Value Awards 2025

All projects will automatically be eligible for one of these awards based on their total project value.

  • Commercial Project Under $1 million
  • Commercial Project $1 – $3 million
  • Commercial Project $3 – $10 million
  • Commercial Project $10 – $25 million
  • Commercial Project Over $25 million
H T M L Code
Value under $1 million

Project: Temuka Courthouse Museum

Entrant

Timaru Construction

Project Partners

Temuka & Districts Historical Society (Client Representative), Timaru Construction Ltd (Construction Company)

Owned By

Timaru Construction Ltd

The restoration of the Temuka Courthouse Museum preserved its historic character while ensuring structural resilience for future generations. The project involved carefully removing, storing, and reinstating original interior features, including linings, skirtings, architraves, dados, ceiling panels, and joinery units. Collaboration was key, with 3D ArchiCAD modelling aiding design coordination and video conferencing facilitating remote engagement with the Wellington-based structural engineer. This project successfully balanced budget constraints with heritage integrity, demonstrating a practical and cost-effective approach to historic preservation and seismic strengthening.

Judges comments

The restoration and strengthening of the Temuka Courthouse Museum is a well-executed project that protects a much-loved heritage building. A small, dedicated team approached the project carefully and pragmatically, 6 enhancing the building’s resilience without compromising its historic charm. The true brilliance lies in how unseen the engineering is, as the team undertook a rigorous process of reinstating interior linings over a grid of steel bars inserted throughout the brick walls, and installing a plywood ceiling diaphragm. The engineering brilliance can also be seen externally through the brickwork, parapets, and chimneys, ensuring the building meets current code requirements. This thoughtful planning and craftsmanship from the team is deservedly recognised with the Commercial Project under $1 million Value Award.

 
H T M L Code
Value $1 - 3 million

Project: Fonterra South Bloc Fitout

Entrant

Livingstone Building

Project Partners

Beca (Civil Engineer/Electrical Engineer/Engineer/Seismic Engineer/Structural Engineer), Chow:Hill (Interior Designer/Architect), Chow:Hill Architects Ltd (Architect/Designer), Livingstone Building (Construction Company), Maltby's (Quantity Surveyor), The Building Intelligence Group (Client Representative/Project Manager)

Owned By

Livingstone Building

Livingstone Building completed an 1,800-square-metre fit out across two floors at Fonterra’s South Bloc site in Hamilton, creating a dynamic workplace for over 200 team members. Inspired by the Waikato rohe, the design reflects the region’s land and culture while fostering a cohesive and engaging work environment. Sustainability was a key focus, with the project achieving an 88.5% waste diversion rate by recycling over 18 tonnes of material. This was particularly impressive given the logistical challenges, with waste transported via wheelie bins down elevators or lifted off a loading platform with a hiab before being taken to a waste facility. The project was successfully delivered through strategic planning and collaboration, marking the first phase of Fonterra’s plan to unify its Hamilton offices.

Judges comments

This vibrant fit out for Fonterra showcases what’s possible when a tight-knit team works collaboratively under pressure. Completed in a live environment, with a hospital below and offices above, the project demanded clever planning and precision- particularly with structural works restricted to just 30 minutes a day due to noise constraints. The Livingstone Building team refurbished offices across two floors to create a dynamic workspace for 200 staff. Sustainability was central to the brief, and the team delivered an 88.5% waste diversion from landfills. Acoustic panels and benchtops were made using recycled materials, and other items were either repurposed or donated - a standout example of innovation, teamwork, and values-led delivery.

 
H T M L Code
Value $3 - 10 million

Project: Scapegrace Distillery

Entrant

Breen Construction

Project Partners

Breen Construction (Project Manager), Cheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), HFC Structures Ltd (Civil Engineer), Pacific Process (Engineer)

Owned By

Breen Construction

Scapegrace Distillery is a striking example of architectural innovation paired with a strong commitment to sustainability. At the heart of the project is Scapegrace’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, achieved by using a renewable electricity-powered electrode boiler in place of traditional fossil fuels. Breen Construction supported this vision with a comprehensive waste management plan to minimise landfill impact. One of the project’s greatest challenges was the installation of large copper tanks imported from Scotland, requiring extensive pre-construction coordination. The LVL portal frame posed another complex task, assembled in sections on the ground using a custom scaffold system to reduce time spent working at height. Breen’s early involvement enabled proactive problem-solving and efficient delivery. The result is a visually compelling, environmentally responsible distillery.

