The ADNZ/Resene National Design Award winners were announced at a presentation dinner at The Rutherford Hotel in Nelson on Friday 15 October 2010. For the first time in the 14 year history of the awards, the Supreme Award was presented for a commercial building. The award winning project was a distribution centre designed by Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects Ltd, Christchurch.

A series of six regional awards events were held throughout July. All regional category winners’ projects selected from branches throughout New Zealand were considered for the National Awards presentation at the ADNZ/Resene Design Awards Gala Dinner in Nelson. The Online Distribution Centre was awarded the title for best commercial / industrial project and the Supreme Award winning project which was selected from regional winners in seven categories.

Bryce Ardern, principal designer of Waiheke Island based practice Ardern Unique Design and Build, was awarded the Residential New Home up to 250sq Design Award sponsored by Gerard Roofs. Judges applauded the project for its ‘strong commitment to sustainable design and materials selection that sets a quality standard for this section of the market’. Adern was one of four finalists in his category.

Chris Sargeant of Chris Sargeant Design in Dunedin was awarded the Residential New Home over 250sq Design Award sponsored by James Hardie, for a substantial home created from a limited and unexpected palette of materials. A difficult site in the Dunedin suburb of Vauxhall presented a special challenge for the designer.

Will Tatton of Will Tatton Architecture in Mt Maunganui, was awarded the Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling Design Award sponsored by Elephant Plasterboard, for a beachfront Bond Street Apartment complex. Judges were impressed by the strong architectural lines of the three unit complex that took full advantage of the ocean views, minimised exposure to the elements and offered a superb aspect to the public domain with a stylish street frontage. The generous floor layout was enhanced by oversized, cavernous interior spaces and motorised five-metre high shutters that can be moved to create semi sheltered outdoor rooms.

Renowned Christchurch architectural designer Bruce Banbury of Banbury Architects shared the Residential Alterations and Additions Design Award with Mark McLeay of Auckland practice Creative Arch. Banbury was recognised for a renovation project that transformed a Freemasons' Lodge in Mt Somers, Canterbury, from a utilitarian hall structure into a superb gentlemen’s retreat. Extensive wood panelling and sumptuous interior fittings combine for an impressive luxury lodge that externally and internally is faithful to the heritage status of the original building.

An Auckland studio apartment, cleverly wedged in between existing commercial buildings, and elevated to maximise the limited space, earned Mark McLeay, managing director of Creative Arch Ltd, the shared Residential Alterations and Additions Design Award. A circular external staircase, irregularly shaped windows, an a-symmetric roof line and innovative use of materials prompted judges to comment that the building was 'an unexpected celebration of the residual space and a witty contribution to a gritty context.'

Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects Ltd was a multi award winner. His entry for the Commercial Industrial Design Award – a four level distribution centre on an unusual shaped industrial site bordered by busy arterial roads – took out the competition for the national award and went on to win the Supreme Award. Given the difficulties of the industrial and environmental field, judges considered that the 'great depth of design and convincing architectural presence sets the standard for the area'.

Darryl Church, managing director of Rotorua design company Darryl Church Architecture Ltd won the Commercial Interior Design Award for a Youth Health Centre in Rotorua. Darryl has been a member of ADNZ for the past 10 years and during that time has won numerous regional titles and now two national titles. Judges commented that the Youth Health Clinic design was 'simple and economical but provided a very effective end result'. Colours and materials used on the walls and floor surfaces ensured an uplifting interior well suited to the predominantly youth aged clientele.

An addition to the Loburn School Library ‘designed to enhance the learning and teaching experience' secured the Resene Colour in Design Award for Craig South of Cymon Allfrey Architects Ltd. Judges commented that the addition ‘built on the language of the existing buildings, culminating in a positive and vibrant space’. The electric blue and grey interior contrasts sharply with white and orange feature walls and counters to provide a multi functional and exciting interior space. Bulkheads, tiered platform seats, geometric forms and varied colours create zones within the library, accommodating a variety of user groups.

Architectural Designers New Zealand Inc (ADNZ) was formed in 1966 to represent, promote and develop the skills and services of its members, who are all specialists in design and construction. The annual ADNZ/Resene awards event is open to ADNZ members and provides an opportunity for architectural designers throughout the country to showcase their work and compare and celebrate their creative excellence with their peers and colleagues.

Judges this year included renowned Wellington architect Ian Athfield and his colleagues Peter Bosley from Auckland and Ross Maguire from Christchurch. In assessing the merits of projects entered, judges consider all aspects of planning, materials and form and the context of the project within the environment.

ADNZ/Resene 2010 National Design Awards full results