A "tree house" tucked away at the foot of a mountain is one of the many hidden gems across Otago thrust into the spotlight at an architectural awards ceremony last night.
Awards were handed out at the 2024 Regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards in Cromwell with one Queenstown-based architect sweeping up accolades in the competition.
CF Architecture owner Carolin Friese snapped up five awards for two properties.
Her projects, "The Cove" and the "Tall Tree House" were both winners on the night.
The latter received an overwhelming four awards, which included the regional award for a new home up to 150sq m, regional award for home interiors, a highly commended award for resene colour in design and the regional ADNZ resene kaitiakitanga award.
The Tall Tree House is located in a mature beech forest near Mt Creighton.
Its interior was inspired by moody alpine cabins and aspires to be a place for rest and recovery.
Originally from Germany, Ms Friese moved to Queenstown 12 years ago and found being surrounded by the stunning environment of the Wakatipu Basin inspired her to create light-footed designs that complement the natural landscape that surrounds her designs.
ADNZ judges were taken with the design, saying the rural retreat embodied a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication.
"Its well-resolved, simple form seamlessly integrates timber and metal claddings, creating a timeless aesthetic that respects its natural surroundings.
"Inside, the voluminous interior captivates with its moody colours and finishes, while strategically positioned windows frame picturesque views, inviting the beauty of the outdoors inside."
ADNZ chief executive officer Keryn Davis said with so many incredible winners it was a fantastic night celebrating the best of the best.
"The Otago region captivated our judges — these designers are applying passive design housing ideas and creating homes that are so beautiful, and so inviting, while also being incredibly functional and efficient.
"This is the future of design."
The National ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards will be held in Rotorua on November 1.
All regional award winners are automatically eligible to win a national award.
The winners
• Carolin Friese, of CF Architecture, Tall Tree House and The Cove from Mt Creighton, award for new home up to 150sq m, two awards for home interiors, regional ADNZ Resene Kaitiakitanga, and highly commended for Resene colour in design.
• Charlotte Muschamp, of Alki Design, The Rātā from Glenorchy, award for new home up to 150sq m and Regional ADNZ Resene Kaitiakitanga award.
• Michael John, of AO Architecture, Akitu House Two from Wānaka, award for new home between 150sq m and 300sq m.
• Mitchell Coll, of Fabric, Rocky Ridge in Te Anau, award for new home between 150sq m and 300sq m and highly commended for home interiors.
• Warwick McLaren, of McLaren Architecture Design Ltd, The Oak Grove Residence in Wānaka, highly commended for new home between 150sq m and 300sq m.
• Keiron O’Connell, of KO Architecture, Swiss Chalet in Wānaka, highly commended for new home over 300sq m.
• Reece Warnock, of Warnock Architecture Ltd, North Taieri Residence in North Taieri, Dunedin, commended for home interiors and award for new home over 300sq m.
• Maria Callau, of Sur Architecture, Graham Residence in St Clair, Dunedin, highly commended for residential alterations and additions.
• Chris Wheeler, of Hierarchy Group, Roxburgh Pool in Roxburgh, award for commercial architecture.
•Tai Tua’i, of Stevenson Tua'i Architectural Consultants, Oritain Global in Dunedin, commended for commercial interiors and fitouts.
• Ant Jackson, of Immersion Architecture, Chapman Store in Dunedin, commended for commercial interiors and fitouts.
