Thirty-one architectural projects across the Canterbury region have be deemed the very best in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Awards this year, spanning a range of projects from a novel church conversion to a major public civic centre.
In the Small Project Architecture category, the Wainui Church Conversion by Warren and Mahoney Architects and Objects in association won an award for an adaptive reuse project that showed the potential of a former house of worship in rural Banks Peninsula by employing rich material choices and clever details across a compact floorplan.
Meanwhile Te Whare Whakatere – Ashburton Library and Civic Centre by Athfield Architects won a Public Architecture Award for including a state-of-the-art library, Council offices, Emergency Operations Centre, public event spaces, and integrated amenities in a single building. The facility uses artesian heating and energy strategies to support its long-term resilience and create a building that judges found “unified meaning, purpose and place.”
“In judging projects this year, we observed a recurring pattern of strong collaboration between architects and clients, leading to exceptional projects that skilfully addressed challenges like topography, budget, and timeline,” says jury convenor and architect Jorgen Andersen from Arthouse Architects. “Thoughtfully crafted, innovative, and refined solutions across all scales demonstrated the essential role architects play in successful projects.”
At the largest end of the scale and over 11,000m2, the Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre by JWA Architects won a Commercial Architecture Award, which the judges cited for answering the clients’ requirements for a large, extremely efficient distribution centre servicing the entire South Island with a number of thoughtful architectural interventions at a human scale.
Further afield at Lake Pearson, Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy Group won two awards in the Hospitality and Interior Architecture categories for seamlessly blending design with the majestic landscapes of the Southern Alps to create an interior that judges found “evokes a sense of elegance while honouring the essence of farming heritage” in a hospitality venue that also reflects a commitment to guest experience and sustainability.
Craig House (1998) by Thom Craig and Tabak House (1984) by Sheppard & Rout received Enduring Architecture Awards this year.
Red pine villa by Fabric, Heathcote Valley House by Pac Studio, and 36 OGB by AW Architects also won Resene Colour Awards.
Andersen was joined on the jury by Ben Lloyd (Lloyd Hartley), Jessica Glen (Jessica Glen Architects), Nic Owen (Nic Owen Architects), and lay juror Sarah Rowlands.
The winners received their awards at an event at Christchurch Town Hall on 14 May.
Full list of 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards winners by category:
Commercial Architecture
• Sumner Post Office by AW Architects (Christchurch)
• Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre by JWA Architects (Christchurch)
• Lexus of Christchurch by Warren and Mahoney Architects (Christchurch)
Education
• Upper West Sports Centre by Architectus (Christchurch)
• Penny Lane by South by Southeast (Christchurch)
Heritage
• OMC Building – Old Municipal Chambers by Three Sixty Architecture (Christchurch)
• Chapel of the Upper Room – Renovations & Strengthening by Wilkie + Bruce Architects (Christchurch)
Hospitality
• Sumner Post Office by Nott Architects (Christchurch)
• Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy Group (Lake Pearson)
Housing
• Clements House by Athfield Architects (French Farm)
• Red pine villa by Fabric (Christchurch)
• Builders Blocks by Johnstone Callaghan Architects (Christchurch)
• Lighthouse by Johnstone Callaghan Architects (Akaroa)
• Low Slung by Johnstone Callaghan Architects (Christchurch)
• Bühler Residence by Makers of Architecture (Christchurch)
• Redcliffs House, Te Rae Kura by MAP (Christchurch)
• Kapua Farm House by MAP (Ashley)
• Heathcote Valley House by Pac Studio (Christchurch)
• Curvature by Stufkens + Chambers Architects (Christchurch)
• RHR House by Three Sixty Architecture (Christchurch)
• Merino Jacket by Three Sixty Architecture (Christchurch)
Housing – Alterations and Additions
• Garage & Guest Suite by Peter Kent Architect
Interior Architecture
• 36 OGB by AW Architects (Christchurch)
• Sugarloaf at Flockhill by Hierarchy Group (Lake Pearson)
• Anthem Partners by TSArchitects (Christchurch)
Public Architecture
• Te Whare Whakatere – Ashburton Library and Civic Centre by Athfield Architects (Ashburton)
• Hillmorton Hospital Specialist Mental Health Services by Klein (Christchurch)
Small Project Architecture
• Glandovey Studio by PRau (Christchurch)
• Wainui Church Conversion by Warren and Mahoney Architects and Objects in association (Wainui)
Enduring Architecture
• Tabak House (1984) by Sheppard & Rout (Governors Bay)
• Craig House (1998) by Thom Craig (Christchurch)
