National Category Winner: Retail Project: Invercargill Central DevelopmentEntrantAmalgamated Builders Project PartnersAmalgamated Builders (Construction Company), Buchan (Architect/Designer), Cosgroves (Engineer), Holmes Consulting LP (Engineer), Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers (Engineer), WTP NZ South Island Ltd (Quantity Surveyor) Owned ByInvercargill City Holdings Limited ODonnell Family
This project was an ambitious urban redevelopment project and was the first entire-block redevelopment in New Zealand, marking a significant transformation of Invercargill’s CBD. The harmonious integration of heritage and modernity is a standout feature. The project salvaged and incorporated archaeological artefacts and heritage facades, including the Southland Times building, into its design. Around 29,000 bricks from the demolition were reused, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
This redevelopment will bring about positive economic impacts, including significant job creation, and reinvigorate the area as a vibrant community hub, blending modern amenities with rich heritage. Amalgamated Builders' collaborative approach and effective management underscores the project's exemplary execution and community focus. |
Project: Patagonia EntrantA J Saville Builder 2016 Limited Project PartnersA J Saville Builder 2016 Limited (Construction Company), WORKSHOP-HI (Architect/Designer) Owned ByPatagonia
The design and construction of the Patagonia store in Queenstown focused on authenticity and community engagement. It also used reclaimed materials and local craftsmanship to reflect the brand's values and commitment to environmental conservation. Features such as the fly bar, reclaimed woolshed flooring, and oak beams create a unique space for community gatherings, workshops, and fly fishing and waterway protection education.
The project faced significant challenges due to its prime location near a state highway and tourist-heavy area. Managing access and pedestrian movement while considering public safety necessitated rigorous planning. The store's design is timeless, with sustainability at its core, using reclaimed timbers and recycled materials to ensure minimal environmental impact. |
Project: Mercedes Takapuna EntrantSavory Construction Project PartnersSavory Construction (Construction Company), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned ByMercedes-Benz North Shore
The Mercedes-Benz North Shore dealership spans 9,924 square meters. Featuring a large ground floor area, ten-vehicle showroom, state-of-the-art service department and a mezzanine floor, housing New Zealand’s largest AMG Performance Centre.
Designed to keep up with digital advancements and changing customer behaviours, the innovative design also includes a glass vehicle elevator, enhancing the customer experience and operational efficiency. The project is an example of overcoming complex site challenges to achieve architectural and operational excellence. Constructed on a landfill, the site presented unique challenges, including uneven ground, toxicology issues, and geological complexities. |
Project: Queensgate Shopping Centre Zone DEntrantNaylor Love Wellington Project PartnersBuchan (Architect/Designer), Naylor Love Wellington (Construction Company), RCP (Project Manager), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), Silvester Clark (Engineer) The Naylor Love Wellington team took a thorough approach to building the Queensgate Shopping Centre Zone D. The project took place in a bustling urban setting, constructing a new multilevel carpark and cinema complex. The completed cinemas have revitalised Lower Hutt's retail and entertainment offering, significantly contributing to the community's socio-economic landscape.
The team were confronted with significant technical and logistical hurdles while constructing the building in a live environment. It was a highly technical build, requiring two tower cranes to manoeuvre supplies and the complexity was amplified by its location near a state highway, demanding precise coordination to manage public access and safety. |
Project: Lake Brunner Service Centre RedevelopmentEntrantTony Wilkins Builder Project PartnersDavid Smith Architects (Architect/Designer), Tony Wilkins Builder (Construction Company) The Lake Brunner Service Centre consists of various buildings catering to diverse local business needs, including a commercial building, workshops, laundromat, fuel outlet, storage rentals, and general store and café. This multifaceted complex serves as a cornerstone for the community, blending practical functionality with a distinctive architectural character.
One unique feature of the centre's redevelopment is the use of recycled materials, such as hardwood beams sourced from various South Island structures like the Kurow Bridge and Timaru Wharf. These beams were used to construct the external pergola structures. Additionally, the shop’s feature wall showcases recycled Rimu sarking salvaged from the original centre roof. |
Project: Willis Lane EntrantLT McGuinness Project PartnersBeca (Engineer), Dunning Thornton (Engineer), Izzard Design (Architect/Designer), RCP (Project Manager), Tennent Brown Architects (Architect/Designer) The Willis Lane project, nestled in the heart of Wellington’s CBD, showcases an extraordinary fusion of complex engineering and high-end design to create a unique underground entertainment hub. Willis Lane offers an eclectic mix of eateries, bars, and entertainment options, including bowling lanes, mini-golf, and a gaming arcade. The New York subway theme, through architectural elements like brick arches and blackened steel accents, speaks volumes of the project team's dedication to delivering a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.