Judges comments

This distillery brings together high-tech processing and standout architecture. With a separate barrel storage, this space has been designed to allow for future expansion with a tasting room and retail space. The building strongly focuses on environmental sustainability with its considered use of laminated timber and energy-efficient design principles. It also incorporates large overhanging eaves to provide shade and louvres for natural ventilation. The exposed site, brutal weather, and tight budget created challenges, but the team adapted and worked in close cooperation. The judges were particularly impressed with Breen Construction’s use of early contractor involvement, which allowed the project team to shape a more buildable design. This project deserves recognition not only for its architectural features and sustainability but also the collaborative approach and quality work of the construction team.

 
H T M L Code
Value $10 - 25 million

Project: Ayrburn Arrowtown

Entrant

Cook Brothers Construction

Project Partners

Aquaheat (Architect/Designer), Cook Brothers Construction (Construction Company), ENGCO (Engineer), Qube Consultants Ltd (Quantity Surveyor), SA Studio (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Winton

Cook Brothers Construction meticulously restored three historic farm buildings at Aryburn Arrowtown, namely the Woolshed, Manure Room, and Dairy, and transformed them into a vibrant hospitality destination. The Woolshed now offers a distinctive dining experience with bars and outdoor spaces, the Manure Room has been repurposed as a wine-tasting venue, and the Dairy operates as a charming ice creamery. A newly added Barrel Room, designed to mimic an underground cellar, further enriches the visitor experience. Balancing heritage with modern craftsmanship, the project utilised original schist stone, river stones, and timber to preserve the site while also significantly reducing its carbon footprint. This thoughtful restoration seamlessly blends history, sustainability, and innovation, creating a unique historical destination.

Judges comments

This project showcases how adaptive reuse, backed by precision and care, can retain authenticity without compromising performance. The former dairy building, structurally unsound at the outset, was completely rebuilt using the original stone, timber, and roofing iron, carefully salvaged and reassembled to preserve its character. Two new buildings were added to the site, constructed using similar materials and techniques to honour the original architecture and local context. What sets this build apart is the rigour with which materials were catalogued, stored, and reintroduced to ensure continuity in form and function. This complex build demonstrates how value can be delivered through resourcefulness and deep respect for materials, place, and history.

 
H T M L Code
Value over $25 million

Project: The Living Pā

Entrant

LT McGuinness Wellington

Project Partners

335 (Engineer), Dunning Thornton (Structural Engineer), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), Tennant Brown (Architect/Designer), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager)

Owned By

Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington

The Living Pa is one of New Zealand’s most ambitious sustainable buildings, designed to meet the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge. As the centrepiece of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s marae redevelopment, it seamlessly integrates matauranga Maori with leading-edge sustainability, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon construction. The 3,000-square-metre mass timber facility supports the function of the wharenui, with Level 1 dedicated to events, Level 2 housing teaching spaces and the Ngai Tauira Maori Students’ Association, and Level 3 providing offices for the Maori and sustainability faculties. For LT McGuinness, the Living Pa was their first mass timber project and required a rapid learning curve. The building generates 105% of its energy needs, treats all black and grey water on site, and uses a vacuum toilet system to save over 300,000 litres of potable water annually. A strong focus on waste minimisation led to 94% of construction waste being diverted from landfill and the project contributed to LT McGuinness becoming a Toitu-certified net carbon-zero building contractor.

Judges comments

As one of New Zealand’s most complex buildings, The Living Pa has overcome formidable challenges to produce a high-quality, mixed-use development. The project pushed boundaries in mass timber construction, solar energy integration, and wastewater treatment and diversion. These complexities were successfully navigated with the constraints of a tight programme, a constrained budget, and a high level of public visibility through Victoria University of Wellington. The design and construction process greatly impacted the project team and the broader industry. Innovative and forward-thinking approaches from all involved produced a high-performance, sustainable, and culturally grounded design that have rightly earned it the Commercial Project over $25 million Value Award.