RMBA sites

Master Builders AssociationBuilding a Better New Zealand House of the YearCelebrating building excellence Apprentice of the YearBuilding excellent futures Commercial Project AwardsCelebrating building excellence Constructive ForumIndustry innovation excellence Building TodayOfficial Magazine

View other categories

CARTERS Commercial Project Award Results

H T M L Code
National Category Winner: CARTERS Commercial Project: The Dunlop Hub Entrant Dunlop Builders Project Partners Batchelar McDougall Consulting (Engineer), Dunlop Builders (Construction Company), PAC Studio (Architect/Designer), Steven Lloyd Architecture (Architect/Designer), Sustainable Engineering Ltd (Engineer), VIA architecture (Architect/Designer) The Dunlop Hub serves not only as Dunlop Builders' new headquarters but also as a pioneering model for future commercial buildings, balancing modernity with environmental responsibility. The project's architectural complexity, such as integrating a box within a shed design and installing oversized, triple-glazed European windows, showcases the precision and expertise required to meet aesthetic and functional goals. The build achieved Passive House Plus certification — a first for a New Zealand office building. This certification underscores the project's commitment to energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental stewardship. The project’s success is a beacon of architectural excellence, sustainability, and collaborative construction, setting a new standard for the industry and the community it serves. Judges comments This project successfully combined high-quality architectural design and environmentally conscious decision-making with commercial viability, achieving impressive results. Adhering to the strict Passive House Plus standards for environmental performance required early and ongoing coordination. This commitment has earned the Hub the distinction of being the seventh commercial building globally, to achieve a Passive House Plus rating. Focusing on reducing construction and operational carbon emissions was central to the project, with careful selection of materials playing a crucial role. These choices helped lower carbon emissions in everything from the concrete foundations to the timber framework, internal finishes and even the office furniture.
Project: Buildings F & E, Union Square Entrant Foster Construction Group Project Partners Chow:Hill (Architect/Designer), Foster Construction (Construction Company/Project Manager/Quantity Surveyor), Gray Consulting (Engineer) Foster Construction Group's Union Square project in Waikato, is a showcase of resilience and adaptability in the face of COVID-19 challenges and material shortages. Prioritising sustainable design, these buildings optimise natural heating and cooling, targeting an energy-efficient benchmark while maintaining high-quality thermal comfort. The inclusion of a business centre, along with amenities like bike storage, a wellness centre, and green spaces, emphasises the commitment to fostering connections, engagement, and employee well-being. State-of-the-art meeting rooms and conference facilities, plus ground-floor business suites, and a café complete the offering.
Project: 44 Bowen Street Entrant LT McGuinness Project Partners Dunning Thornton (Engineer), LT McGuinness (Construction Company), Norman Disney & Young (Engineer), Tennent Brown Architects (Architect/Designer) 44 Bowen Street marks the successful completion of Bowen Campus, located behind Parliament. It connects the earlier built stages of the campus, Defence House and, Charles Ferguson Tower via a shared atrium and sheltered laneway. A stand-out feature is the impressive internal hanging garden ‘green wall’, creating a unique welcoming experience for tenants and visitors. The office fitout is equally impressive, with glazed facades that create a rippling reflective effect that evokes the Waipiro Stream, which historically flowed through the site. Through engagement with Te Ati Awa Taranaki Whanui, the ripple concept, ‘He Auripo’, inspired patterns, lighting, and sculpture throughout. The build was delivered to a high-quality standard within the required timeframe, with workforce well-being being a key focus. The management team introduced numerous initiatives to promote positive mental and physical health outcomes. The building was also designed to target a 5-star Green Star rating.
Project: Munroe Lane Entrant ICON NZ Project Partners BECA (Engineer), ICON NZ (Project Manager), Ignite Architects (Architect/Designer), RCP () Owned By ICON CO PTY NZ LTD Encompassing 26,500 square metres, Munroe Lane is a modern campus-style commercial office development. This complex project involved coordinating multiple structural elements and subcontractors, emphasising the necessity of innovative solutions to overcome the logistical challenges of the site's terrain. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Munroe Lane; it has a 5-star Green Star Design and As Built NZv1.0 Certified Design Review rating, reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency, occupant wellness, and environmental responsibility. The development features responsibly sourced materials and integrated wellness and sustainability measures, setting a new benchmark for modern workplace environments in New Zealand.
Project: HFHL Offices Entrant Colspec Construction Limited Project Partners Colspec Construction (Construction Company), Novak+Middleton (Architect/Designer), Silvester Clark (Engineer) Owned By Higgins Family Holdings Ltd The purpose of this project was to provide a head office and meeting spaces for the concrete company, Higgins. The architectural vision for the building centred on showcasing concrete, not just as a structural component but as a versatile and beautiful finishing material. This vision came to life through close collaboration with the project’s architects, the result; a stunning facade adorned with green mesh screens, emblematic of the client’s branding and commitment to sustainable construction practices. Achieving a Green Star Level 4 rating, the project exemplifies sustainable design with durable, low-maintenance materials that minimise waste and serves as a functional workspace, while also reflecting Higgin’s leadership in the concrete industry.