Due to its urban location, Willis Lane overcame challenges like intricate structural requirements and tight logistics. LT McGuinness's adept project management ensured the transformation of this space into a vibrant destination. Willis Lane is a testament to the power of innovative construction techniques and collaborative project management. |
Project: ANZ Bank | GisborneEntrantCachet Group Project PartnersANZ Bank New Zealand Limited (Project Manager), Cachet Group (Architect/Designer/Construction Company) Owned ByANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
This ANZ Bank refurbishment in Gisborne is a prime example of culturally inclusionary architecture, achieved through the strong partnership between Cachet and ANZ Aotearoa. This collaboration meant there was clear and early alignment on ANZ’s vision to craft the first New Zealand-centric ANZ Bank.
Key features include bilingual signage, tukutuku patterns, bespoke timber celling panels that feature ‘Anufe’ zigzags and triangles, and a wharenui-like structure. Emphasising local craftsmanship and environmental considerations, the project stands as a testament to resilience and a deep-rooted connection to the East Coast's heritage and future.
Despite challenges from natural disasters, a remote location and a tight deadline, the project integrated bespoke design elements that reflect ANZ’s commitment to community and sustainability. The intricacies of a bank fitout, especially robust security considerations, added a layer of complexity to the process. |
Project: Black Barn BistroEntrantJay Jay Builders Project PartnersJay Jay Builders (Construction Company), True North Design & Build (Project Manager) Owned ByTrue North Design & Build
As the result of a fire in 2022, Black Barn Bistro has had a total rebuild, including a new bar, commercial kitchen, and cooking area. The reconstruction exemplifies resilience and innovation amidst supply shortages, using alternative materials and structural solutions. The team navigated these supply constraints to rebuild and enhance the iconic establishment.
The bistro now features New Zealand Elm wood throughout the bar, cellar door, offices, and amenities, creating a legacy of craftsmanship and local resourcefulness. This project underscores the dedication and skill of a team led by a builder, who is passionate about leaving a lasting mark on the community. |
Project: The Village, Ōmokoroa EntrantFoster Construction Group Project PartnersBCD Group (Engineer), First Principles Architects & Interiors (Architect/Designer), Foster Construction (Project Manager/Quantity Surveyor) ‘The Village’, Omokoroa is a community hub, where locals and visitors can access health and medical services, retail, and professional services alongside a selection of eating establishments and outdoor space. The inclusion of landscaped gardens, a playground, and bench spaces means this development is a model of how thoughtful design and collaborative effort can transform a space into a local asset.
Despite the complexities of managing such a multifaceted project, including differing subcontractors and the pressures of an ever-changing market environment, the Foster Construction Group adeptly steered the project to successful completion. |
Project: Woolworths, Greville RoadEntrantASC Architects Project PartnersASC Architects (Architect/Designer), Watts & Hughes Construction (Construction Company) Owned ByHugh Green Commercial Limited
The new Woolworths on Greville Road is nestled within a retail strip that has been carefully designed to cater not only to the community's daily needs but also introduce an innovative E-store dedicated to enhancing the online shopping experience. The project exemplifies how architecture can facilitate a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, using warm materials, extensive glazing, and thoughtful layout to create an environment that resonates with the community it serves.
A holistic approach to design ensured that the supermarket, alongside its mixed tenancy neighbours, integrated seamlessly into the new town centre, providing a welcoming atmosphere to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle traffic alike. Not just a place for grocery shopping, this project is a testament to the adaptability of retail spaces in the digital age, merging traditional shopping experiences with the convenience of online ordering. |
Project: Rolling RiceEntrantUnique Constructions Project PartnersAs United (Construction Company), Kylin Consultant (Quantity Surveyor), Soon Sun (Construction Company), True Colour Kitchen (Construction Company), Unique Constructions (Project Manager) Rolling Rice, a retail space nestled in Auckland's bustling Wynyard Quarter, had an ambitious one-week fit out, on and a stringent budget. The new interior does a great job of blending modern Kiwi style with striking white, timber, and bright red elements to create a vibrant and inviting space.
The fit out posed significant challenges, including a compact working area that demanded exceptional coordination among the team and contractors. Moreover, noise control was paramount due to the operational businesses in proximity and residential units above, requiring extensive planning to minimise disruption. |
Project: Fong KeeEntrantUnique Constructions Project PartnersAs United (Construction Company), Kylin Consultant (Quantity Surveyor), Soon Sun (Construction Company), True Colour Kitchen (Construction Company), Unique Constructions (Project Manager) Owned ByFong Kee
This remarkable transformation of the Fong Kee Dress Smart retail food shop in Auckland, was a swift and precise 72-hour fit out, marking the company's fastest completion in its 14-year history. Tasked with integrating hot and cool food displays, tiling, signage, kitchen appliances, and seating decoration in a constrained space, the team meticulously orchestrated the work of all contractors.
With no room for error due to the tight budget, the team’s expertise shone through, delivering an old Hong Kong style interior reminiscent of the 1920-1950s. Signature green tiles and classic Chinese lettering now adorn the shop, which stands out strikingly against the modern mall setting. |