Seaside buildings generate a splash

By ANNE GIBSON


Seaside properties in the Auckland area dominated national architecture awards on the weekend.

Institute of Architecture national jury convener Julie Stout of Mitchell and Stout Architects said the winning entries showed confidence in design and attention to detail.

Architectus Auckland's Stanley Pt Rd house won for taking advantage of a narrow and sloping section.

The house, flanked by two open areas, is clad in cedar slats over waterproof ply and has white bagged block work.

The structure steps down its site and the judges remarked on its "powerful presence" and links to the outdoors.

Craig Craig Moller's Viaduct Pt apartments were found to be a powerful presence in the downtown waterfront area and the judges praised the use of bold materials, an open entry atrium and carefully planned interiors.

They said that the landscaped courtyard provided a controlled outlook and oasis from the high-activity streets behind.

Julie Stout praised the block for "not trying to bring the suburban into town" and said the lightness of design flair and building's openness were outstanding features.

The judges said Crosson Clarke Architects' weathered timber bach on a ridge in the Coromandel had created "a seemingly aloof, isolated and mute container" but with walls that folded out like drawbridges to create an open-armed welcome.

"This magical box is then transformed into an extroverted and witty interpretation of the kiwi bach, with its warm golden timber interior, straddling and framing the views to sea and land," they said.

The institute gave an enduring architecture award to a Rutland Rd property in Devonport, designed by Bruce Rotherham when he was 25 and built in 1951. The architect was a member of the influential Group architects who began working together in the 1940s.