Project: Thinkers Office Entrant Thinkers Construction Group Project Partners Thinkers Construction Group Ltd (Architect/Designer/Construction Company) Owned By Thinkers Construction Group Ltd The Thinkers Office in Auckland stands out for its unique blend of industrial and contemporary design. The entrance partition and main wall are an eye-catching feature because of their curved designs. The cement finish provides a raw, textural backdrop, enriched by trendy wood lattice patterns that add a touch of warmth and sophistication. Furthermore, the integration of concealed doors feeds into the sleek and uncluttered aesthetic, emphasising a thoughtful design approach. This commitment to quality and comfort underscores the Thinkers Construction Group's dedication to excellence in all aspects of their projects.
Project: Lot 33, Threeparks, Wānaka Entrant CDL Building Project Partners CDL Building (Construction Company), Kirk Roberts Consulting (Architect/Designer) Owned By Willowridge Developments Ltd Lot 33 at the Threeparks Development, a new community and commercial precinct in Wanaka, is a remarkable example of innovative architecture. The construction process demanded precision in project management, with the team demonstrating exceptional coordination and efficiency. Construction began in tandem with civil works on adjacent roadways, requiring stringent collaboration and communication. For the CDL Building team, this project represented an opportunity to set a new benchmark for office spaces in Wanaka. The project used contemporary materials in keeping with the neighbouring buildings and surrounding alpine environment, while the strategic window placement offers stunning views of the Wanaka landscape.
Project: Amohia Ake Entrant Hawkins Project Partners BECA (Engineer), Hawkins (Construction Company), Taylor Coleman Ltd (Project Manager), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned By Tainui Group Holdings This project, a new regional office for ACC, has brought together 800 kaimahi (staff) from two separate offices to a single, central Hamilton location. An important aspect of this build was the consultation with Waikato-Tainui, to ensure the incorporation of the location’s history and culture. This can be seen through the glass exterior, pathways and, retaining walls, which are all distinctive to Waikato-Tainui iwi and tell the story of the whenua, its crops, and the importance of the nearby Waikato awa and its life-giving waters. The building features 800 square metres of office and retail space, with a strong focus on sustainability, including solar panels, bicycle parks and, a high NABERSNZ energy efficiency rating (system for rating the energy efficiency of office buildings). The name, meaning the well-being of the people is paramount, reflects its commitment to cultural and environmental responsibility.
Project: 88 Hobsonville Road Entrant Waide Commercial Construction Project Partners BSW Architects Limited (Architect/Designer), Waide Commercial Construction (Construction Company/Quantity Surveyor) Owned By Waide Commercial Construction 88 Hobsonville Road is a development that successfully blends showroom, office, amenity, and warehouse spaces. It is a remarkable mixture of functionality and design, serving as a model for industrial development. The successful procurement and manufacturing of the 424 precast panels highlights the project's commitment to quality execution, efficient scheduling, and problem-solving. Collaboration and early contractor involvement were key, allowing the project to align with market trends and demands. Despite scheduling challenges and the need for precise coordination of personnel and equipment, the team excelled in maintaining safety and efficiency throughout the construction period.
Project: Catholic Parish of Napier Entrant Atkinson Harwood Architecture Project Partners Atkin Construction HB (Construction Company), Atkinson Harwood Architecture (Architect/Designer) Owned By The Catholic Parish of Napier The Catholic Parish of Napier’s new administration and mission centre replaced the previous building that was demolished due to earthquake risk. The distinctive barrel vault roof and ventilated cavity reflect the existing buildings onsite and provides visual interest to the mission space. A collaborative approach between the architect, engineers, and main contractor ensured precision in execution. The team delivered a space that can be used for administration, community engagement, and education that symbolises both heritage and progress for the local community and parish members.
Project: Marlborough Vintners Entrant Scott Construction Marlborough Project Partners JTB Architects (Architect/Designer), Scott Construction Marlborough (Construction Company) Owned By Marlborough Vintners Marlborough Vintners is a multifunctional development that houses the office hub for Marlborough Vintners winery operations, a brewery and tasting space for DNA Brewing, a cellar door, a premium restaurant, and hospitality facility. The striking design has made the venue a new highlight for visitors to Marlborough becoming an instant landmark on the winemaking golden mile. The builds liquid iron paint provides a Corten appearance, against the dark backdrop of the cladding. The large expanses of glass feature heavily in the frontage of the building, flooding the spaces with natural light and expansive views whilst also allowing the structure to seamlessly integrate with its environment, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding terrain.