life saving club members."
At Craggy Range vineyard "meticulously crafted" luxury short-stay accommodation designed by Clarkson Architects provided visitors with framed glimpses of the Tukituki River winding down the valley.
"Bare floorboards, high ceilings and painted timber linings create an atmosphere of rustic sophistication, and generous openings provide easy connection to landscaped gardens and a rejuvenated private central courtyard," Mr Atkinson said.
The Robertson House in Te Awanga, by Atelierworkshop, was designed in response to the gently rolling vineyard landscape of Te Awanga, he said. Underneath the home's "large, sheltering canopy" the jury discovered a "carefully edited mix of cladding materials".
For the design of Shoal Beach House, Gavin Cooper Architects took inspiration from beachside camp grounds and unadorned farm sheds.
"The simple form of this modern beach house stands crisply against its dramatic coastal backdrop."
At Mangakuri, a Kairakau bach designed by Parsonson Architects and constructed of simple and "honest" materials enjoyed views down the length of the beach.
"This two-storey home sits proudly amongst the native trees planted 17 years ago in anticipation of its arrival," Mr Atkinson said.
The history and heritage of Napier was also celebrated. Honours went to Paris Magdalinos Architects reworking of the Central Post Office, a building that survived the 1931 earthquake but, decades later, earmarked for demolition.
"With the support of the client and a key tenant, the building was saved and given a new life, with greatly enhanced accessibility", Mr Atkinson said.
Architecture HDT's entry was a commercial award winner.
"Drawing on the woolshed building forms common in the Ahuriri precinct, these deceptively simple interventions to the building structure, utilising a considered material palette, have transformed what was a less than appealing building."
Mr Atkinson said the "perfect finale" for the three-day tour was a visit to the Martin House in Hastings, designed by the late John Scott in 1970 and winner of the Enduring Architecture Award.
The house and adjacent pottery shed, the home of potter Bruce Martin "reinforce the importance of the architect's role in a building project," Mr Atkinson said.
"This enduring building has not just withstood the tests of time - it has become a valuable example of how connections can be made between people and place."
Gisborne/Hawke's Bay Architecture Awards winners
Commercial Architecture Award
1 Wright Street by Architecture HDT Hawkes Bay (Napier)
Education Award
Kaiti School, Wharekauri - New Classrooms by Architects 44 (Gisborne)
Enduring Architecture Award
Martin House (1970) by John Scott Architect (Hastings)
Heritage Award
Central Post Office Redevelopment by Paris Magdalinos Architects (Napier)
Housing Award
Robertson House by Atelierworkshop (Te Awanga)
Shoal Beach House by Gavin Cooper Architect (Aramoana)
Mangakuri Bach by Parsonson Architects (Kairakau)
Hospitality and Retail Award
Craggy Range - The Lodge by Clarkson Architects (Havelock North)
Public Architecture Award
War Memorial Theatre by Shand Shelton (Gisborne)
Te Wharehou o Waikaremoana by Tennent+Brown Architects (Lake Waikaremoana)
Small Project Architecture Award
Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club by Paris Magdalinos Architects (Waimarama Beach)