Base camp and ‘unfussy home’ impress judges

Visitor accommodation that sits on the doorstep of a Unesco World Heritage site was one of three southern projects recognised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects at its annual awards last night.

The Great Glenorchy Alpine Basecamp by RTA Studio and Bureaux Architecture received an award in the hospitality category, and the Sir Miles Warren Award for Commercial Architecture.

Given its location, the property had to deliver an appropriate response to context, the jury said.

"Fourteen simple, gable-roofed sleeping huts and adjacent communal spaces are built from mainly locally sourced materials and have a low embodied and operational energy footprint.

"Inspired clients, together with the architects, interior architects and builders, have created a true fit, not only to place, but offer the best pre-and post- experiences for visitors engaging with this powerful landscape."

Meanwhile, Ophir House by C Nott Architects was recognised in the housing category. The home was described as relaxed and unfussy by the jury, who appreciated the way it sat comfortably in the "high alpine desert" of Otago, emerging from the grasses to give its occupants a vantage over the landscape below.

A range of tough, durable and tactile materials were used, including rammed earth walls and a polished earth floor.

The winning entries, which were chosen from 61 shortlisted projects nationwide, also included the Southern Aurora Substation, designed by Allingham, Harrison & Partners in the early 1970s.